Dan Fifield Earms His GMA
By Commander Jay M. Woodward
Pony Express Editor
On Saturday, December 13, 2008, an historic ceremony was held at Faith A/G in Bethel, Vermont, to honor a historic achievement: Daniel Fifield of Outpost #8 was being presented with his Gold Medal of Achievement (GMA), the 37th young man in the Northern New England District to earn this prestigious award. What makes Dan’s accomplishment extraordinary is that he is the first Ranger from Vermont in a decade, and the first ever from Outpost #8, to earn his GMA!
Daniel’s journey to the GMA has been an amazing one. He has been with Rangers since Outpost #8 was started in 2005, and has been with the Outpost through both times of great triumph and times of challenge and adversity. As Senior Commander Carol Burke explained, “First of all he "hung in there"; he did not tuck tail and run! He decided to "tough it out". I am so blessed to have the group that I have, we all joined in and basically decided to support one another!” Indeed, Dan has already become a fine leader in his Outpost. Commander Carol added, “Dan has taken a leadership role, he is teaching the Adventure Rangers and has been a staple in our survival. I have enjoyed being around Dan and all the kids love him! He is dependable, responsible and always eager to please and help in any way that he can. Any parent would be proud to have a son like Dan.”
The evening of his ceremony was a very special one, opening with the Posting of Colors by the NNED Security Color Guard, the Star Spangled Banner, pledges, and the singing of patriotic hymns. Following this, Guest Speaker Scott Carlson came to the podium and paid tribute to Dan, stating that the one word that best describes Dan in his mind is “diligent.” He added that Dan showed the same devotion to others in his church and his family, and even to school and athletics, and he was a Vermont State Track and Field Champion! Following Pastor Scott, Commander Carol gave words of praise to Dan. Then, it was time for the presentation of Dan’s GMA by District Commander Jerry Love. Commander Jerry read a letter to Dan from National Commander Doug Marsh and gave words of praise and encouragement to Dan about the road ahead. The GMA medal was placed on his uniform by his mother, who alongside Dan’s father joined Dan on stage for the ceremony. Dan also took the GMA Pledge alongside fellow recipient Ryley Paquette, who was a major inspiration for Dan to pursue his award!
That wasn’t all, however. In addition to the GMA jacket that all recipients from NNED receive, Commander Jerry presented Dan with the District Commander’s Cup, which he was awarded last August at Pow Wow. Deputy District Commander Kendall Sperrey read more congratulatory letters for Dan, and District Training Coordinator Jason A. Wright presented him with a GMA plaque bearing Dan’s name! Dan then gave a brief speech, thanking all those who helped him get to his GMA, including his parents, Commanders, pastors, and Ryley for their contributions to his success! Following Dan’s speech, Dave Sanville closed the ceremony in a word of prayer, and there was plenty of time for more pats on the back and photo-ops with Outpost # 8’s first ever GMA recipient!
Commander Jerry commented, “This is an exciting time for our District, and for Rangers in the great State of Vermont, and Outpost 8 is leading the way. It’s great to see this young man come this far in such a short period of time, and do this well. His future is very bright, as is the future of his Outpost.”
As for Dan’s future plans, Commander Carol commented, “I'm not sure what avenue that he plans on taking, but I know the college is next on his list.” She added, “Dan has reached up and beyond 99% of the young adults in the area and I believe that he will be a leader in whatever he chooses in life. He is a blessing to our Outpost and we will rely heavily on Dan until he decides to run off to college!” Also, younger brother Mathew is following in his footsteps, having earned his Bronze Medal of Acheivement, and steadily climbing the Advancement Trail!
Daniel Fifield’s success has been an inspiration to those around him, and the entire Royal Rangers ministry salutes Dan for his historic GMA accomplishment!
