Albert “A.J.” Linzell of Carriere, earned the rank of Eagle Scout in November.

Linzell, now 18 and a senior at Pearl River Central High School, was a member of Boy Scout Troop 81 in McNeill.

He is a founding member of Venture Crew 81 in McNeill.

He was recognized during a Court of Honor ceremony on February 22, where friends, family, Cub Scouts and troop members attended. During the ceremony, Linzell was presented with a US flag that once had flown over the US Capitol.

Linzell received letters of commendation from Governor Phil Bryant, US Senator Thad Cochran, and US Representative Steven Palazzo. He received certificates of recognition from the US Fish & Wildlife Service, the US Postal Service, the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc., and NASA.

He also received letters of congratulations from former president George W. Bush and from several popular entertainers.

The rank of Eagle Scout is attained by fewer than five percent of Boy Scouts nationwide. It is the highest rank that a Boy Scout can reach.

Linzell’s Eagle Scout service project was to create for the community a flag retirement facility so that old and worn-out American and other flags can be retired with honor.

His uncle, architect Thomas Linzell, of Columbus, Ohio, designed the facility. Donations of materials were secured from local businesses and the City of Picayune.

The facility was constructed near Picayune City Hall with the help of family and Troop 81 members and leaders.

Linzell led the inaugural flag retirement ceremony on August 19, 2013, during which two-dozen flags were collected from the community and honorably retired.

Linzell, the son of Robert and Rose Linzell, is currently attending PRCC as a part-time freshman.

He plans to transfer to a four-year university where he will major in biomedical engineering.

For more information on Troop 81, visit the Internet site at: https://sites.google.com/site/mcneilltroop81bsa/home.