By Olivia dePunte
For more than a decade, three local Scouting America troops have been a familiar and dependable presence at the ASICS Falmouth Road Race. This year, in honor of America’s 250th anniversary of independence, The Falmouth Road Race recognized that outstanding commitment by naming three Scouting America troop leaders as the 2026 Volunteers of the Year with the John and Lucia Carroll Service Award.
The honor went to Paul Perry of Scouting America Troop 36 in Mashpee, Ed Bruce of Scouting America Troop 38 in Falmouth, and Lori Jones of Scouting America Troop 42 in Falmouth. The troop leaders accepted the award on behalf of their Scouts at a celebration before heading into another busy race weekend.
For Troop 36, service started bright and early Sunday morning. Perry’s troop leads bus unloading in Woods Hole, which took a little extra dedication this year with the earlier start time. Volunteer Co-Manager Kerri Brodie applauds their efforts: “They were up super early this year! They always do a great job and it’s nice to have a returning group we know we can count on.”
Also returning this year, Jones has spearheaded Troop 42’s Falmouth Road Race volunteer efforts for the better part of a decade. She is now passing on that baton after this dedication marks her final year leading the troop. “They’re always very positive and willing to help,” says Brodie. “They’ve even jumped in and done some Quissett traffic directing at the last minute for us the past few years.”
Best known as the “Green Team,” Troop 42 is responsible for breaking down cardboard and taking the lead on recycling at the Health and Fitness Expo, as well as packing runner gift bags, and manning parking barricades race morning. At the finish line, Troop 38’s Green Team has kept the area clean by sorting recyclables, compostables, and trash since 2015 – “making one of Falmouth’s signature events a little greener,” according to troop leader Bruce.
“For us, volunteering is about much more than sorting trash,” continues Bruce. “The Falmouth Road Race gives so much back to our community—not only through the race itself but also through its support of local organizations and initiatives. Volunteering allows our Scouts to be part of something much larger than themselves while learning the value of community service and environmental stewardship. We look forward to returning each year and are grateful to be part of such an outstanding volunteer team.”
The decade-plus of service from Scouting America Troops 36, 38, and 42 has helped establish a tradition that will now continue into the next generation of Scouts. “Troop leaders donate their time to the troop all year-long and then come in to do the road race,” says Brodie. “They are the true spirit of volunteerism.”