Tomahawk SepOct11

Tomahawk Potomac District Royal Rangers  News and Information for Royal Ranger Leaders  September-October 2011

Potomac Rodeo District Pow Wow in Review Page 4

District Staff Welcomes New Members Page 7

Record Turnout for Junior Training Camps Page 9

Tribute to Marty Heffner Page 8

Consider “Blended” First Aid Training

Potomac District Chartering on Upswing

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POTOMAC DISTRICT ROYAL RANGERS

“Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble … But as for me, I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ’You are my God’.”

www.potomacrangers.org

Royal Rangers is a principal ministry of the Assemblies of God focused on discipling boys for Jesus Christ. We provide Christ-like character formation and servant leadership development for boys and young men in a highly relational and fun environment. Our mission is to evangelize, equip and empower the next generation of Christ-like men and lifelong servant leaders.

Psalm 31: 9, 14

The Potomac District administrative region of the General Council of the Assemblies of God takes in Washington, D.C., Maryland, most of Virginia and northern West Virginia.

Over 100 churches throughout this region currently provide Royal Ranger ministry to more than 2,500 boys and young men. We use many tools to achieve that goal whether it be camping, merits or interactive skills, all designed to help develop a boy into a man while having fun and getting to know God. We want to develop both men and boys in mentoring relationships and leadership skills, and guide them to Jesus Christ. We reach boys, so they may reach another in their world.

See it now @

www.potomacrangers.org

FCF Fall Trace Now’s the time to gear up for Blue Ridge Chapter’s annual Fall Trace for members of the Frontiersman Camping Fellowship. Download your copy of the registration package for the full schedule of events and details you won’t want to miss!

GMA Materials

RRA Application

Important information related to the Gold Medal of Achievement is readily available to Ranger leaders who are working with boys in their outpost to reach this important milestone. Download the Commander’s Instruction Packet and GMA Christian Service Project guidelines to ensure Rangers satisfy all application requirements for the Gold

Application for membership in the Royal Rangers Alumni is available at www.potomac rangers.org. Print and complete your application to mail in to the Potomac District office to start your membership today. There’s plenty to do in Royal Ranger ministry, and a “seasoned” hand is sometimes just the right touch.

COVER PHOTO: A Ranger hangs on to see if he can go the distance on a feisty mechanical bull ride during the 2011 “Potomac Rodeo” District Pow Wow. Photo by Greg Jones

tomahawk Potomac District Commander Rev. Bobby Basham Outreach/Publications Coordinator Newsletter Editor Gary Wagner The Tomahawk newsletter is published bimonthly as a means of communicating news and information to Royal Ranger leaders throughout the Potomac District. Sectional staffs and outposts are invited to submit articles and photographs that feature activities of Royal Ranger ministries on a local level, or to share ideas and successes. Email material to garywagner54@aol.com. Please submit photos as separate jpg image files.

The Tomahawk is distributed via email as an electronic publication. Email address corrections, or requests to be added to the distribution list, should be forwarded to Potomac District executive secretary Denise Raduano at potomacmm@msn.com.

Royal Rangers Emblem © 1962 by the national Royal Rangers Office, The General Council of the Assemblies of God; Springfield, Mo. 65802. The Royal Rangers Emblem may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronically, mechanically, photocopies, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission from the national Royal Rangers Office.

Potomac District Royal Rangers on Facebook www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=43063294240

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DIRECTOR’S MEMO

Supporting Churches, Businesses & Individuals Special thanks to our Supporting Churches, Sections, Businesses and Individuals. Your generosity enables further enhancements to this ministry. Anyone wishing to join our group of supporters may request an application from the Potomac District Royal Ranger office, email potomacmm@msn.com.

SILVER MEMBERS Rev. Bobby Basham

Cross Junction, Va.

GOLD MEMBERS Projects Unlimited - Gary Groves Tracy Groves

Eldersburg, Md. Eldersburg, Md.

SUPPORTING CHURCHES Outpost 2 Outpost 6 Outpost 9 Outpost 18 Outpost 27 Outpost 46 Outpost 47 Outpost 49 Outpost 60 Outpost 64 Outpost 81 Outpost 82 Outpost 89 Outpost 100 Outpost 124 Outpost 152 Outpost 186 Outpost 215 Outpost 232 Outpost 240 Outpost 277

Trinity Assembly of God Pasadena Assembly of God Calvary Assembly of God Eastern Assembly of God Glad Tidings Church Bethel Assembly of God Trinity Assembly of God Centerpointe Church at Fair Oaks Manassas Assembly of God First Assembly of God Trinity Assembly of God Hayfield Assembly of God Bethel Assembly of God Hancock Assembly of God Julilee Christian Center Lighthouse Worship Center Hazel River Assembly of God River of Life Assembly of God First Assembly of God Living Word Community Church Ocean City Worship Center

Lanham, Md. Pasadena, Md. Frederick, Md. Baltimore, Md. Norfolk, Va. Savage,Md. Lutherville,Md. Fairfax, Va. Bristow, Va. Elkton, Md. Fairmont, W.Va. Gore, Va. Martinsburg, W.Va. Hancock, Md. Fairfax, Va. Hayes, Va. Rixeyville, Va. Spotsylvania, Va. Harrisonburg, Va. Mechanicsville, Md. Berlin, Md.

INDIVIDUAL DONORS Don & Sara Frey Homer Kitchen Gary & Faye Groves Phil Georg Rev. McGraw

Falling Waters, W.Va. Gerrardstown, W.Va. Eldersburg, Md. Brunswick, Md.

Rodeo Recollections

By Rev. Bobby Basham District Commander

I

hope you were able to make our Potomac Rodeo. It was a terrific Pow Wow with lots to laugh about. I want to thank our Pow Wow Coordinator and Deputy Commander Tracy Groves and his team for a excellent job and helping us to laugh and to enjoy living for Jesus!

Just for the record, I did out ride the executive team on the bull, but I have to admit – the pig whipped us!

Just so you know, I didn’t even know I would be getting up close and personal with this creature.

From our special guests, to the events and the evening services, even though it rained for the first time in many years in the evening, God showed up and touched all of our lives and reminded us, He is coming back. The events of this past week in August with the earthquake and hurricane should remind us, the Earth awaits for the coming King and I hope you do, too.

Everyone worked so hard — the executive and district staff and many sectional staff members, Ranger leaders and even dads —to help make our Pow Wow all that it was. But it is now history with hopefully great memories.

I have been asked , ―How do we top off this past year’s event?‖ Well, I have great trust in our Pow Wow team that next year will be just as great and I know they will try to outdo themselves again. Next year we will be celebrating 50 years of Royal Rangers and the world will be focusing in on the 2012 Olympics.

So we have thought it through and will be doing our very own Potomac Olympic Games, and I am sure with a ―twist.‖ We will be also working on making this a very memorable Pow Wow with a look back and then with a look ahead of what God is still doing through this great ministry. As you think about it , pray for us, the executive staff, as we plan and prepare for 2012 Pow Wow. On a final note, chartering season is here and please make sure you are making plans for next year’s Camporama in Eagle Rock, Missouri.

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Potomac Rodeo

Photos by Greg Jones & Gary Wagner

2011 District Pow Wow in Review

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Potomac Rodeo 2011 District Pow Wow in Review

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Potomac Rodeo 2011 District Pow Wow in Review

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Potomac District Executive Staff welcomes new members

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Isaac is active in other minishe Potomac District executries at his church, where he plays tive staff approved three keyboard for his church’s worship new members earlier this team each Sunday. He’s also inyear with the goal of providing volved in the church youth group leadership training and developand serves with the youth worship ment opportunities at the district band. level for young men serving with As a 10th grade high school stuRoyal Rangers. dent, Isaac is currently ranked Christopher Basham of Stevens eighth out of 433 students in his City, Va., was welcomed to a new class for academics at Huntingposition as assistant productions town School. He is active in the coordinator. Chris currently atschool’s choral program. In additends Hayfield Assembly of God and serves as the Discovery Ranger group commander with Outpost 82.

First involved with Rangers as a Buckaroo, Chris graduated from high school in 2009 and is currently enrolled at Lord Fairfax Community College.

When he’s not on the job at Sheetz, Chris’ hobbies and interests include computers and ―the occasional video game.‖ Chris Basham Isaac Brannon He also serves in his tion to performing with his high church as media director and school choir, Isaac has also peryouth leader. As a junior aide de formed in three Maryland Allcamp, his goal is ―to assist the disState choirs, as well as several othtrict staff in any capacity that I er tri-county and Calvert County can,‖ says Chris. honor choirs.

Isaac Brannon from Chesapeake Among his other special interBeach, Md., was added to the execests and hobbies, Isaac includes utive staff as a new junior aide de camping, biking, kayaking, backcamp. packing and snowboarding.

Isaac has been active in Royal ―As a junior aide de camp, I Rangers for nine years, starting as hope to serve the Potomac District a Straight Arrow and currently in in any way possible by providing his second year as an Expedition support and assistance through Ranger. whatever tasks I receive,‖ comHe and his family attend Full ments Isaac.

Gospel Assembly of God in Prince ―I hope to set a good example Frederick, Md. As a member of for my fellow Rangers to follow, Royal Ranger Outpost 74, Isaac and to inspire other boys to pursue currently serves as the outpost’s their GMAs and strive to be leadsenior guide, and just recently ers in their churches, outposts, started working as a junior comschools and communities,‖ he mander to assist the Adventure adds.

Rangers in their skill merits.

An appointment as an additional junior aide de camp was approved for Dale Eger, a member of Outpost 6 at Pasadena Assembly of God in Pasadena, Md. A Royal Ranger since age five, Dale is currently an Expedition Ranger and occasionally assists in leadership with his outpost’s Adventure Ranger group.

A resident of Severn, Md., Dale graduated from high school in March and is currently employed

Dale Eger with Mike Cocolin and Son Plumbing as a Maryland state plumbing apprentice.

Apart from Royal Rangers, Dale enjoys hunting and just shooting his bow for fun. But his passion, he says, is for missions. ―I love and have a heart for missions. I have been on six missions trips and loved everyone and will continue going on them as long as I am capable to do so,‖ explains Dale.

As a junior aide de camp, Dale said his purpose will be ―to give an insight to staff from a boy who has grown up in Royal Rangers.‖ His intent, he adds, is to fulfill his oath as a Gold Medalist, ―to give back more to Royal Rangers than all it has ever given to me.‖

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IN MEMORY

Remembering Marty Heffner

A few moments during the Saturday evening service at Potomac District Pow Wow were set aside for reflection on the recent loss of one of the district’s most devoted and accomplished Ranger leaders. The following is excerpted from the tribute shared by former district commander Rev. Dan Harlan.

By Rev. Dan Harlan

B

orn in Baltimore March 31, 1954, Marty Heffner went to be with the Lord on June 25 suddenly and unexpectedly after swimming with some friends.

The unexpected loss of a loved one or friend is news that is difficult to understand. We struggle to make sense of things that are beyond our thought or comprehension. We ask the unknowable such as why or how or for what reason.

In truth, only God knows, and in that we must be content although sorrowful.

Our loss leaves a vacuum that will in most ways never be filled.

How do you in just a few short moments sum up a person’s life and their impact? Marty was many things to different people, but to me he was a life-long friend that few ever have, and one that cannot be replaced.

I first met Marty in 1980 some 31 years ago working with Royal Rangers when we realized our common interest in the outdoors.

The miles travelled, the mountain top campsites and the waterways provided just the place where we cultivated a relationship and friendship built on trust, faith and mutual appreciation for each other.

Countless are the stories about our adventures or in some cases misadventures. The blood, sweat, tears and blisters that we experienced were but small prices to pay for such a rich and rewarding friendship that we shared.

Despite Marty, well, just being Marty, he was an intelligent, articulate man with a technical mind that could dissect a problem or present a point of view that could stop you in your tracks. Marty was brutally honest and strived to live his life with integrity. In my opinion, he succeeded.

He was a mentor to many young men and boys that needed guidance. He didn’t mind spending the time; he was a patient man.

He would take old and broken down computers, re-build them often at his own expense, and donate them to those in need.

Marty was insightful and, yes, told really corny jokes. Those will be missed. Few knew this, but he could throw a mean horseshoe. He was a fun-loving man who loved to play and carry on with the kids he mentored.

Marty above all else was a true friend. My father often told me that a man was truly blessed if he had just a few friends that you could really count on when all others faded. Marty was just that sort.

Above all, he demonstrated faith and loved working to help those that needed a boost. Often on backpacking trips, he stayed behind to help the slower kids needing encouragement.

SEE MEMORY ON PAGE 11

Eric Pixler

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ric Pixler, 37, passed away unexpectedly on June 10.

Eric was serving as the Ranger Kids leader for Outpost 10 at Calvary Assembly of God in Hampton, Va. He is survived by his wife of 11 years, April, and their four children.

Born in New London, Conn., Eric had been a Hampton resident for several years. Eric served in the U.S. Navy from 1992 to 2007. He currently was working for Phelps Landscaping Service and Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions, both in Hampton.

The family wishes expressions of sympathy to please take the form of contributions to the Eric C. Pixler Memorial Fund, c/o Calvary Assembly of God, 1380 N. Mallory St., Hampton, Va. 23663.

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JUNIOR LEADERSHIP TRAINING CAMP

District Cmdr. Bobby Basham instructs JTC students in rope craft during this summer’s training camp.

Junior Training Camps Draw Record Turnout

By Bob Blessing Junior Training Coordinator

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nother successful Junior Leadership Training Academy (JLTA) was held at Camp Saffran August 7-10. This year the Potomac District boys came out strong with a record attendance of 54 boys in the Junior Leadership Training Camp (JL), 17 in Junior Survival Camp (JSC) and 11 in the Advanced Junior Leadership Training Camp (AJ).

At told, 83 boys in the Potomac District worked in the Ranger Way learning new skills and taking another step towards earning their saber.

We experienced hot weather with an occasional downburst of rain. Everyone weathered the storms quite well. During the council fire services, God moved in a mighty way with one baptism in the Holy Spirit, three healings, 16 rededications and three who strengthened their walk with God. Competition between the patrols was a fun thing to watch. JL’s

Mighty Mice, Bucking Broncos, Powerful Pythons, Blazing Eagles, Mighty Tweety Birds and Raging Tigers, JSC’s Vicious Vipers and Faithful Falcons, and the AJ Majestic Mastodons and Leaping Leopards — each patrol exhibited their own patrol song and yell much to the enjoyment of the 19 staff members and the seven junior staff members.

Staff members included Bob Blessing, Homer Kitchen, Rev. Bobby Basham, Bill Chestnut, Craig Powis, Tyler Mazer, Paul Eley, Paul Douglas, Warren Bills, Wade Thorp, Rick Powers, Mark Brannon, Lynn Whitely, Chris Basham, Stuart Fluke, Randy Finke, Brian Isom, Marvin Boswell and Jim Harris.

Junior staff members were Dale Eger, Fitz Morse, Matt Bibby, Daniel Garner, Trevor Britt, Andrew Fluke and Ben Fluke.

Congratulations and well done to all the Rangers who attended this year’s JLTA. Graduates are listed below by the camps they attended.

John Aldrich Alex Hertless Kyler Kerns Cameron Haddock Martin Simpkins Samuel Bryant John Simpkins Andrew Lewis Ronald Forman Chisholm Willhelm Luke McQuay Micah Nissly Matthew Finke Eric Kennedy Justin Welch David Gears Peter Stauffer Nathan Sanchez Coale Davidson Trevor Hayes Peter Kim Bryan Sibell John Henderson Victor Dixon Paul Eley Jr Aaron Cucina Isaiah Padgett Dillon Aldrich Jon Chestnut Dalton Kerns Hunter Lidke Jacob Rush John Chevere David Hannold Chase Isom Joshua Schucki Louis Tennent Joshua Simpson Ryan Whitely Justin Wilson Caleb Richters Richie Allgood Ben Henderson Jacob Disque Robert Kimball Aaron Bohot Jason Eastabrook Taylor Bradshaw Danny Sibell Benjamin Hudson Trae Miller Jonathan Cross Daniel Jarrell Devin Cook ADVANCED JUNIOR LEADERSHIP TRAINING CAMP Seyi Olusina Jacob Giesing Nicholas Miller Isaac Brannon Daniel Coleman Eddie Brown

David Boswell Marcus Ramsey Adrian Bills Robert Hertless William Staub

JUNIOR SURVIVAL CAMP Joe Johnson Nicholas Powers Ian Johnson Glenn Hannold Jessie Diamond Steve Maobekeub Camden Schulz Paromi Karlo Caleb Hamilton Dominic Powers Thomas Horton Caleb Brannon Keiron Fontaine Steven Louissaint Cedric Schulz Austin Pratscher Kitawan Karlo

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The Powder Keg NEWS FOR & ABOUT FRONTIERSMEN CAMPING FELLOWSHIP MEMBERS

President’s Greeting

National FCF President to Speak at Territorial Rendezvous

By Bill “Red Paddle” Chestnut

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am happy to say we had another successful ―Great Adventure‖ this year at the start of Pow Wow. We had 28 new greenhorns complete their Great Adventure. One of the things that makes this group special is that 25 of the 28 are young bucks.

This is another example of the Blue Ridge Chapter at its best.

Thanks to everyone for all their hard work. It’s the excellence and enthusiasm of the membership

that has made us such a desirable group of which to be a part.

Let's get their time in the Blue Ridge Chapter started off right.

Not only should we make every effort to provide them with an ex-

Slow roasting a pig over an open fire in Pow Wow’s FCF village.

citing and memorable Fall Trace let's try to give every one of the new members a chance to experience a Territorial Rendezvous.

The Rendezvous will be held Oct. 7 – 9 at Honey Grove, Pa. With fellow FCFers from all over the northeast, it will be a good time of fellowship, challenging competitions, and an opportunity to hear what God has laid on the heart of our National President, Paul ―Grey Owl‖ Walters.

God Bless and have a safe trip to the Trace. See you there!

Blue Ridge Chapter’s Newest Members

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elcome to the newest members of the Blue Ridge Chapter. Those named here successfully completed their Great Adventure at the 2011 Potomac District Pow Wow. Kolin Johnson Nathan Sanchez Mathew Finke Danny Sibell Bryan Sibell Micah Nissley Elijah Enriquez Joel Metzger Daniel Jarrell Jonathan Cross Jack Wood Stephen Mckee Daniel Coleman Bill Bassett Jr.

Ryan Gardiner Charlie Hinkle Cameron Haddock Trae Miller Micah Kidd Samuel Bryant Greg Barr Joseph Johnson Bill Bassett Sr. Kenny Hinkle Jarod Mazer Ethan Lucky Nicholas Miller Eric Kennedy

Rangers listen intently during one of the Great Adventure instruction sessions for new FCF greenhorns during District Pow Wow.

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Pictured at the outdoor sign for the Norfolk Juvenile Detention Center are (l. to r.) the author, Tidewater South Sectional Cmdr.

Roger Riendeau and Cmdr. Frank Timmons.

hot sun. A story about a street evangelist laying down his life to bring the gospel to someone bound up in rebellion and sin was shared, and the inmates were encouraged to turn to their “dads” for prayer. Thirteen boys and four girls received Jesus Christ as Savior.

Most of these kids had never attended a cookout before: many of these men had never led anyone to Christ before. Bibles and devotional materials were distributed, and many hugs were shared.

They played games in the exercise yard, had a tug-of-war that seemed to go on forever, and laughed till they were exhausted. A common bond in the Savior was found that day, and few will forget it. Many of the men said they would like to return to minister here again.

The gospel was proclaimed, souls were added to the Kingdom of God, and believers were encouraged in their faith. All in all, it was a very successful event.

Royal Rangers Host Father-Son Cookout at Norfolk Juvenile Detention Center

By Cmdr. Glenn Sorrentino Outpost 158

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n Saturday, July 2, 22 men met in the foyer at Norfolk Juvenile Detention Center.

Their main objective: to invade the lives of the boys detained there.

The plan was to have each man “adopt” two of the boys and spend the day with them, playing games, eating hot dogs and hamburgers, and just enjoying each other’s company.

Somewhere along the way, the gospel would be shared.

The men prayed together, drew the names of the boys out of a plastic jar, and the new “dads’” were congratulated. All the men were from churches across the Tidewater South Section, many of them Royal Ranger Commanders, but some just dads who wanted to help out.

The boys were all from Norfolk, and had all been arrested on felony charges. Most of them do not have dads. These two groups did not have much in common.

This event was long in the making, being coordinated in a joint effort between Outpost 158 leaders at Harvest Assembly of God in Chesapeake, Va., and Outpost 381 leaders from

Bethel Assembly of God in Franklin, Va. The Detention Center arranged for everyone in the facility to take part — 40 boys, nine girls and 14 security counselors gathered with the men in the gym for the event.

The men called the boys by name to their side, and the boys and “dads” selected one of the nine girls, who are also detainees, to join them. In a few minutes, everyone was in a “family.”

Lunch was served, and the boys and men, along with the girls, sat under a large picnic shelter, out of the

The men who participated in the fatherson cookout take time for a group photo in the detention center’s foyer.

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TRAINING CORNER

By Phil Georg >>> District Training Coordinator

On-Line First Aid/CPR Courses Offer Economical Alternative But Use Caution to Ensure Ranger Training Guidelines are Satisfied

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e are not going to stop or lessen our efforts to be a safe and prepared group of leaders for our very active groups of young men. The First Aid and CPR advancement requirements for both boys and leaders are not going away; neither should we ever seek that they should.

Nevertheless, we face a challenge in accommodating the dramatic increase in the cost of the American Red Cross (ARC) First Aid/CPR/AED course, which is now priced between $90 to $110, depending on location. It is in our best interests to see if there are any more economical means to this end.

The best option that we can find for getting First Aid certification is to take a hybrid, or ―blended‖ style on-line course.

This involves being able to get online enough to take the coursework at home, church, internet cafe or library type facility. Then, each leader or Ranger taking the course must physically go to a testing center associated with the training group you took the on-line testing through. Most on-line courses will not provide proof of course completion until you accomplish both the online testing and the physical testing components.

The only somewhat difficult part in all this is the initial selection of an on-line and test site provider.

Here is what I mean. Prior to registering, paying for, and taking any on-line material, you must make sure that the provider has a skills testing facility near you and that they have testing hours when you can ever get there to complete the course. Most of the training providers have a search system to show you where skills testing locations are in your area.

The other consideration you need to make is based on the certification of the provider of the training. Remember that the training must be offered by a ―certified training agency.‖ Now, that is not to say that ―Jim Bob's School of Taxidermy and Salsa Lessons‖ would not qualify as a certified training agency.

(Apologies to all the Jim Bob’s out there, along with all the taxidermists and salsa professionals. I love the chunky kind.)

When I evaluate an on-line provider to see if it is somewhere I would want to learn my chest compression techniques from, I look on their website for information about their certifications.

They usually say, in very bold print on the main page, or on an ―information‖ or ―FAQ‖ page, the standards they teach, such as American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines, OSHA, Green Cross, or ECC/ ILCA. Some may even be associated with American Red Cross (ARC).

AHA is the most common set of

guidelines the providers will reference.

To begin your search for online providers, you might use some or all of these search terms: ―online First Aid‖, ―online CPR,‖ ―blended CPR,‖ ―online CPR skills,‖ and probably others I have missed. While there are no hard criteria that are absolute, these are a few things to look for.

Here are examples of some sites that offer skills testing in the Potomac District that state their supporting teaching standards: www.onlineaha.org This site describes their standards and options starting on the main page.

They offer skills and non-skills based certifications. Be sure to take a course with skills testing involved in order for it to satisfy Royal Ranger requirements. http://www.profirstaid.com/en/ This group offers more advanced training in addition to the First Aid/CPR levels we require.

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TRAINING CORNER

First Aid FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

S

ome of the following information was included in a previous edition of the Tomahawk, but we expand our coverage of the topic here. Recently, National Training Coordinator Steve Schultz answered some specific questions regarding Royal Ranger requirements for First Aid training.

Q:

Does the First Aid requirement need to be taken as the "Adult" version of the course?

A:

The Infant, Child, or Adult version of the course will satisfy the First Aid requirement.

Q:

May the course be taken on the Internet, or does it need to be attended in person?

A:

The course may be taken online as long as the coursework requires an in-person skills test to get credit for the course. The national Royal Rangers website specifies:

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http://www.safetyserve.com/ firstaid/ This group also offers multiple Frist Aid/CPR courses.

An example of a BAD site is www.firstaidweb.com. Don't be fooled: this website’s FAQ page and main page do contain descriptions of standards that they meet, but no skills testing is required to get certification. This does not satisfy Royal Ranger requirements.

Please use this information as a guide, and do your own duediligence before you involve your outpost, boys or leaders. I recommend having you or some of your leaders take a course you think might be a good one prior to working with the boys to go through it.

The course must include demonstration and evaluation of the skills learned in a practical exercise in front of a live instructor.

Q:

Must the course be taken from the American Red Cross, or can I take it from some other group?

A:

The course taken must be through a ―certified training agency.‖ We do not limit certification to only one national recognized organization. See the Gold First Aid-CPR merit for examples of accepted organizations. Red Cross is a well-respected organization but not always available in all parts of the country, so other nationally recognized training organizations will be accepted. The national Royal Rangers website specifies: The First Aid/CPR course may be completed through any nationally recognized qualified organization such as the American

Red Cross, the Green Cross, or the American Heart Association.

Q:

Does the training coursework need to contain the AED portion of the curricula?

A:

Not required but would be a nice addition to any certification.

Q:

Would the AED portion of the training require the attendance at a physical skill test, or would an online skills testing and certification from the training vendor qualify?

A:

It would require a skill test in my opinion to receive certification in AEDs.

Ranger Essentials Course Offered October 1st in Culpeper

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here will be one more districtprovided Ranger Essentials course offered this year on Oct. 1, 2011.

The location will be Hazel River Assembly of God in Culpeper, Va. There will be a pre-registration form coming through your sectional training coordinators, so watch for it in the next few weeks.

Ranger Essentials is a required course under the new Rangers Ministry Academy (RMA) training system. The RMA has been established to

follow the former LMA training track. For anyone to attain any level of training within the RMA system, they must have taken Ranger Essentials.

This and other training events will be offered by both sectional and district staff. You may inquire to either source about training that may be coming up soon.

All Ranger leaders – new or veteran – are encouraged to make every effort to take this foundational leadership training as soon as possible.

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DISTRICT NEWS & INFORMATION Potomac District Tops in Chartering After five years of declining numbers of Royal Rangers and leaders chartered annually in Potomac District, we saw that troubling trend reverse for the last charter year for 2010-2011.

In the latest chartering year, Potomac District saw an increase of 116 people chartered above the previous year’s number. As reported at National Council, Potomac District also had the strongest chartering report of any district in the nation.

As of June 29 this year, there were a total of 2,670 Rangers and leaders chartered in the district. A breakdown of that number by age group and types of churches is provided below.

Of course, we’re now in a new chartering season for 2011-2012, and have until Oct. 30 to update all current charters. Please don’t delay; let’s work diligently to provide a responsible accounting of our ministry. In so doing, we support not only the National Royal Ranger ministry, but our own Potomac District Royal Ranger ministry as well.

Royal Ranger Alumni Work and Fellowship at District Pow Wow This summer’s Potomac District Pow Wow was supported by 18 members of the Royal Ranger Alumni (RRA) who were in attendance.

Through their staffing and operation of the Pow Wow concession stand, and sales of hot dogs, sodas, candy and the ever-popular snow cones, RRA members raised a significant amount of funds for the district.

But, all work and no play …? During Pow Wow, RRA members briefly excused themselves to enjoy their second annual dinner reunion, pictured above, which was enjoyed by 14 alumni.

RRA in Potomac District continues to grow. Most recently, the group welcomed Richard W. Baker to their ranks.

The RRA program was inaugurated to provide a method by which Ranger leaders (age 55 plus) may continue to serve as a vital part of the Ranger ministry. Those interested in joining the ranks of the RRA can contact their sectional commander or sectional RRA coordinator for an application.

2010-2011 CHARTER REPORT FOR POTOMAC DISTRICT Ranger Kids Discovery Rangers Adventure Rangers Expedition Rangers Total of boys

596 726 485 214 2,020

Commanders Grand Total

650 2,670

110 76 12 22

Outposts Chartered Assembly of God Churches PCCNA (Church of God) Independent Churches

Chartering is a unique and beneficial program that allows churches to receive discounts and exclusive resources when they register (charter) their Royal Rangers program with the national office. Chartering provides important information to the national Royal Rangers ministry that enables them to monitor and shape the success and well-being of Royal Rangers and supports the ongoing development and improvement of the ministry. For additional information on chartering, download the Royal Rangers Chartering Brochure or visit our chartering FAQ page at www.royalrangers.ag.org.

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DISTRICT NEWS & INFORMATION Leave Something Behind?

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ave you lost anything at Potomac District Pow Wow or any of the JLTA training camps?

Deputy District Cmdr. Homer Kitchen faithfully gathers up all the gear typically left behind from each Pow Wow weekend—hats, Tshirts, camp chairs, towels, sunglasses, you name it. Broken or damaged items are disposed of, and no, he doesn’t keep socks, underwear or soap either.

He has to rent a trailer each year to haul the stuff off. OK, may-

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He was a gentle man, giving so that others could have. He was satisfied with doing rather than being seen. He strived to be the best he could at all he did. Hangups? He had a few. But he was no different in that respect that the rest of us. Those pale in comparison to the depth of his accomplishments and the open heart that he demonstrated. Above all, simply, he cared, he gave and he served.

Abraham Lincoln said that ―and in the end it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years.‖ Marty can be defined as a man that truly lived life to the fullest and finished well.

Despite Marty’s impressive and extensive Ranger resume, his passion and real purpose was to see the lost won to Christ. His work with the homeless, in the jails, on the streets, short-term mission trips and in the church expressed his compassion and heart for the lost.

Marty was a bright and talented man, but you would never accuse him of being graceful or nimble.

Marty had his own unique style, but you would never accuse him of being a snappy dresser.

Simply, Marty was Marty, and that is what drew you to him.

Marty was a single man with no children, but he was most happy in the presence of children. Personally, he was the best uncle my kids never had.

For the past 31 years, Marty has been a fixture at our home around the holidays. He has been part our lives during the best and worst of times. His place at the table will be missed. The camp fires will not be as bright, the trails will be longer and harder, and the canoe trips will not be as lively without him.

Marty was taken from us far too early. His legacy is not one of wealth, riches or fame as we often count these things. Rather, he has defined what devotion, friendship and faith really mean.

We fill the holes, we cover the bases and move on in life but I cannot forget, I will not forget. Marty my friend, I miss you.

be that’s exaggerating the point a bit, as the Geico™ gecko is fond of saying, but hopefully you appreciate the message.

Anyway, Cmdr. Kitchen keeps lost and found items for about three years. After that, he tries to give the goods away to less fortunate boys and churches.

If you’ve realized since you returned home from Pow Wow that you’re missing something of value, give Cmdr. Kitchen a call at 304229-5793 before he goes donating.

During Marty Heffner’s 30-plus year Royal Ranger career, he: Earned his Leaders Medal of Achievement Earned a considerable number commander and staff awards Became a certified training instructor Was a First Aid and CPR instructor Instructed at all JLTA’s since 1997 Became an NTC instructor Attended LTC, NTC, ANTC, NCE, NTT, BSTC, RKTC Served on the Eastern Section staff, Potomac District staff, JLTA staff, NTC staff, FCF staff Was a wilderness member of the FCF Blue Ridge Chapter Was a multiple FCF Free Trapper demonstrating his servants heart Joined the Royal Ranger Alumni just prior to his death Served Outposts 118, 50 and 18 – all age groups Accumulated a patch collection that rivals any

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POTOMAC DISTRICT ROYAL RANGERS STAFF Cliff Jewell - Public Relations/GMA Coordinator P. O. Box 3404 Manassas, VA 20109 jewellsrthe1@aol.com (703) 475-4422 Gary Wagner - Publications/Outreach Coordinator 3905 Swanson Ct. Fredericksburg, VA 22408 garywagner54@aol.com (540) 898-7415 Mike Cocolin - Missions Coordinator 8413 Elvaton Rd. Millersville, MD 21108 mjcocolin@msn.com (410) 315-8433

EXECUTIVE STAFF Rev. Bobby Basham - District Commander 166 Serviceberry Ct. Stephens City, VA 22655 bbasham@potomacag.org (540) 869-8432 Homer Kitchen - Deputy District Commander 8614 Apple Harvest Dr. Gerrardstown, WV 25420 Kitchenhl@msn.com (304) 229-5793 Tracy Groves - Deputy District Commander/ Productions Coordinator 2340 Liberty Rd. Eldersburg, MD 21784 tgghunter@verizon.net (410) 781-4906

Gary Groves - RR Alumni President 2326 Liberty Rd. Eldersburg, MD 21784 blaznbear@peoplepc.com (410) 781-0236 Linda Cocolin - Health Officer 8413 Elvaton Rd. Millersville, MD 21108 lkcocolin@msn.com (410) 315-8433 Seth Van de Ven - Special Aide de Camp 3202 Amberley Lane Fairfax, VA 22031 seth.vandeven@gmail.com (703) 560-5886 Tyler Mazer - Junior Training Aide de Camp 99 Shenandoah View Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 camarocougar@comcast.net (304) 876-1875

Bill Chestnut - FCF Chapter President 346 Reservoir Rd. Perryville, MD 21903 redpaddle@yahoo.com (410) 378-3735

Jordan Pfeiffer - Junior Aide de Camp 10100 Grape Myrtle Ct. Manassas, VA 20100 pdpfeiffer@comcast.net (703) 330-1616

Phil Georg - Training Coordinator 111 East H St. Brunswick, MD 21716 philgeorg@hotmail.com (301) 834-9871

Isaac Brannon - Junior Aide de Camp P. O. Box 390 Owings, MD 20736 ltbrannon@verizon.net (410) 257-9446

Bob Blessing - Junior Training Coordinator 302 Stiemly Ave. Glen Burnie, MD 21060 jrblessing@gmail.com (410) 760-9330

Dale Eger - Junior Aide de Camp 8213 WB & A Rd. Sever, MD 21144 Dale.eger77@gmail.com (410) 551-3454

Rick Vogt - Productions Coordinator 918 Firefly Run Pasadena, MD 21122 richard.vogt@jhuapl.edu (410) 439-3507

Don Frey - Staff Advisor 8 Jericho St. Falling Waters, WV 25419 DFrey32@juno.com (304) 274-2268

Chris Basham - Assistant Productions Coordinator 166 Serviceberry Ct. Stephens City, VA 22655 (540) 869-8432

Sam Linn - Staff Advisor 1687 McCoys Ford Rd. Front Royal, VA 22630 solinn@shentel.net (540) 635-7497

SECTIONAL COMMANDERS Mark Brannon - Capital Virginia Section P. O. Box 390 Owings, MD 20736 capseccmdr@verizon.net (410) 257-9446 Mark Brannon - Capital Maryland Section P. O. Box 390 Owings, MD 20736 capseccmdr@verizon.net (410) 257-9446 Ken O’Maley - Central Section 11042 Settletown Place Rixeyville, VA 22737 kenomaley@aol.com (540) 937-6139 Marvin Boswell - Southern Section P. O. Box 35 Rockville, VA 23146 mwboswell@gmail.com (804) 749-8397 Phil Vieth - Tidewater North Section 200 Treis Trail Yorktown, VA 23693 philvieth@verizon.net (757) 766-8351 Roger Riendeau - Tidewater South Section 7719 Doris Dr. Norfolk, VA 23505 roger.riendeau@cox.net (757) 440-8432 Ken Black - Eastern Section P. O. Box 58 Manchester, MD 21102 Talloak218@aol.com (410) 239-2645 Robert “Buzz” Gregory - Eastern Shore Section 9260 Hickory Mill Rd. Salisbury, MD 21801 Buzzgregory@comcast.net (410) 742-0415 Jerry Sinden - Northeast Section 1805 Milstream Dr. Frederick, MD 21702 Sindenfred@aol.com (301) 620-0034 Northwest Section Jerry Sinden (Acting) Andy McKenzie - North Central Section 16415 Brice Hollow Rd. SE Cumberland, MD 21502 andym9454@gmail.com (301) 759-9454 Western Section Andy McKenzie (Acting)

Potomac District Royal Rangers on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=43063294240

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