FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2026
San Diego-Imperial County Council of Scouting America to Honor Medal of Honor Recipient and Eagle Scout Captain Royce Williams at the Champions of Scouting Event Aboard theU.S.S. Midway Museum
Signature fundraising event set for September 19, 2026 will celebrate the intersection of Scouting values and military service — and open doors for military families through the Military Honor Table program
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — June 1, 2026 — The San Diego-Imperial County Council of Scouting America today announced the Champions of Scouting, alandmark fundraising event to be held September 19, 2026, aboard the U.S.S. Midway Museum in San Diego, California. The event will honor Captain Royce Williams, United States Navy (Ret.) — recipient of the Medal of Honor and proud Eagle Scout — one of America's most decorated living veterans — while raisingfunds to expand Scouting access for military families and underserved youthacross San Diego and Imperial Counties.
On November 18, 1952, during the Korean War, then-Lieutenant Royce Williams engaged seven Soviet MiG-15 fighter jets in a sustained 35-minute aerial dogfight over the waters off the Korean coast — alone, outgunned, and flying a battle-damaged F9F-5 Panther from the USS Oriskany. He shot down threeenemy aircraft and severely damaged a fourth before returning to his carrier,his plane riddled with 263 bullet holes. The extraordinary mission was classified for decades; Williams received the Silver Star in 1953, a decoration that was elevated to the Navy Cross in 2023. Then, on February 24, 2026, at 100 years of age, Captain Williams stood before a joint session of Congress as President Donald J. Trump presented him the Medal of Honor — the nation's highest military distinction — with First Lady Melania Trump personally placing the medal around his neck. President Trump stated at the ceremony:"Tonight, at 100 years old, this brave Navy captain is finally getting the recognition he deserves. He was a legend long before this evening." A lifelong Eagle Scout, Captain Williams has carried the values of Scouting —courage, integrity, and service — across a century of extraordinary American life.
The Champions of Scouting will bring together approximately 1,000 guests — civic leaders, corporate executives, veterans, active-duty service members, and community members — for an evening of recognition, storytelling, and community investment aboard one of San Diego's most iconic landmarks. Central to the evening is the Military Honor Table program, through which corporate sponsors fund premium reserved seating for active-duty veterans who would otherwise be unable to attend. The goal is to fill 30 Military Honor Tables — ensuring 300 military members are welcomed into the evening at no cost, as a direct expression of the community'sgratitude for their sacrifice and service.
"Captain Royce Williams embodies everything Scouting stands for — courage under fire, an unwavering moral compass, and a lifetime of service to something greater than himself. His story is a living testament to the values we instill in every Scout, and we are deeply honored to celebrate him aboard the U.S.S. Midway. This event is also about more than recognition — it is about ensuring that the military families who have given so much to our community have a seat at the table, quite literally. Through the Military Honor Table program, our corporate partners make it possible to welcome 300 military family members as our guests, and that act of generosity speaks volumes about the kind of community San Diego truly is." — Sean Roy, Scout Executive and CEO, San Diego-Imperial County Council of Scouting America
Sponsorships for the Champions of Scouting range from $5,000 at the Patriots Circle level to $50,000 for the Title Sponsorship, with each tier offering tailored recognition benefits and dedicated Military Honor Table commitments. Defense, aerospace, veteran-supporting, financial services, and civic-minded corporations are encouraged to explore partnership opportunities that align with their values and amplify their community commitment. Interested sponsors are invited to contact Joe Garcia at Joe.garcia@scouting.org or 619-618-8234 to discuss a sponsorship package that is right for their organization.
Additional information about the Champions of Scouting event,sponsorship opportunities, and individual registration is available at www.sdicscouting.org.Members of the media seeking interviews, photography access, or additional background information are encouraged to contact Joe Garcia directly using the contact information below.
About San Diego-Imperial County Council of Scouting America
The San Diego-Imperial County Council of Scouting America serves youth across San Diego and Imperial Counties through the life-changing programs of Scouting America. It's mission is to develop character, citizenship, and leadership in young people through outdoor adventure, community service, and values-based mentorship. The Council's programs reach thousands of youth annually, preparing them to be the next generation of leaders, heroes, and champions.
Media Contact:
Joe Garcia
Development Director
San Diego-Imperial County Council ofScouting America
Joe.garcia@scouting.org
619-618-8234
www.sdicscouting.org
