Gunner’s impact on his community didn’t end with his passing. As a lifelong Boy Scout, Gunner was determined to become an Eagle Scout. Though his journey was cut short, his family, Boy Scout Troop 229, and countless others rallied to fulfill his dream by completing the requirements for the Spirit of the Eagle Award, which he received posthumously.

Gunner’s final Boy Scout project was one that demonstrated his deep desire to help others. Rather than allowing unused canned food from camping trips to be taken home, Gunner proposed that the food be collected and donated to those in need. Following his passing, his family and community took Gunner’s vision and made it a reality by hosting food drives at local events, collecting donations, and raising enough money to purchase over 4,000 food items for local families.