Scouts Salute TECO Leader As 2009 Distinguished Citizen
TECO Energy President and Chief Operating Officer John B. Ramil, a Tampa Palms resident, was honored as the Gulf Ridge Council, Boy Scouts of America 2009 Distinguished Citizen.
The recognition was presented during the council’s annual fundraiser, which drew several hundred supporters, March 6 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Tampa.
The event raised nearly $500,000 for Scout activities.
Ramil was presented the award by Sam Ellison of Beck Construction, last year’s winner and luncheon chairman.
Ramil is a former Cub Scout leader and involved with other youth activities, including soccer.
"He sets a great example for our people to follow," Ellison said. "He does so with honesty, respect and humility."
In accepting the award, Ramil said it is important to be supportive of youth programs "because being a young person growing up in today’s world is real tough."
He thanked the support her received from TECO employees, friends and family members, especially his wife, Nadia.
"I was lucky; I way over-married," he said.
Keni Thomas, an Army Ranger involved in the "Black Hawk Down" mission of 1993, was the keynote speaker.
Council President David Hendrix served as the master of ceremonies.
The council also will have its recognition dinner at 7 p.m. Saturday at Embassy Suites, 3705 Spectrum Ave., on the University of South Florida campus.
Six Scout volunteers will be recognized with the Silver Beaver award, the highest honor from a council.
They are Christine Crowell, Dennis Clift, John G. Wood Jr., Patricia Guglielmi, Jeannie Kay Walker and Kimberly Jones.
The dinner will be preceded by a reception at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25, and reservations are needed by calling the (813) 872-2691.
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