Tonight, we mourn the loss of former Troop 1396 Scoutmaster Dan Chartier passed away unexpectedly on Friday. Mr. Chartier was a super Scouter and a dear friend. We first met when the Army had brought our two families to Northern Virginia in the summer of 2009 and by coincidence our eldest sons visited Troop 1396 on the same night (and by the end of the meeting both decided to join the Troop). We became fast friends. Mr. Chartier had previously served an Army assignment with our Committee Chair, Mr. Bortner, and it was a joyous reunion between the two. Ultimately all three of Mr. Chartier's sons earned Eagle in Troop 1396: Christian (#71), Nathan (#78), and Jacob (#83).
While still on active duty as an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Colonel, Mr. Chartier became the Troop's 11th Scoutmaster in May of 2012 and held that position for five years. Hundreds of Scouts benefited from his leadership and mentorship during those years with 19 earning Eagle Scout during his tenure. While Scoutmaster, he completed Wood Badge training, served as a Scoutmaster for a 2017 National Jamboree provisional troop, Assistant Scoutmaster of a 2019 World Jamboree provisional troop, and backpacked a Philmont trek. It is also important to note that during this time he completed a six-month deployment to Afghanistan and retired from the Army after 28 years of service, all while Scoutmastering.
After his tenure as Scoutmaster, Mr. Chartier stayed on as an Assistant Scoutmaster and Merit Badge Counselor while also serving as the Prince William District Roundtable Commissioner. He was a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow and a recipient of the Unit Leader Award of Merit, the District Award of Merit, and the Silver Beaver award. Outside of Scouting, Mr. Chartier was the Chief Range Safety Officer at Izaak Walton League of America Alexandria Chapter, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and an active member of his church's congregation. After his second retirement, he and his wife had established a new home in Montvale, Virginia where he was elected president of his local beekeeping club.
Mr. Chartier lived the Scout Oath and Scout Law. He was even tempered, friendly, cheerful and patient. He dedicated so much of his time to the mentorship of youth in our community and to helping out friends. We grieve his untimely loss while keeping his memory in our hearts. May we remember and emulate the example that Mr. Chartier set in the way that he led his life.
Please keep Mr. Chartier's wife, Cindy, and children Christian, Emily, Nathan, and Jacob in your prayers.
A Scout is Reverent