SEE THE 2020 DSA HONOREES, PAGE 6

THE 2018 RECIPIENTS AT THE 2018 NATIONAL CONFERENCE AT INDIANA UNIVERSITY IN BLOOMINGTON, IN.

VOLUME XII, ISSUE 1 | AUGUST 2020 THE SILVER ARROWHEAD PRESENTED FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE ORDER SINCE 1940

Service in Crisis: Captain John Rotruck By BILL TOPKIS Many Arrowmen know Rotruck from his years CLASS OF 2012 of service to the Order of the Arrow as a section chief in his youth to his recent leadership on KYLE PALMER the National Order of the Arrow Committee. CLASS OF 2018 While many know Rotruck, they were certainly surprised in March to see him appear on Thus far, 2020 has not turned out like television, featured on ABC News, MSNBC, and anyone thought it would. Most have endured Fox News, as well as articles appearing in The home lockdowns, shuttered businesses, or New York Times and The Washington Post. What lost opportunities – broken plans. Order of does not surprise those familiar with Rotruck, the Arrow events, including most section however, is his leadership and willingness to conclaves and the National Order of the Arrow step up in a time of crisis. Conference, have been cancelled. Philmont Jack Butler DSA ‘86, Rotruck’s section adviser Ranch has closed for the summer and from 1992-93 when he served as section chief, most councils could not hold summer camps described in great detail his natural leadership this year. One Arrowman, however, has risen ability. Calm, confident, and decisive, Rotruck to a unique challenge – Captain John Rotruck was an exceptional youth leader for his lodge, DSA ‘96, the commanding officer of the section, and ultimately for the ICE (Inductions medical treatment facility aboard the USNS and Ceremonial Events) Committee ahead Mercy, deployed to Los Angeles to provide of the 1994 NOAC. Butler described a natural hospital beds and services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. CONTINUED ROTRUCK, PAGE 12 Captain John Rotruck, Credit: U.S. Navy 25 Years On: The Birth of OA High Adventure By MARTY TSCHETTER to be is an incredible testimony to the power of CLASS OF 1996 at the highest level. In November 1994, National Associate Many of us developed our fondest memories Director John Alline DSA ‘98 flew to Raleigh, in the outdoors. Since 1995, many Arrowmen North Carolina to formally discuss with me have developed particularly fond memories the potential of an innovative high adventure through the Order of the Arrow Trail Crew and program for youth Arrowmen at Philmont. subsequent OA High Adventure programs. My close Scouting friend Michael Edwards While some may know the history of this DSA ‘96 and I had previously pitched the wonderful and life-changing program, it is concept to National OA Committee Chairman worth reflecting upon as we celebrate the silver Ed Pease DSA ‘71 while at Philmont. The The OA Trail Crew clearing an obstruction anniversary of this adventure. Luckily enough, I CONTINUED PAGE 12 in 1995. happened to be there. How the program came 25 YEARS, LEADERSHIP OA Leadership Integral to National ZACHARY A. SCHONFELD 2020 National Chief Scouting Historian Summit

NOAH J. SMITH By JEFF MORLEY 2020 National Vice Chief CLASS OF 2020 By now, almost everyone has MICHAEL G. HOFFMAN heard about the National Scouting National Chairman Historian Summit (NSHS) held at Class of 1986 Philmont last summer. Yes, it was the largest paid training program in MICHAEL L. THOMPSON the history of the Philmont Training National Vice Chairman, Center. Yes, the event was run Recognition, Awards, History entirely by volunteers, at no cost and Preservation to the BSA. Yes, the event attracted Class of 2006 a broad swath of BSA members including youth and women ANTHONY J. FIORI Scouters. And yes, it was the largest National Vice Chairman, national OA event in 2019. Communications Lesser known, however, is the Class of 1998 depth of OA involvement, particularly from Distinguished Service Award MATT W. DUKEMAN recipients, in the creation, promotion, National Director and execution of the NSHS – Class of 2004 beginning as early as the 2015 NOAC. Initial discussions regarding the idea of an OA-sponsored historian JOEY D. QUICK Jack Butler DSA ‘86, Matthew Dukeman DSA ‘04, Robert Mason DSA National Associate Director workshop weekend took place in ‘09, Jeff Morley DSA ‘20, Bill Topkis DSA ‘12, Bradley Taylor DSA ‘20, a meeting chaired by Ray Capp Tim Brown DSA ’15, and Billy Walley DSA ’83. KYLE M. PALMER DSA ‘73, who was very supportive Editor-in-Chief of further development. At the and Topkis successfully negotiated DSA recipients Ken Davis DSA Class of 2018 Summit Circle celebration in 2016, and reserved the first PTC session ‘77, Billy Walley DSA ‘83, Jack a sit-down meeting with Mike of 2019 for a historian summit. The Butler DSA ‘86, Nelson Block DSA MARTIN B. TSCHETTER Hoffman DSA ‘86 and Michael task force put together enough ‘94, Scott Smith DSA ‘96, Marty Editor Emeritus Thompson DSA ‘06 laid out basic preliminary information to hold an Tschetter DSA ‘96, Terrel Miller Class of 1996 ideas for a historian workshop and early rollout meeting for interested DSA ‘98, and Tico Perez DSA ‘04. the potential viability of such an Arrowmen at the 2018 NOAC. The National officersEric Harrison JEFFREY L. ST. CYR event. At Hoffman’s suggestion, response was tremendous and DSA ‘20, Sid Salazar DSA ‘20, and Layout Editor thinking shifted to using Philmont suddenly the task force found itself Brandon Stahl DSA ‘20 also served Class of 2012 as a possible venue for the first in the enviable position of having on the staff that grew to include 25 time. Thompson offered support reserved the venue, the dates, and additional members, almost all of ARTHUR F. ‘MAC’ MCLEAN and encouraged the use of the a larger-than-expected number of whom were Arrowmen. Associate Editor OA Recognition, Awards, History, sign-ups. All that was missing were With a venue second to none Class of 1988 and Preservation Subcommittee the details of the program – but and all the talent and planning in as a forum to keep key OA why nit-pick? place, the rest, as the saying goes, KYLE P. BRENDEL leaders apprised of the event’s Later in the fall of 2018, the task was history. To say the National Associate Editor development. force, now including Tim Brown Scouting Historian Summit would A preliminary task force, including DSA ‘15, met onsite at Philmont not have happened without the The Silver Arrowhead is distributed via Bill Topkis DSA ‘12 and Robert with Matt Dukeman DSA ‘04 and vision, effort, and support of the electronic communication to recipients Mason DSA ‘09, was established Dave Werhane, director of the Order of the Arrow would be a of the Order of the Arrow Distinguished to forge out possible topics and , to gross understatement. Our well- Service Award. Articles, photographs, and updates may be sent to content that might be included in view the facilities and help Tony known tradition of service, coupled [email protected]. a weekend historian workshop. It Steinhardt DSA ‘92 install his with our capable team, once again was determined the event was not newly-designed OA exhibit for demonstrated that the OA has to teach Scouting and OA history the grand opening of the National what it takes to develop new and per se, but to highlight techniques Scouting Museum. The preliminary innovative programming into the for accumulating, preserving, and task force soon became the national future. sharing history with others. This historian leadership committee distinction, while seemingly minor, including Kyle Palmer DSA ‘18 and Editor’s Note: Author Jeff became the guiding force in the Bradley Taylor DSA ‘20. Morley, ever-humble, neglected to creation of a new program never- Topkis (lead adviser) and I mention he was selected to receive before-seen in Scouting. (course director) busily assembled the DSA with the Class of 2020. In spring of 2018, an opportunity course subjects, teaching faculty, Congratulations, and thank you for opened at and an event staff that included your great efforts!

PAGE 2 THE SILVER ARROWHEAD MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

My Brothers, virtual meetings. The national OA committee is committed to helping lodges through these 2020 will no doubt be looked upon in tough times – You can find updates on our history as many things – defining, challenging, website at oa-bsa.org/coronavirus. economically harrowing, culturally explosive, COVID-19 notwithstanding, we are and physically exhausting. I, like many of you, not immune to the effects of dropping am caught up in all of these issues. The Order membership in Scouting or the ongoing of the Arrow is tackling the things that are bankruptcy. We are projecting a decrease in in our circle of influence, but there are some OA membership in 2020, but similar to our things that are not entirely in our control. previously mentioned efforts, we will do all in Out of an abundance of caution for the our power to innovate and thereby minimize physical and financial health of our members, our losses while adding new members. we made the tough decision to cancel the Late last year, with the financial situation 2020 National Order of the Arrow Conference. impacting Scouting, the BSA, by necessity We expect to hold NOAC in 2022 - The 2020 and for support of the national program, NOAC registration was approaching 7,000, so accessed OA Endowment funds to pay for Crew at Philmont, and later as the founder we know we will be successful in the future. In operating expenses. We will continue to and first editor of The Silver Arrowhead. Now, the wake of the NOAC cancellation, our youth update you on the impact of the bankruptcy as Marty begins his role as editor emeritus, a leaders shifted their focus to a smaller event on the OA Endowment in the near future. new editor-in-chief has been selected in his called “Momentum,” which was to be held at The bankruptcy continues to move forward, place, and I wish Kyle Palmer the best of luck the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. with a “bar date” established, letters sent to in this new endeavor. Because of the resilience of the pandemic, potential victims of abuse, and mediators I would never forget to congratulate the we ultimately had to make another tough assigned to the case. 2020 class of Distinguished Service Award decision to cancel “Momentum” and shift While the storm rages on, I remain an recipients, like those before you, you have once more to an entirely virtual event called optimist. I believe in the credo first espoused proven to be worthy, those who chose you “Momentum Launch,” which will include by Coleman Cox, “I’m a great believer in luck, now need you to lead! training, leadership engagement, and and I find the harder I work, the more I have Do your best to stay healthy and help us national updates. of it.” I have always believed we can harness as we pursue the mission of the Order of the To adapt and eventually emerge from the the power of our membership, guided by our Arrow. COVID-19 pandemic, the National Order of principles – Wimachtendienk, Wingolauchsik, the Arrow Committee developed a six-point Witahemui – to make a positive difference in In service, plan to assist lodges in the areas of induction, this world. program, training, and governance. Through I would be remiss if I neglected to thank this initiative, we placed an emphasis on Marty Tschetter for his great service as editor- innovative thinking within lodges. Our youth in-chief of The Silver Arrowhead over the Mike Hoffman leaders have been in constant contact with last thirteen years. Marty has always been a National Chairman their sections and lodges via phone calls and trailblazer, most prominently with the OA Trail Class of 1986

Youth historians and event staff at the 2019 National Scouting Historian Summit held at the Philmont Training Center. DSA recipients pictured include: left: Matthew Dukeman DSA ‘04, Robert Mason DSA ‘09, center: Brandon Stahl DSA ‘20, Eric Harrison DSA ‘20, Sid Salazar DSA ‘20, right: Bradley Taylor DSA ‘20.

THE ORDER OF THE ARROW PAGE 3 Craig Salazar DSA ‘94, Clint Takeshita DSA ‘92, and Scott Beckett DSA ‘96. Witnessing DSA

Jack Hess DSA ‘98, Joey Quick (National Associate Director and 2019 Leadership at the 2019 WSJ Program Staff Adviser), Andy Price (Scout Executive, Grand Can- yon Council), Mike Hoffman DSA ‘86, Matthew Parsons DSA ‘20, and World Scout Scott Beckett DSA ‘96. By SCOTT BECKETT amazing international Scouting to sign on as the WSJ’s director of in addition to serving as the 2019 CLASS OF 1996 event ever. In retrospect, all I can program (in BSA lingo, program national chief. tell you is that our “little twelve- chair). Honestly, I did not know Arrowmen of all backgrounds Life changing! Unbelievable! day campout” was an indescribable what I was getting into, but I knew made the jamboree magic happen Extraordinary! marvel of fellowship, enthusiasm, one thing – we were going to blow above and beyond what was Hosted in partnership between hope, humanity, and trust. the doors off the “same-old thing” expected. In program we made the United States, Canada, and Thank goodness for two and introduce the BSA and the the fun come alive like nowhere Mexico, more than 45,000 Scouts decades of planning NOACs and world to the next generation of else! Scouts united in literally and leaders from 156 countries , as this adventure was Scouting! millions of ways through the made last summer’s 24th World the granddaddy of them all. In Though I tell about it here, you amazing technology of Connected Scout Jamboree the largest, most Spring 2015, I got a call asking me could spend hours upon hours on Experience, and they soaked up all YouTube and Facebook viewing the the fun and excitement of Mt. Jack true magic that took place in West and our spectacular Adventure SOME DSAs SERVING AT THE Virginia last year, and you would areas. New ideas and learning be served far better than reading were unlocked throughout Centro 2019 my words on it. What those videos Mondial, Global Development will not show you, however, is the Village, and World Point, while Sam Aronson (2020), Tracy Atherton (2020), Joe Barton (1998), Ken Barton service rendered by dozens of DSA inspiration, unity, and sheer (2020), Scott Beckett (1996), Bob Black (2006), Steve Bradley (2002), David recipients at the highest levels of amazement were unleashed Briscoe (1988), John Brown (1994), Harry Bubeck (2015), Ray Capp (1973), WSJ leadership, BSA contingent through our three stadium shows. Andy Chapman (2004), Bill Chin (2012), Gary Christiansen (1981), Marc management, and as unit leaders Truly, the program team delivered Circus (2012), Nick Dannemiller (2015), Connor Desmond (2020), Darrell who made things happen. like no other. Donahue (2009), Matt Dukeman (2004), Joe Dworak (2012), Barry Ekle The list of DSAs at the WSJ is We in the Order understand the (2015), Noel Falcon (2015), Sean Ferrier (2015), Dwayne Fontenette (2012), pretty long (see left, apologies promise of Scouting. The words of Forrest Gertin (2018), Taylor Giles (2018), Brian Gray (2012), Chris Grove if we missed any). The fact that the admonition guide us in every (2006), Charlie Harbin (1988), Frank Harper (2012), Eric Harrison (2020), DSA recipients were so critical to day of our lives, and I can attest Jack Hess (1998), Jon Hobbs (2004), Terry Honan (2002), Tyler Inberg (2018), the success of the WSJ is likely that the same sentiment was at the Jeff Jonasen (2006), Hunter Jones (2018), David Joyner (2015), Brian Kasal no surprise to anyone – when heart of planning the World Scout (1981), Brandon Kelly (2020), Ryan King (2000), Al Lambert (2015), Mitch you need something done at Jamboree. To quote the Secretary Leonard (2020), Ed Lynes (2006), Patrick Mapp (2018), Preston Marquis the highest level of excellence, General of the World Organization (2015), Andy Martin (2009), Dan McCarthy (1998), Mac McLean (1988), you know who to call. To wit, the of Scouting Movements Ahmad Bryan Melonis (2020), Steve Miller (2015), Terrel Miller (1998), Ethan Mooney program senior leadership team Alhendawi, “for twelve days we (2020), Branden Morris (1996), Craig Ongley (2015), Matt Parsons (2020), Ian boasted four DSAs: Jeff Jonasen come together from every part of Romaine (2009), John Rotruck (1996), Travis Rubelee (2020), Sven Rundman DSA ‘06, Ed Lynes DSA ‘06, Col. the globe and we show the world (2018), Craig Salazar (1994), Sid Salazar (2020), Chris Schildknecht (2009), Andrew Martin DSA ‘09, and me. how it should be out there.” Truly, Dan Segersin (1975), Steve Silbiger (1988), Bob Sirhal (2000), Russell Smart At the next level down, the list of love one another. (2015), Justin St. Louis (2020), Jeff Stout (2012), Mike Surbaugh (2018), Clint DSAs involved grew to more than Serving in the role of director Takeshita (1992), Michael Thompson (2006), Kay Trick (2009), Ed Tudor 20. Moreover, my WSJ Aide-de- of program was the honor of a (2009), Scott Valcourt (1992), Matt Walker (1992), Matthew Watson (2018), Camp Matt Parsons DSA ‘20 will lifetime. I would not trade it for Ted Weiland (2018), Jake Wellman (2009), Rich Whitney (2020), Gary Williams receive the DSA this year, likely for anything, but looking back on it, (2020), Jason Wolz (2012), Mackie Zewalk (2012) having to endure that position, I’m sure happy it is over!

PAGE 4 THE SILVER ARROWHEAD GONE TO MEET THEIR MAKER Brad Haddock,

BRUCE A. MOORE C. HOYT HUNT Class of 1967 Class of 1986 a Lifetime of Leadership Eagle Scout Professional Scouter August 18, 2016 September 23, 2019 By BILLY WALLEY CLASS OF 1983 KENNETH A. PETERSON, SR. JAMES B. LAYCOOK Class of 1998 Class of 1992 When I think of a lifetime of Silver Antelope Silver Antelope service to the Order of the Arrow, November 23, 2017 October 24, 2019 the first name that comes to mind is my longtime friend Bradley E. Haddock. Brad was heavily involved C. D. “DAVE” RANNEY DELBERT W. LODER Class of 1983 Class of 1975 with the BSA, serving in various Silver Beaver Eagle Scout, Silver Antelope leadership roles throughout his life. February 15, 2018 November 10, 2019 In his youth, Brad was an Eagle Scout, a Vigil Honor Member, and would serve as both lodge and GORDON A. KNAPP W. WORTH WHARTON, JR. Brad Haddock, Class of 1977 Class of 1990 Class of 1992 section chief before being elected Silver Beaver Silver Beaver national chief at the December was recognized with the Silver August 17, 2018 December 5, 2019 1974 National Planning Meeting. Buffalo Award, Distinguished Brad would later re-join the Eagle Scout Award, Silver Antelope national OA committee as an Award, and the Silver Beaver A. J. STANOVICH SEAN A. OLDROYD Class of 1969 Class of 1994 adult, and ultimately serve Award. In the Order of the Arrow, Silver Beaver Eagle Scout as its chairman from 2000 to Brad was honored with the Lifetime August 23, 2018 January 4, 2020 2009. As chairman, Brad led the Achievement Award, Distinguished ArrowCorps5 project, which was the Service Award, Founder’s Award, largest single service project ever and Vigil Honor. For his pinnacle ROBERT C. GRIFFIN, JR. WILLIAM J. “DOC” ROONEY 5 Class of 1969 Class of 1990 provided by the BSA. The project achievement of ArrowCorps , Brad Silver Beaver Silver Beaver was conducted in five national was recognized with the Hornaday October 28, 2018 January 18, 2020 forests resulting in 280,000 hours Gold Badge. of service worth $5.6 million. Brad Brad was an unselfish individual is the only person in the history and was the driving force to lead JEFFERY BEVAN, SR. JAMES W. CLOUGH Class of 1979 Class of 1981 of the OA to both be elected as the OA into servant leadership. His 5 Silver Beaver Eagle Scout, Silver Beaver national chief and later become leadership in ArrowCorps changed November 16, 2018 January 22, 2020 the volunteer chairman of the the direction of our program. His national OA committee. sage advice and wisdom will be For his extensive service, Brad missed by all of us. THOMAS D. SLAUGHTER Class of 2002 Silver Beaver March 9, 2019 Del Loder, a National Treasure Del’s journey in the OA began important to serve. In August BRADLEY E. HADDOCK in May of 1948, when he met E. of 1974, Del was appointed to Class of 1977 Urner Goodman for the first time serve as a member of the national Eagle Scout, Silver Buffalo at the National Annual Meeting OA committee. At his first April 1, 2019 in Seattle. Del was anxious to talk meeting, Del was asked to serve to him about how he went about as chairman of the ceremonies LAWRENCE A. “LARRY” RUH planning the first national Scout committee, which was the area of Class of 1992 jamboree, originally scheduled most interest to him. Eagle Scout, Silver Beaver for 1935. Dr. Goodman asked Del For 65 years Del served the May 5, 2019 what he knew about the Order OA with steadfast commitment of the Arrow. He then walked to the youth of our organization. WILLIAM F. DOWNS Del through the Ordeal and At every event he attended, Class of 1977 Del Loder, Class of 1975 Brotherhood process, including Del would always encourage or Eagle Scout, Professional Scouter Dr. Goodman’s own Vigil at the inspire the youth present with his July 19, 2019 By TOBY CAPPS Devil’s Tea Table. Decades later, stories. CLASS OF 2009 Del and I visited the Devil’s Tea On November 10, 2019, not KERRY R. MOLIN Table, which remains the only long after celebrating his 91st Class of 1990 On September 19, 1928, Del Loder time I’ve ever seen Del cry! birthday, Del took his last breath Eagle Scout, Silver Antelope was born in Seattle, Washington. He Del was elected into the OA on this earth, surrounded by August 9, 2019 was taken home to a house built by as a Scoutmaster in 1954, thus longtime Scouting friends. I am his father, where he lived for the next beginning a lifetime of service to extremely confident that the next THOMAS S. PALLONE 88 years. Del has impacted countless this great organization. For the voice that Del heard said, “Well Class of 1977 lives in the Order of the Arrow, and next 20 years Del served in many done, good and faithful servant!” Eagle Scout will always be remembered as a roles within the Chief Seattle Until we meet again, Del, thank August 23, 2019 national treasure. Council, where he felt it was most you!

THE ORDER OF THE ARROW PAGE 5 Congratulations to the 2020 Distinguished Service Award Recipients Dear 2020 Distinguished Arrowmen,

We are honored to be some of the first to congratulate you on your monumental accomplishment. You join a select group of individuals who have made lasting impacts on the Order of the Arrow.

In these critical moments, your unwavering commitment to servant leadership provides a beacon of light for all to see. We are saddened that we cannot join together this summer to provide the recognition you so rightly deserve, but we look forward to celebrating your accomplishments with you in the future. Although we may find ourselves physically distant at the present moment, your example is still seen by tens of thousands of inspired Arrowmen across more than 250 lodges. Zach Schonfeld These unprecedented times require unprecedented leaders. Your talent, determination, and tenacity are needed more than ever as we advance our organization closer to a thriving future. You have already demonstrated your ability to persevere no matter the obstacle. This recognition is a milestone, not an endpoint.

Each of us can reflect on the mentors we have found along our leadership journeys. Many of you have even Noah Smith served as mentors to us personally. Every Arrowman deserves a positive influence who can guide them to reach higher than they ever thought possible, and we challenge you to rise to the occasion and serve as that mentor to those who will come after us. Reach out to a lodge chief or a chapter committee chair and offer your support to him or her as a true brother. Believe in their abilities so they can find the courage to believe in themselves.

Above all, push forward to ensure the Order of the Arrow remains relevant and changes the lives of all who we serve. Congratulations on your selection and thank you for serving as the true example of distinguished leadership.

Looking toward the future,

Zach Schonfeld Noah Smith 2020 National Chief 2020 National Vice Chief

PAGE 6 THE SILVER ARROWHEAD Sean M. Alewine Samuel J. Aronson

Tracy P. Atherton James A. Barton

Kenneth E. Barton III Jeremy D. Bedient Chadd M. Blanchard Travis B. Broadhurst

Shane M. Calendine Zachary W. Callicutt James G. Castanzo Carroll W. “Will” Coots

Charles G. Coutteau Christopher M. Craig Connor R. Desmond

THE ORDER OF THE ARROW PAGE 7 Nina C. Dukes John A. Gasink Susan B. “Sue” Hampton Benjamin L. Harper

Eric S. Harrison Mitchell J. Heisler Nicholas T. Hessler David P. James

Jordan D. Jefferis Anthony D. Johnson Eric B. “Brandon” Kelly Robert G. Kennerly, Jr.

Michael T. Kipp Shawn M. Knight Mitchell R. Leonard Tanner P. Maris

Bryan A. Melonis Collin D. Metscher Michael K. Minnis

PAGE 8 THE SILVER ARROWHEAD Ethan A. Mooney Jeffrey J. Morley Trinidad Munoz

Ryan D. Palmer Matthew L. Parsons Anthony T. Peluso Christopher C. Phillips

Brett A. Randall Travis M. Rubelee Sidney J. Salazar Tracy M. Schultze

Eric J. Silva Justin D. St. Louis Brandon R. Stahl Nathanael A. “Nate” Steele

Bradley G. Taylor Richard A. Todd Richard A. Whitney Gary D. Williams

THE ORDER OF THE ARROW PAGE 9 ARROWMEN SERVING SCOUTING By KYLE BRENDEL AND THEIR COMMUNITY OA DIGITAL ARCHIVIST

National Committeeman DARRELL DONAHUE DSA ‘09 was named dean of WVU’s Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design. At the 33rd Midsouth Emmy Awards, NICK OCHSNER DSA ‘12 received an Emmy for best investigative report. SCOTT BECKETT DSA ‘96 was recognized by Sigma Chi Fraternity as one of its 2020 Significant Sig Award recipients. Given for high levels of professional success, less than 1,800 have been given since the award was created in 1935. Beckett served as 1994 national chief and is a partner at Insigniam. was recognized with a 2020 Darrell Donahue Nick Ochsner Scott Beckett SPENCER LONG DSA ‘12 Merit Key Award, the second highest award bestowed by the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Long serves as director of student leadership and civic engagement at the University of Illinois at Chicago. FRANK STURGES DSA ‘09 recently graduated from Harvard Law School, where he served as editor-in-chief of the Harvard Environmental Law Review. This fall, Sturges will begin as an attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council. For extraordinary professional accomplishment, MIKE HOFFMAN DSA ‘86 was bestowed NESA’s highest recognition, the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. Hoffman, who serves as president of Arizona Benefit Plans, Inc., is the fifth national OA chairman to be bestowed this honor. Spencer Long Frank Sturges Mike Hoffman PRESTON MARQUIS DSA ‘15 was recognized with NESA’s regional equivalent, the NESA Outstanding Eagle Scout Award. Distinguished Arrowmen were recognized for their years of dedicated service to the with the organization’s highest award, the . 2019 recipients included DAN SEGERSIN DSA ‘75 and KAY TRICK DSA ‘09. 2020 recipients were TOM BAIN DSA ‘06, SCOTT BECKETT DSA ‘96, MICHAEL THOMPSON DSA ‘06, and BILLY WALLEY DSA ‘83. Each of these recipients have in common numerous years of service on the national OA committee. Segersin, Bain, Beckett, Thompson, and Walley have served Dan Segersin Kay Trick Tom Bain as national vice chairmen, while Trick is the only woman to have received both the Distinguished Service Award and the Silver Buffalo Award. GREGORY NYGREN DSA ‘12 received the in 2019, while ANDY CHAPMAN DSA ‘04 and JOSEPH SHORE DSA ‘00 were so recognized in 2020. For his dedication to the program, BOB SIRHAL DSA ‘00 was named a 2020 recipient of the National Venturing Leadership Award. Arrowmen proved themselves valuable Scouting alumni. IAN ROMAINE DSA ‘09 was recognized as the 2019 Southern Region Alumnus of the Year and RUSSELL SMART DSA ‘15 was named the 2020 National Alumnus of the Year. Michael Thompson Billy Walley Gregory Nygren DAN FEE DSA ‘90 of Quivira Council, JOSEPH GARCIA DSA ‘12 of San Diego-Imperial Council, MICHAEL KIRBY DSA ‘09 of Blue Ridge Council, and EDGAR LABENNE DSA ‘98 of Far East Council each received the from their council in 2019 for distinguished service to youth. The Mack T. Ruffin III OA Lodge Leadership Training Center was dedicated on September 14, 2019 in honor of MACK RUFFIN DSA ‘88. Andy Chapman Joseph Shore Bob Sirhal Russell Smart Camp Strake is a new camp being built in the Sam Houston Area Council. The large peninsula that juts into the property’s lake will be named Nelson’s Point in recognition of the 32 years that NELSON BLOCK DSA ‘94 has served as council attorney. In 2019, SCOTT SMITH DSA ‘96 became SR-7A section adviser. In 2020, ED LYNES DSA ‘06 became president of the Garden State Council and GLENN AULT DSA ‘88 became western Nelson Block Scott Smith Ed Lynes Glenn Ault region president.

PAGE 10 THE SILVER ARROWHEAD Preston Marquis DSA ‘15 (center) with family and Scouting friends.

Mack T. Ruffin III DSA ‘88 Kevin LaBenne, Gigi LaBenne, Edgar LaBenne DSA ‘98, Jay LaBenne

Sherry McGugin, Gail Plucker, Ian Romaine DSA ‘09 Candace Kirby, Michael Kirby DSA ‘09

Brad Haddock DSA ‘77, Dan Fee DSA ’90 Joseph Garcia DSA ‘12, Derek Hartley, Al Garcia

THE ORDER OF THE ARROW PAGE 11 Rotruck displays Leadership in Service achieve mission success. Scouting ROTRUCK, CONT’D FROM PAGE 1 teaches us to treat everyone with talent of Rotruck’s to organize and dignity and respect regardless delegate effectively and efficiently of any group or demographic – He certainly never wanted to to which they may belong, and waste time! For his service, Rotruck that has been a cornerstone of received the Distinguished Service my philosophy as a commanding Award in 1996, the same year he officer. In an organization where would graduate medical school each member treats all others and begin his service in the U.S. with dignity and respect, it’s not Navy. possible to have discrimination or In preparation for this article, we sexual harassment of any sort. I’ve asked Rotruck a series of questions. asked my crew on the Mercy to role When asked which Scouting model that behavior in both their and OA values he found most professional and personal lives, just Captain John Rotruck, and Mike Gray DSA ‘15. important to his service, his answer as all of our Scouts do.” really stood out. We have included One common trait of those who John Rotruck is our most recent, Medical Treatment Facility, he served it here, unedited: wear the silver arrowhead is that, relevant, example. He has made us as Chief of Staff at Walter Reed “Servant leadership has been beyond distinguishing themselves all proud. National Military Medical Center fundamental to my own style of within Scouting and the Order of in Bethesda, Maryland. At the time leading others. By taking care of the Arrow, they often show the John Rotruck is an Eagle Scout of the writing of this article he was my people, I have always found same exceptional leadership and (1987). Prior to serving as the already headed to his next mission in that they are uniquely motivated to service in their daily lives. Capt. commanding officer of the Mercy Okinawa. OA Trail Crew expands to OA High Adventure DSA ‘96, who previously worked to share his profound experience the largest service project by the 25 YEARS, CONT’D FROM PAGE 1 in the conservation department and encouraged the extension of Boy Scouts of America since World meeting with Alline was my at Philmont. At the National the program for another summer. War II. opportunity to explain how we Planning Meeting, only four youth The personal plea from a young All four OA High Adventure could bring this idea to life. At the Arrowmen expressed interest in Arrowman attested the impact that programs bring to life the tenets of time, I had already worked seven developing the core components OA Trail Crew could have on our our Order. Brotherhood is captured summers at Philmont, including of the program. Section Chief national program. through comradery. Cheerfulness as an associate chief in the Seth Brown DSA ‘96 from North A handful of early OATC comes to life through a positive largest department, and Edwards Carolina became the youth participants played an integral attitude. Service is provided had four summers under his belt. program chairman and served in role in developing the Wilderness through tangible projects. Between us, we knew the Philmont the field as a foreman that first Voyage at Northern Tier. Later, the As our first summer drew to operation inside and out. summer. Outgoing National Chief OA Ocean Adventure at Florida a close, Hazlehurst, Alline, and I At the heart of our idea was the Scott Beckett DSA ‘96 also served Sea Base and the OA Summit went fly fishing at Cathedral Rock best of what the ranch provided – as a foreman. Beckett, Brown, Experience at Bechtel Scout Reservoir at Philmont. We found . Mother Nature Edwards, Hazlehurst, and I were Reservation would also form. In ourselves caught in an afternoon in the Sangre de Cristo range heavily involved in our lodge and 2008, ArrowCorps5 served as a thunderstorm and took cover in a of the Rocky Mountains proved council programs. We accepted pinnacle achievement of OA High grove of ponderosa pine trees. We unforgiving. Long, arduous days the challenge to prove that an Adventure programs. Arrowmen laughed as we regaled stories that marred by unpredictable weather innovative outdoor education working at five U.S. National Forests took place just weeks earlier and coupled with learning to work with program for our Order was a great provided meaningful service in then hugged each other in an act people from all over the United fit for Philmont, the national high Missouri, Utah, Virginia, California, of brotherhood and admiration for States presented mental, physical, adventure flagship for the Boy and Wyoming. ArrowCorps5 became a very successful first summer. and spiritual challenges – but also Scouts of America. an opportunity. Edwards and I We had nine sessions at our spent considerable time ahead of inaugural summer in 1995. We the meeting with Alline thinking originally anticipated 285 youth to through the framework we would attend, but ended up with only 132 pitch. Beyond building a new hiking participants from 33 states - Ohio trail and a free trek, we proposed sent the most with 17 attendees. an innovative program, the likes of Although our numbers that first which no participant had ever seen. summer were few, our impact was As you might have guessed, the deep. Only a few sessions into the meeting with Alline was successful. summer, our participant feedback By early December I became was overwhelmingly positive. After the director and had the going through the program, at least opportunity to select key leaders one participant took the initiative that included Greg Hazlehurst to write a personal letter to Pease The 1995 Order of the Arrow Conservation Staff.

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