Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro recently honored 17-year-old Eagle Scout Ben Klostermann with a proclamation thanking him for his efforts to improve his community.

While riding his bike, Klostermann noticed there was no place to sit at Veterans Memorial Park in the Village of Lancaster. Soon thereafter, Ben contacted the VFW Post in Lancaster asking if they would be willing to sponsor his Eagle Scout project to build two flag-themed wooden benches.

After receiving approval, he paid for the project with money from his Scout account which houses money raised through various fundraisers.

Klostermann was especially passionate about this project due to close family ties. His father is a Marine Corp. Veteran who served for 26-years with two war deployments.

VFW Post Commander Jim Weir said, “It’s heartbreaking because we don’t have youths doing what Ben does and I mean it is so admirable-everything isn’t lost around here.”

Legislator Todaro said, “What a heartfelt gesture. Thank you, Ben, for being a valuable community member and coming up with a creative way to help honor our Veterans. You are a positive example and influence on everyone around you.”