Elliott Boltz, 17, and a junior at Heidelberg High School, recently received his Eagle Scout award, the Boy Scouts’ highest honor.

Elliott, the son of Col. Steven and Margaret Gonzales-Boltz, is a member of Troop 29, Trans-Atlantic Council in Heidelberg, Germany. He received his award on May 6, joining his father and older brother, Travis, as Eagle Scouts, according to Michael Hokenson, assistant scoutmaster.

Elliot’s Eagle Scout project involved relocating a historic sign to the new entrance at Tompkins Barracks in Schwetzingen. The project helped to maintain the history of the barracks, while also improving the landscaping at the entrance, Hokenson said in a release about the honor.

For his project, Elliott obtained equipment and materials, and organized and directed a group of volunteers. He also had to ensure that the placement of the relocated sign and landscaping met the requirements of the installation.

Elliott has been involved in Scouting for 11 years and has earned 32 merit badges.

Ainsworth is new commander of NAMRA

NAPLES, Italy — Cmdr. William T. Ainsworth relieved Cmdr. Timothy J. Dunigan as commander of the U.S. Naval Air Mediterranean Repair Activity.

Ainsworth takes over command after serving as the unit’s executive officer since June 2003. Dunigan will be transferring to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md.

NAMRA is responsible for overhaul and repair of Navy and Marine Corps aircraft and helicopters in the U.S. European and Central Command theaters of operation.

It primarily supports aircraft based in, or deployed to, Naval Station Rota, Spain; Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily; Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Crete; the 5th and 6th Fleets and Navy and Marine Corps aircraft in Djibouti and Afghanistan. It also has detachments in Iraq and Bahrain.

The unit earned a Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation for its support of Operation Iraqi Freedom between December 2002 and June 2003.

Katterbach fireman dies in motorcycle crash

ANSBACH, Germany — A member of the Katterbach Fire Department died in a motorcycle accident last week.

Lt. Horst Schöniger, who worked at the Katterbach Casern Fire Department since 1975, died May 13 while on leave near Garda Lake, Italy. He was 56.

The native of Weihenzell, Germany, is survived by his wife, Erika, and children, Thomas and Sabine.

Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. Friday at the Weihenzell cemetery.

\