Presented by Mattress Firm Huntsville, the October 2026 recognition honors a retired teacher, dedicated Scout volunteer and father whose commitment to helping young people and families has made a lasting difference in Huntsville.
HUNTSVILLE, Texas — For Brian Gedelian, helping others has never been about receiving recognition. Whether organizing camping trips for local Scouts, helping families afford summer camp, volunteering at church or supporting his own family through difficult circumstances, Gedelian has spent years quietly serving those around him.
That dedication earned him recognition as Hello Huntsville’s October 2026 Hometown Hero, presented by Mattress Firm Huntsville.
The announcement came as a surprise during a visit to First Baptist Church in Huntsville, where Hello Huntsville's Rob Hipp arrived to present Gedelian with a certificate and gifts in recognition of his contributions to the community.
Gedelian had no idea the recognition was coming. Church staff helped coordinate the surprise, keeping him occupied in the church office until Hipp and others arrived.
The presentation had taken longer than originally planned, but Hipp said the team wanted to find the right opportunity to honor someone whose name had come up through multiple community nominations.
"We had a couple of submissions come in for this one, and we're really excited," Hipp said before entering the church office. "This is someone that's been on people's radars for quite some time."
For those who nominated Gedelian, the recognition was about more than his years of volunteer service. It was about the example he has set for young people, his dedication to family and his willingness to help others without expecting anything in return.
A community recognizes a man who rarely seeks the spotlight
During the surprise presentation, Hipp read from one of the nominations submitted to Hello Huntsville.
The nomination described Gedelian as a devoted Scouting volunteer who consistently puts the needs of young people ahead of his own.
"Please consider Brian Gedelian a true hometown hero," the nomination began.
The submission highlighted his involvement with Huntsville's Troop 114, where he has helped plan camping trips, coordinate summer camp opportunities and provide experiences that teach young people leadership, responsibility and independence.
According to the nomination, Gedelian has also personally helped cover expenses for Scouts whose families were struggling financially.
Those contributions have allowed children to participate in activities they might otherwise have missed.
The nominator described a man whose service extends far beyond scheduled meetings and organized activities. Gedelian has become a trusted mentor for young people navigating the challenges of growing up.
"Brian's compassion is quiet but steady," the nomination stated. "He is a dependable rock for those around him."
The nomination also credited Gedelian with helping young men develop confidence, leadership skills and character as they prepare for adulthood.
For Gedelian, however, the recognition was unexpected.
Gedelian responds with gratitude after surprise announcement
Standing in the church office, Gedelian appeared overwhelmed as he accepted the certificate and listened to the reasons community members believed he deserved the award.
Rather than focusing on his own accomplishments, he immediately expressed gratitude for the people who have supported him.
"This is amazing. It's crazy," Gedelian said. "I feel totally blessed by this community, by the church, by the people around me."
He said the relationships he has developed through church, Scouting and the Huntsville community have given him far more than he believes he has contributed.
"They bless me every single day, and it's just a blessing to be part of this community," he said.
Gedelian added that he struggled to find the words to describe the surprise.
"Honestly, I feel blessed by the community more so than I feel like I bless them," he said.
His response reflected the same humility that prompted others to nominate him.
Years of dedication to Huntsville's Troop 114
Much of Gedelian's community involvement has centered on Scouting, an organization with deep roots in Huntsville and Walker County.
Gedelian is listed as a contact for Scouting America Troop 114, a boys troop chartered by the Huntsville Kiwanis Club.
According to Scouting America's official unit listing, Troop 114 meets Mondays at 7 p.m. at the Robert A. Josey Scout Lodge, 2205 22nd Ave. in Huntsville. The troop serves students in grades five through 12 and emphasizes outdoor adventure, personal development and leadership.
For Gedelian, Scouting is about much more than earning badges or spending weekends outdoors.
The experiences give young people opportunities to develop practical skills, build friendships, become more independent and learn to lead.
During his Hometown Hero interview, Gedelian spoke about the importance of Scouting and its role in preparing children for adulthood.
"We are interested in making them leaders, making them become independent products of society, and it's just a great program," Gedelian said.
The activities that make those lessons possible often require considerable planning and commitment from adult volunteers.
Camping trips involve transportation, equipment, food, safety preparations and supervision. Summer camp experiences can require additional fundraising and financial assistance.
According to his nomination, Gedelian has taken on those responsibilities year after year, sometimes using his own money to make sure financial circumstances do not prevent a Scout from participating.
His efforts reflect a commitment to ensuring that young people have access to opportunities regardless of their family's ability to pay.
Troop 114 carries a history of service and leadership
Gedelian's work with Troop 114 connects him to a Scouting tradition that has existed in Huntsville for more than a century.
According to the Robert A. Josey Scout Lodge's historical records, Scouting activities were underway in Huntsville as early as 1909, before the Boy Scouts of America was formally incorporated in 1910.
By the mid-1910s, several troops were operating in the community.
When the Sam Houston Area Council was established in 1930, Huntsville's existing troops received new numbers. The original Troop 3 became Troop 114, establishing a connection between today's organization and some of the earliest Scouting activities in the city.
The troop's history includes community service, outdoor education and the development of Eagle Scouts.
A 2020 report published by Josey Scout Lodge described Troop 114 members working on a radio merit badge, canoeing nine miles along the Neches River near Lufkin and celebrating two Scouts who had earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
Those activities illustrate the range of experiences available through the program, from learning technical skills to exploring the outdoors and working toward Scouting's highest rank. Blog
For volunteers such as Gedelian, each activity represents another opportunity to invest in the next generation.
Historic Josey Scout Lodge remains a centerpiece of Huntsville Scouting
During his interview, Gedelian also highlighted one of Huntsville's most recognizable Scouting landmarks.
"You've probably seen the lodge down in town that was built in 1934," he said.
He was referring to the Robert A. Josey Scout Lodge, a historic log building that has served generations of Huntsville Scouts.
The lodge was built with support from Huntsville businessman and oilman Robert A. Josey, who provided funding for its construction in the early 1930s.
Gibbs Brothers and Company contributed logs and stone, while labor was provided through the federal Civil Works Administration.
The building was dedicated in 1934 and features native pine logs, stonework and fireplaces constructed with petrified wood.
The property later received recognition as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, the lodge continues to support Scouting America and Girl Scouts of the USA programs in Huntsville.
The nonprofit organization responsible for the property provides facilities and resources for local troops, helping preserve the traditions that have shaped generations of young people.
For Gedelian, the building represents more than a historic landmark. It is a gathering place where friendships develop, young people learn valuable lessons and volunteers continue a tradition of service.
Honoring the legacy of his wife, Mary
Gedelian's dedication to young people was also shared by his late wife, Mary, who was deeply involved in Girl Scouts.
Together, the couple devoted considerable time to supporting youth organizations, with Brian working primarily through Boy Scouts and Mary serving through Girl Scouts.
Their commitment created a partnership centered on helping children develop confidence, independence and a sense of responsibility.
According to the nomination submitted to Hello Huntsville, Mary died of breast cancer more than a year before Gedelian received his Hometown Hero recognition.
Her death brought significant personal challenges, but Gedelian has continued many of the activities and commitments that were important to them both.
The nomination described the couple as a team that supported one another and their respective troops with quiet dedication.
Mary's influence remains evident in Brian's continued involvement with Girl Scouts.
During the interview, Gedelian explained that he remains active in the organization and has maintained a connection to its programs even after his wife's death.
"My wife, like you were saying, was very, very involved, and I still do a lot with Girl Scouts," Gedelian said.
He also shared that he is a lifetime member of Girl Scouts, demonstrating a commitment to an organization traditionally associated with the volunteer work of his wife.
Gedelian said he continues helping with Girl Scout activities in Conroe, particularly programs involving nature and outdoor education.
"They have a nature center, and being a nature person, I had to go down and do programs with them," he said.
His continued involvement allows him to share his appreciation for the outdoors while carrying forward a part of the legacy he and Mary built together.
Family responsibilities remain at the center of his life
Beyond his volunteer work, Gedelian has continued to devote himself to his family.
The nomination highlighted his role in caring for his son, who has special needs, while also helping his daughter raise her three children, two of whom have medical needs.
Those responsibilities are an important part of the story behind his recognition.
While his Scouting involvement is visible through camping trips, meetings and community activities, much of his service to family takes place away from public attention.
The nomination described Gedelian as someone who remains dependable despite the personal challenges he has experienced.
His willingness to continue helping others while managing significant family responsibilities was among the reasons community members believed he deserved to be recognized.
The nomination also emphasized the consistency of his character.
Rather than allowing difficult circumstances to diminish his involvement, Gedelian has continued showing up for the people who depend on him.
That dedication, nominators said, has made him an example of compassion and perseverance.
A retired teacher who continues serving young people
Gedelian's commitment to education extends beyond his Scouting involvement.
A retired teacher, he continues to work occasionally as a substitute, according to his Hometown Hero nomination.
His experience in education complements the work he does through Scouting, where teaching often takes place outside a traditional classroom.
Whether helping a Scout learn a new outdoor skill, encouraging a young person to take on a leadership role or guiding a group through a challenging activity, Gedelian continues investing in the development of children.
His involvement reflects a belief that education is not limited to textbooks and classrooms.
Scouting offers opportunities for young people to practice decision-making, teamwork, responsibility and problem-solving in real-world situations.
Those experiences can help prepare participants for responsibilities they will encounter as adults.
The nomination credited Gedelian with patiently guiding young people as they develop those skills.
For many Scouts, the influence of a committed adult volunteer can extend well beyond their years in the program.
Faith and service at First Baptist Church
Gedelian's involvement in Huntsville also includes volunteer service at First Baptist Church.
The church provided the setting for his surprise Hometown Hero announcement, with staff members helping coordinate the presentation.
Hipp acknowledged Gedelian's church involvement while reading the nomination, noting that his willingness to volunteer was familiar to those who knew him through the congregation.
His service through the church adds another dimension to his contributions to Huntsville.
Although much of the recognition centered on Scouting, the nomination made clear that Gedelian's willingness to help others is not limited to one organization.
His church involvement, educational background, family responsibilities and Scouting commitments collectively reflect a life centered on serving others.
During the presentation, Gedelian specifically expressed appreciation for the church and the people who have supported him.
He credited those relationships with being a source of encouragement in his own life.
Scouting continues to offer opportunities for Huntsville families
Before concluding the presentation, Hipp invited Gedelian to share more about Scouting and encourage local families to become involved.
Gedelian explained that the organization formerly known as Boy Scouts of America is now called Scouting America, reflecting its broader participation opportunities.
He also emphasized the continued importance of Girl Scouts as a separate organization serving young people in the community.
Both organizations have longstanding connections to Huntsville and the historic Josey Scout Lodge.
The lodge's official website provides information about local Scouting America units and Girl Scout troops, including opportunities for children and families interested in joining.
For families considering Scouting, Gedelian described the programs as opportunities to help children become capable, responsible and independent members of society.
He encouraged the community to recognize the value of both organizations and the experiences they provide.
Families interested in learning more about Troop 114 can visit the official Scouting America troop listing.
Additional information about local Scouting opportunities and the historic lodge is available at JoseyScoutLodge.org.
A hometown hero whose impact reaches across generations
Gedelian's recognition highlights the lasting impact that individual volunteers can have on a community.
His work with Scouting has helped young people experience the outdoors, develop leadership skills and participate in activities that might otherwise have been financially out of reach.
His years as an educator have provided another avenue for investing in children.
His continued involvement with Girl Scouts honors the shared commitment to youth development that he and Mary maintained throughout their marriage.
And his dedication to family and church demonstrates the same willingness to serve in everyday life.
Those who nominated Gedelian wanted the community to recognize a man whose contributions have often taken place without public attention.
Their nomination concluded by describing him as a valuable part of Huntsville.
"Brian Gedelian is a true treasure to this community, and we are deeply grateful to have him," the submission stated.
For Gedelian, however, the recognition was an opportunity to express gratitude rather than celebrate his own accomplishments.
His words during the surprise presentation captured that perspective.
"I feel blessed by the community more so than I feel like I bless them," he said.
Mattress Firm Huntsville presents October Hometown Hero recognition
Hello Huntsville's Hometown Heroes program is presented by Mattress Firm Huntsville, which partners with the local media organization to recognize individuals making a positive difference throughout Huntsville and Walker County.
The monthly recognition highlights residents whose acts of kindness, volunteer service, professional dedication and personal commitment have improved the lives of others.
Honorees are selected from nominations submitted by community members, allowing residents to recognize individuals whose contributions might otherwise go unnoticed.
Mattress Firm Huntsville supports the initiative as its presenting sponsor, helping Hello Huntsville share stories of service and appreciation throughout the community.
The Huntsville Mattress Firm location is situated near Interstate 45.
Through the partnership, Hello Huntsville continues its mission of promoting the good happening throughout the community while encouraging residents to recognize the people who make Huntsville a better place to live.
Nominate the next Hello Huntsville Hometown Hero
Hello Huntsville is encouraging residents to nominate individuals who deserve recognition for their contributions to the community.
Nominees can include teachers, volunteers, parents, neighbors, first responders, veterans, nonprofit leaders or anyone who has made a meaningful difference in another person's life.
The program is designed to recognize both highly visible community leaders and individuals who quietly serve others without seeking attention.
Nominations are open to the public, and residents are encouraged to share the stories of people who have made a lasting impact on their lives.
To nominate someone for an upcoming Hometown Hero recognition, presented by Mattress Firm Huntsville, visit: