By “Doc” Doug Stauffer
On October 24, surrounded by family, friends, colleagues and community leaders, State Representative Patt Maney received the prestigious Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA), joining an elite group of fewer than 2,500 recipients, including Neil Armstrong and Gerald Ford. The ceremony, held at the Hilton Garden Inn and emceed by Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber President Ted Corcoran, celebrated a lifetime of service and commitment. Every tribute spoke to the extraordinary achievements and unwavering dedication that have marked Maney’s career, reaching far beyond Okaloosa County to make a global impact. Even Maney’s home state of Kentucky recognized his achievements when the University of Kentucky bestowed upon him an Honorary Doctor of Laws.
He is only the second Eagle Scout recipient from the Gulf Coast Council, encompassing Northwest Florida and South Alabama. William James, a local Eagle Scout from Holt who worked alongside Maney, spearheaded the nomination. James, a retired Sergeant First Class with the National Guard, took the initiative to acknowledge Maney’s outstanding career and service.
“Patt became a Scout in February of 1964,” remarked Vince Mayfield, CEO of Bit-Wizards and an Eagle Scout himself. “Since then, he’s made an impact not only on our county, not only on our state, not only on the United States of America, but he’s made an impact in the entire world.” These words resonated deeply in a room filled with individuals whose lives have been touched by Maney’s service and mentorship. His wife, Caroline, stood proudly by his side, representing the personal support central to his journey.
Maney’s history of service is a narrative of resilience, courage, and a commitment to bettering the lives of others. After earning the rank of Eagle Scout in 1965, he dedicated himself to a life of public service. His career as a Brigadier General in the U.S. Army led him to Afghanistan, where he served as a senior political sector advisor, helping coordinate the country’s first free presidential election. Tragically, he was severely wounded by an IED in 2005, and his 20-month recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center became a testament to his tenacity.
The night’s tributes highlighted Maney’s influence in military and public service and his role as a Florida State Representative, County Judge, and advocate for veterans. Maney’s contributions have paved the way for veterans’ treatment programs, mental health initiatives, and judiciary reform. The “T. Patt Maney Veterans’ Treatment Intervention Act” is a legacy of his dedication to helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life, a cause deeply meaningful to him as a Purple Heart recipient. “My parents had seven children,” Maney said, turning emotional as he acknowledged his older brother, Edward, a Vietnam veteran he described as his hero.
The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, presented by the National Eagle Scout Association and the Gulf Coast Council, honored Maney’s lifetime achievements, drawing community leaders from across the state. District Attorney Ginger Madden’s words echoed the sentiment of the evening, describing him as a man of wisdom, integrity, and unwavering moral strength.
Maney’s career is marked by a collection of honors and recognitions that underscore his profound influence, including the Secretary of Defense Outstanding Public Service Award, the Purple Heart, and the Afghan Ghazi Mir Batcha Kahn Superior Medal. In addition, he was recognized by former Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, who praised his contributions to rebuilding Afghanistan and championing justice.
In his acceptance speech, Maney emphasized the role of family, mentors, and community in shaping his life. His deep gratitude was evident as he reflected on the importance of Scouting and its lasting impact on his character and values. “Boys need activity, and boys need male leaders,” he said, adding that Scouting is possible only through the dedication of volunteers and generous supporters.
On a personal note, Representative Maney has been a mentor and close friend to me ever since my return to Okaloosa County. His guidance and wisdom have been invaluable, and I was honored to be invited to witness this special event. I treasure our friendship and the continued impact his leadership has had on my life and many others in our community.
Pastor Scottie Thigpen offered a benediction, marking another chapter in a lifetime of service for Rep. Patt Maney—a man whose influence, by the testimonies of many, spans continents yet remains deeply rooted in our communities. As those gathered celebrated his remarkable journey, there was no doubt that Rep. Maney’s legacy of service would continue to inspire and shape lives for years to come.