As a fellow citizen of Wood County, I wanted to share my experiences with Doug Ruck who is running for judge of the Wood County Probate and Juvenile Court.
I first met Doug through our participation in Scouts BSA, formerly Boy Scouts of America, eight years ago. Doug grew up in scouts learning the value of hard work and dedication in earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He continued the tradition in being a leader of the troop teaching not only his children these values but other scouts as well.
When Scouts BSA opened scouting to females, Doug volunteered to be the Scout Master of the girl’s troop, so his daughter and girls in our area would have the opportunity to learn these valuable life lessons. Through the years, I have watched him live out the Scout Law: A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. Whether is was volunteering his time to lead our weekly meetings, teach scouts various life skills, or teach challenging merit badges, he would approach each scout interaction as a learning opportunity.
His dedication to others has been evident on how he chooses to spend his free time. I have spent weeks backpacking the wilderness of the Appalachian Trail and the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho with Doug, dozens of scouts, and other leaders. Backpacking is not only physically challenging but mentally as well. You completely rely on the others in your group to successfully navigate the wilderness and complete your journey. Nothing is more challenging than spending days hiking 10-12 miles with 40-pound backpacks on gaining over 1,200 feet in elevation. Through these challenging days, Doug continued to live out the Scout Law to work as a team and encouraged others to see their potential.
With Doug’s commitment to others and his constant drive to help others better themselves, I can think of no one better to be the judge of the Wood County Probate and Juvenile Court and continue to serve this population.
Eric Rader
Bowling Green
