Boy Scout in Montgomery County on a mission to honor veterans

DRESHER, Pa. (WPVI) -- A 17-year-old Boy Scout in Montgomery County is on a mission to honor US service members by documenting the lives of veterans.

In each of these rooms there is a story - stories of bravery and of patriotism.

They are stories of veterans - those who fought in past wars or those who stayed stateside.

Their journeys and contributions are all being documented and preserved for American History thanks to 17-year-old Derek Copeland.

Copeland is leading the charge to interview 16 veterans all for a special purpose.

"If we don't have people recording the stories, taping them - the stories are going to be lost forever," said Copeland.

The Boy Scout with Troop 665 in Dresher, is taking on the veterans venture for his Eagle Scout project.

Copeland says he loves history

"What better way to combine doing something for the community, for the nation, for myself as my Eagle Scout project and to do something I love," said Copeland.

Among the veterans is Theodore Paluch, a World War II Army Air Corporal, from Philadelphia.

The 92-year-old is a survivor of the Melmedy Massacre at the Battle of the Bulge.

"You say a few a prayers while lying there and wondering how you'll get out - I'll tell you you're not scared then, not until you get in and realize," said Paluch.

Paluch's story will be preserved in part because of a Boy Scout who wanted to make sure past heroes are not forgotten.

"I've really enjoyed doing this and the veterans have enjoyed telling their stories and making sure this works as well," said Copeland.