NNED Working Together - District Wide Commanders’ Conference 2010

By Jay M. Woodward

Pony Express Editor

April 10 was the date that NNED Royal Rangers held its annual District Wide Commanders’ Conference and Banquet (DWCC) , an event that brings together the District’s most dedicated leaders and their spouses for a time of fellowship, instruction, worship, and of course, a great dinner banquet followed by awards! This was the fourth year in a row that the event was held at the Curtis Lake Church in Sanford, Maine, which has proven to be a great venue to hold Ranger events over the last several years. On Saturday morning, Commander Jerry gave his opening remarks to kick off the Conference, and lended encouragement to the leaders of the District who were in attendance. He was also sporting the new Utility Uniform that is now being made available for boys and leaders, and looked quite stylish wearing it! He commented, “quote”

This year’s Conference was not just for Ranger leaders. Angela Abbatiello, the District’s Girls Ministries Coordinator, was present, and introduced herself to the leaders who gathered that Saturday morning, pledging to work alongside Commander Jerry to reach the young people of our District. Also, several Girls’ Ministries leaders were present at the Conference, and attended Angela’s breakaway session on Girls’ Ministries that day. Their presence was the beginning of a new era of greater teamwork and cooperation! In addition, several training modules were taught throughout the day by the District’s Certified Instructors, helping leaders become more prepared, as well as give them the opportunity to earn their Leaders Medal of Achievement (LMA). During the lunch break, leaders were served hot dogs and hamburgers, with all the fixings, courtesy of Commander Willy Gusha and his now-famous BBQ Trailer!

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Late in the day, following the wrap-ups of the training modules and breakaway sessions on Training, District Events, and Girls’ Ministries, and the wrap-up of the day’s events, it was time for the Banquet, which was prepared by Teen Challenge of Manchester, NH. Indeed, it was a delectable feast. This was followed by the District Auction, which raised nearly $400 for NNED Royal Rangers, followed by a great time of praise and worship led by Pastor Josh Koss of Praise A/G in Tilton, NH, and his “Joshua Tree-O.” This year’s Banquet Guest Speaker was a face familiar to Rangers: Pastor Kevin McCullough of Canaan A/G in Canaan, NH, who has served in and been a proud supporter of the Ranger ministry. He gave a powerful testimony of how God changed his life and miraculously intervened in his life and in the life of his family, including his son Beniah! He also spoke of what Rangers meant personally to him, and thanked Commander Jerry for all the support and encouragement he received over the years.

Following Pastor Kevin’s well-received speech, it was time to hand out the awards and give recognition where it was due. There were several highlights, especially for Ryley Paquette (OP#11) and his father Bruce. Ryley was awarded the District Commander’s Cup for his exemplary work and dedication to Rangers. If that wasn’t enough, he was the proud recipient of the Betty Whittingham Memorial Scholarship, and received a $500 check to help him out when he goes to college! Also, his proud dad Bruce “Moose Call” was honored as well for his work in the Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship, by being named the new President of FCF. Bruce said that the reason he is so deeply involved in FCF is Ryley. And of course, Bruce has played a big role in helping Ryley’s development into the young man he is today! Indeed, like father, like son!

Among the District’s Outposts, the District Excellence Award went to Outpost #62 in Milford, NH, which has quickly made a name for itself during its short existence! Also, District Training Coordinator Jason A. Wright awarded several LMA’s to those who had recently completed the necessary requirements. All of these awards (and the drawing of an iPod) provided a spectacular finish for the DWCC!

Reflecting on this year’s Conference, Commander Jerry commented “quote” NNED is proud of all of the Royal Ranger-and Girls’ Ministries- leaders who are working together to mentor the next generation of Christlike men and women!