Rachel Brandes
Moapa Valley Progress
Submitted Mar. 5, 2008
The Anasazi District of the Boy Scouts of America held its annual Scouters Recognition Dinner on Thursday, February 28 at the Moapa Valley High School cafeteria in Logandale. After a few opening remarks by Master of Ceremonies Jonathan Oglesby, Troop members Brayden Evans, Jacob Allum, and Zach Brandon of the LDS Logandale 4th Ward began the evening with a flag ceremony which was followed by an opening prayer given by Dr. Randall Jensen. Dinner was then enjoyed by guests. Rik Eide with the help of his son Mitchell with Great Basin Cooking Company was on hand to provide an “incredible” meal. This according to young Brayden Evans.
Following dinner keynote speaker Mac McQueen, Retired Chief Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force was introduced. McQueen was the keynote speaker the previous year as well and was asked back for the 2008 dinner.
McQueen asked everyone in uniform to stand then applauding them for carrying on the great tradition of scouting. “Happy belated 98th birthday to all of you,” he said. McQueen spoke a great deal about leadership and what a great leader is made of.
“Leaders make tough decisions, they are loyal, trustworthy and resourceful” he said. Pointing to the young scouts in the audience he said, “If you want to be the leaders of tomorrow, look to the leaders of today.”
Following this speech, Oglesby introduced Willie Frehner. Frehner proceeded to present McQueen with a handmade pen and pencil set as a thank you for his dedication and involvement.
Frehner then recognized Lanny Waite and Richard Rockenbach with the District Award of Merit. As he called the men up with their wives one couple at a time he gave a bouquet of flowers to the wives as a thank you for standing behind their husbands.
The men were presented with a knot for their uniform and a plaque along with a certificate of recognition. In addition the men were presented with a pen and pencil set that was handmade by Frehner.
Rod Leavitt, who was unable to attend the dinner, was also awarded the District Award of Merit.
Scoutmaster Bryan Sheldon spoke for a moment thanking everyone for their support. He then recognized Daena Gollahon with a vase of flowers and offered a big thank you for her endless efforts for the scouting organization.
Sheldon also recognized Whitney Donohue who was unable to attend. Donohue was recognized for her efforts and the great job coordinating last years Cub Sciout Day Camp.
Sheldon concluded by telling all leaders, “There is no way to be repaid for the time, in the end your service is far more significant than dollars and cents.”
Debbie and Jonathan Oglesby were then asked to come center stage at which time Jonathan presented his mother with flowers for all of her hard work getting the recognition dinner planned. “She is a very deserving person,” he stated.
Gollahon then recognized Marilyn McMurray with a gift for her many years of service to the scouting organization. “You are an example to me,” stated an emotional Gollahon. Oglesby concluded the evening by stating, “This has got to be one of the greatest Districts in Nevada!” Richard Rockenbach provided a closing prayer and the young men of the LDS Logandale 4th Ward Troop retired the colors.
