Sept. 9, 2024 — Publix Loss Prevention Specialist Brad Schmidt was honored with the Distinguished Service Award for his work with the Boy Scouts of America at the National Order of the Arrow Conference in Boulder, Colorado. The Order of the Arrow is Scouting’s national honor society.

The Distinguished Service Award is given to members — youth and adults who have provided distinguished and outstanding service to the Order of the Arrow — on a sectional, regional or national basis. Since the award’s inception in 1940, fewer than 1,200 recipients have received it.

“I’ve been involved with Scouting for nearly 30 years, so it’s an honor to be nominated for and receive the Distinguished Service Award,” said Brad. “I look forward to continuing to pass on the skills I’ve learned to help today’s youth make an impact on the world.”

Brad currently works as a loss prevention specialist for Publix and serves as the Developing Youth Leadership Conference Lead Adviser for the eastern region of the Order of the Arrow, which includes nearly all states east of the Mississippi River. His team helps organize four to five leadership conferences a year to train adult volunteers in developing youth leadership.

Brad’s Boy Scouts journey

Brad joined the Cub Scouts in the first grade. After entering middle school, he became engaged with the Order of the Arrow and later earned the rank of Eagle Scout. After high school, Brad paused his Scouting to focus on his degree at Florida Atlantic University.

Upon earning his college degree, Brad began working as a fraud analyst in Publix’s Miami Division and returned to the Boy Scouts, where he began volunteering as an adult.

Since then, Brad has served in various roles for the Boy Scouts of America. For five years, he was the section adviser for the state of Florida, where he oversaw operations and training. In this role, he was able to support local areas, provide training opportunities and plan weekends of fun for youth in Florida.

“We’re so proud of Brad for receiving this award and for the incredible accomplishments he has achieved with the Boy Scouts,” said Publix Director of Community Relations Dwaine Stevens. “It’s evidence of his commitment to serving those in his communities.”