For those of us who have the pleasure and privilege of knowing Jack Kepley and his family, we could not be more proud of his well-deserved honor and recognition as a recent recipient of North Carolina’s Long Leaf Pine award, the state’s highest civilian honor.

Mark Wineka’s article in Saturday’s paper, “Scout’s honor is ultimate merit badge,” is a wonderful tribute to one of Rowan County’s finest citizens. Jack Kepley will always be an inspiration and outstanding example, not only to his hundreds of scouts but also to his many friends and family members who count him among the many blessings in our lives.

Well done, our good and faithful servant.

— Ronnie and Janis Smith

Salisbury