Colonel Mike Walton, otherwise known as "settummanque, the blackeagle", is a member, volunteer, former employee and longtime supporter of the programs of the Boy Scouts of America.

An avid coffee drinker, he speaks frequently to groups relating the importance of Scouting today. Walton is a freelance writer for several Scouting-related publications, and a participant in a daily Internet mailing list called Scouts-L with well over 3500 readers worldwide. Walton is a South Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota resident. He retired after close to 30 years with the United States Army, having served in all three components (National Guard, Army Reserve, Active Army). He currently works with the Air Force, and serves as part of the public affairs team at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. His website, called "The Tree" offers more of his personal reflection and information.

Did we tell you that he loves coffee?
      

Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, seven Army Achievement Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, two Joint Service medals, three Humanitarian Service Medals, Good Conduct, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service, National Defense & Civilian Service Medals, other awards for overseas active & reserve service, military service, community service & leadership; Combat Action Badge and Expert Field Medical Badge holder & recipient of awards from organizations in support of the United States armed services; recipient of Keith A. Ware Military Public Affairs/Journalism Award (in 1977 as part of staff of Inside the Turret, Fort Knox, Kentucky; in 2001, 2004 and 2008 as part of staff of the Blue Devil II (88th Regional Support Command) and personal award in 1998 for field newspaper/newsletter);


Eagle Scout Badge with Silver & Gold Palms, William T. Hornaday Gold Medal, Certificate of Heroism/Heroism Medal, Exploring Achievement Award, Arrow of Light & all other awards which can be earned or received at the unit, district, local Council & Regional levels for service & training; awards from the Catholic, Jewish & Protestant churches for Scouting leadership & service; awards from a German & a British Scouting Association for Scouting leadership & service; Wood Badge Training Awards as a Scoutmaster & as a Explorer Trainer/Advisor; Sea Badge Training Award as a Sea Exploring Skipper and committeemember; was named an Outstanding Eagle Scout by the BSA in 2015;


four Outstanding Customer Service Awards from J.C. Penney's as well as recognition as the top sales associate of the month for five months--three of which were consecutive; an Outstanding Customer Service Award from Lowes' Home Centers;


named as a "Outstanding Young Man in America" in 1986 & 87, a member of "Who's Who Among American High School Students" in 1977; & commissioned by three Governors as a "Kentucky Colonel", the highest civil honor rendered to citizens in Kentucky.

Excerpts from "Travis McKee", "Kid Zero", "Buttercup Barbie", "Setta What?", "Wreathless", and "Eagle Feathers" are on here now. Take a read please and let me know what you think!