COEUR d’ALENE — When Sgt. Aaron Curtright with the Idaho National Guard was told a Boy Scout was going to build a new security booth for the COVID-19 testing center at Kootenai Health, he wasn’t sure what to expect.

He wondered if it would be of good quality, if it would stand up against North Idaho’s weather, if it would serve the National Guardsmen well.

When he looked at the structure built by Alex Hunt and Troop 211, he had his answers.

“This is the best guard shack I have ever seen,” Curtright said Saturday morning during a ribbon-cutting attended by about 40 people.

He looked at Hunt and added, “from what I have seen, when it comes time for me to buy a house, I’m going to be calling you.”

The 15-minute ceremony was marked by short speeches and lots of praise aimed at Hunt, who took on the project to earn his Eagle Scout status.

“Alex, your team, thank you so much for the work you’ve done here,” said John Weinsheim, executive vice president with Kootenai Health.

Alex Hunt said he was considering Eagle Scout projects when he was approached about building the security booth. He agreed, saying it was “a great way to benefit the community and do some good.”

Even with his construction background, the project was four months in the planning. He led and worked alongside Troop 211 Boy Scouts to build it over two weekends.

“I always wanted to create something big that would last a long time,” he said.

Eric Paddack, Troop 211 leader, said the troop was dedicated to the task and the project showcased Hunt’s ability, leadership and spirit.

“We are able to present this magnificent looking guard shack,” he said. “We’re pretty thrilled with the quality he has brought to the community.”

Alex learned and honed his skills working for his father, a finish carpenter

“I’m very proud of him,” said Corey Hunt, also assistant scout master with Troop 211. “He’s come a long way. It’s taken him a lot of years to come to the point where he is now to become an Eagle Scout.”

Corey Hunt said as part of the project, his son also put together a how-to manual.

“He should be able to hand it to anybody, and they read it, and they can build this. That’s how detailed this is,” he said.

Prior to the 8-foot-by-six-foot security booth complete with windows, National Guardsmen handling traffic flow at the testing center often stood in the challenging conditions, including hail, rain, snow, and wind.

They arrived in December to streamline the process by directing traffic and taking names and information from patients in the drive-up line.

Lori Ritchart, Kootenai Health COVID testing center office coordinator, said the new guard shack was “a perfect example of a community coming together.”

She said the Idaho National Guard has done a tremendous job at the testing center. At its busiest, there were hundreds of vehicles in line and waits were up to five hours to be tested for the coronavirus. Today, tests are administered within 45 minutes and even quicker.

“We’re so thankful for the Guard,” Richard said. “This guard shack means so much to us to protect these guys from the elements,”

Saturday, Alex Hunt was proud of the finished project and the ceremony to honor his efforts.

“The outcome was really awesome and I was really happy to do it,” he said. “I think it’s really awesome seeing the community come together like this for something I had done."