Mike Fishman understood the assignment.

The 2026 recipient of The Good Scout Award, Fishman, was recognized for decades of tireless effort supporting Hamblen County embodying the traits highlighted in the Scout Oath and Law.

But Tom Strate, who introduced the guest of honor, noted Fishman’s commitments to supporting his community goes far beyond his efforts with the Scouts.

In fact, someone joked that there isn’t a board in town that Fishman hasn’t committed himself to serve.

Strate was more straightforward. “Mike is a selfless servant to all he encoun- ters,” he said.

When Fishman took to the podium he spoke about the origins of his devotion to service.

He points to the example set by the Lord as well as his parents Jack and Nancy. He shared stories of how the elder generation men like John Wallace, John Johnson, George Angelos and Dr. Joe Johnson, former University of Tennessee president helped guide his path and how he took those lessons to heart.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to live in this community and serve others,” Fishman said. “And to live in this community where service is a way of life. There are many people who have led the way in this community for service, it’s an honor to be a part of that legacy.

“I am blessed to have been shaped by so many people – and many are in this room today.”

The annual Good Scouting Award Breakfast, presented by Friends of Scouting of Hamblen County, is a fundraiser for the organization that supports it’s part of the Cataloochee District of the Great Smoky Mountain Council.

Strate said the large crowd gathered in The Country Club was evidence of Fishman’s impact.

“I am pleased to have such a great turnout,” Strate said. “You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t know Mike Fishman, and I don’t mean know him as a person. I mean know what he stands for and what he does and how his life literally has affected your life.”

Strate said the basis of the award is to honor a community leader who lives their life according to the Scout Oath and Law.

“This event is Scouting’s way to honor individuals in communities across East Tennessee and throughout the Great Smoky Mountain Council who live their lives accordingly,” Strate said. “The Scout Oath is a commitment to do our best and to do our duty to God and our country. It’s a commitment to help other people at all times …” Strate said that Fishman embodies all of the attributes of the Scout Law – trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent – but that above the others Fishman represents loyalty.

“If you have ever worked on a project with Mike, you know that he is loyal to the purpose until the bitter end.” Strate said. “He is loyal to those whom he serves. Mike approaches all opportunities with energy, honesty and determination but his loyalty is a clear characteristic.

“Today we honor Mike’s loyalty to God, country, family and our community,” he said.

Fishman said that many of the Eagle Scouts in the room, people he has known through friendship, business and especially in his Sunday School class have played important roles in his life.

“That has helped shaped my character, my mission and who I am,” he said. “I am grateful for this opportunity.”

Fishman also focused on passing the lessons he has learned to the next generation including his own children.

He spoke about being at the Boys & Girls Club Dinner last week with his friend Angelos, who was joined by a young granddaughter of just two years old. Angelos scooped the child up into his arms and pointed her to the people in the crowd.

“Many people doing good things,” the former Little Dutch owner told the child, over and over again. “Many people doing good things.”

“He was teaching that child about service,” Mike said. “I served with George. He was so grateful to be allowed to serve and he was teaching this child at a very young age to do that. It was great.”

Fishman said he’s thankful to be part of a legacy of service.

“I’m humbled for this recognition but I’m more grateful to have had the opportunity to serve others in my lifetime. You have allowed me to do that. I want to thank all those who have laid the groundwork; first my Lord, my dad and many others that have laid the groundwork for us all to do the common good.”

Driving home the point of one generation laying the groundwork for the next, Fishman was immediately followed by his son, Lucas, the 2026 Friends of Scouting Chairman.

The younger Fishman took the opportunity to praise his dad but also set the record straight on a couple of issues.

First, in thanking his family, including wife Angie, daughters Leabeth and Lydia as well as Lucas and his wife Madison, Mike had neglected to mention his grandson Callahan. A mild reprimand was issued on that count.

But on a more serious note, when thanking his family, Mike had said sometimes they had to play second fiddle to board meetings and events and the other various commitments that come with a life of service.

“My dad said we played second fiddle, but he’s lying,” Lucas said. “He has always put his family first. He’s always found time to be a great dad to his children and a great husband to his wife. He’s always been there to love and support us and I wouldn’t be the man I am today without him. He’s set a great example for what a dad should be. I can only hope that I am half the dad to my son that he has been to me.”

In other business, Lucas Fishman announced the event raised over $10,000 pushing the organization to $62,000, exceeding the fundraising campaign’s goal.