By Jay M. Woodward
NNED Publications Coordinator
The evening of Saturday, May 12 was a very special one, as the Northern New England District held its annual District Wide Commander’s Banquet. This year’s Banquet was held at a special location, Newick’s Lobster House in Dover, NH, to commemorate a special occasion- the 50th anniversary of the Royal Rangers ministry. Leaders and their spouses were treated to a special evening of memories and celebration, and looking ahead to what God has in store in the future! In attendance at the Banquet was a special guest: Phil Adams of Maine, who served as District Commander from 1974 to 1983. Commander Phil shared memories of his time in the ministry, Commanders, and even various District event patches from the past!
The evening’s events opened with the District Auction, the auctioneer being none other than former District Director Jerry Love, who started off the bidding on various Ranger items, including several Fred Deaver paintings. All of the auction proceeds went towards missions. Recently, NNED was placed fourth out of all the Ranger Districts in the country towards missions giving!
Also, awards for leaders and Outposts were handed out, including two very special awards. Commander Mike Morin made District history by becoming the first Ranger leader in NNED to earn the Leader’s Medal of Excellence Award! According to the National Website, the Medal of Excellence represents a high level of commitment and dedication to both the leader’s personal growth as well as the spiritual and leadership development of boys and young men. The Medal of Excellence is a nationally restricted award that is numbered and maintained by the National Royal Ranger Ministries office.
