Photo: Michael D. Harris Sr. (left) presents an historic National Association of UM Scouters (NAUMS) flag to the Rev. Gregory Godwin at the UM Scouter’s Workshop at the Philmont Training Center in Cimarron, N.M. No longer used because of a trademark violation, the flag was given to the General Commission of Archives and History. Harris received the flag at the end of his tenure as the second NAUMS president. Godwin presented Harris with a Silver Torch Award during the workshop.

CIMMERON, N.M.–– Michael Harris, a founding member of the National Association of UM Scouters and a member of the BSA National Executive Board, has received the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope and Silver Buffalo Awards. To add to his silver collection, he received a Silver Torch Award while serving as a leader of a workshop at the Philmont Scout Ranch.

Although Harris never achieved the rank of Eagle, he helped his son, Michael Jr., achieve the rank and is now helping Michael III, his Tiger Cub grandson, follow in his father’s steps.

The Palm Springs attorney recalls a pivotal moment when he was elected troop leader. “From that moment on, I was never in doubt again that I could lead when called on.”Harris attended BSA world jamborees in Canada, Korea, Holland and Chile. He chaired the Chile event. He is a fellow of the John Wesley Society and a recipient of the James West Fellowship Award.