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News | Activities | Cottages | Alumni | Fun

Alumni: Fall 2009


Eubank and Barrett Inducted Into Boys’ Home Alumni Hall of Fame

“It’s been 58 years – I’m so glad you’re back at Boys’ Home.” That’s how the evening started for Malcolm Eubanks as he was greeted by Larry Price ‘51. The trip down memory lane began with reacquainting  himself with Boys’ Home and former alumni and ended with the Hall of Fame ceremony. Roland Bob Barrett ‘55 had similar greetings as he celebrated with the many family and friends, some from long distances, who gathered to honor him. This ceremony not only honors the inductees, but it is also a chance for current residents to learn about past residents, their experiences and accomplishments. Donnie Wheatley commented,  “This has become quite a highlight in the year at Boys’ Home.” The Alumni Hall of Fame was started in 1997. It pays tribute to personal or athletic achievements, or significant contributions made to Boys’ Home by individuals.

Roland B. Barrett was presented by his son, Johnny. Johnny described his father as, “a man of courage and integrity throughout his life.” Bob arrived at Boys’ Home from Norfolk, Virginia in 1949 at 12 years of age. He graduated from Covington High School in 1955. After graduating, he joined the U.S. Army and served for 30 years before retiring as Command Sergeant Major. Barrett served in Korea, Vietnam, and Grenada. He earned Jump Wings from the U.S. and Taiwanese Armies and received the Legion of Merit, and Meritorious Service medal, Bronze star (5 times) and the  Gallantry Cross with silver star. Outside of the Army, he has been a member of the American Legion, VFW, Disabled American Veterans, the Loyal Order of the Moose, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks.

In his induction speech, Bob said in many ways, Boys’ Home prepared him for Army duty. As a resident, he had to wake up at 4 a.m. every day to milk cows. He compared that to when he had to wake up in the military and said that, “I realized that I haven’t left the home yet.” Coming to Boys’ Home was the best thing to ever happened to him.

Mr. Barrett has 10 children, 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. He resides in Fayetteville, North Carolina with his wife Elizabeth.

Malcolm B. Eubank was presented by Boys’ Home alumnus, Bob Ramsey. Bob talked about Malcolm’s nickname, “Froggy” and how work was his priority every day. Malcolm came from Norfolk, Virginia and stayed at Boys’ Home from 1943-1947. He returned home and graduated from Granby High School in 1948. After completing an Associates degree, he served in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class, until 1952. In 1958 he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Georgia. Mr. Eubank served as an District Executive for the Boy Scouts of America from 1959-1969. He attributes his love of scouting to being a scout at Boys’ Home. He was the Executive vice president with the Hopewell/Prince George Chamber of Commerce from 1969-1998. He is a life member of the Hopewell Emergency Crew and has served as President five times. Even one of his hobbies is tied to Boys’ Home - golfing. To learn to play, he commented, “I dug three holes in the ground, installed tin cans and made a three hole golf course!” He ended his speech by saying that, “I look on the “Hill” and there are so many changes. The only thing that remains the same is the boys. They’re building character here.”

Mr. Eubank resides in Hopewell with his wife Diane. They have two sons, Malcolm and Michael Duree.


Links:

E-mail the Alumni Association

E-mail the President of the Alumni Association

E-mail the Alumni Representative to the Board of Trustees

Find us on the Web at:  Classmates.com

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