Jake Blake Goes for the Gold, Earns GMA
By Jay M. Woodward
Pony Express Editor
The evening of June 13, 2009 was a special occasion for Outpost #40 in Plymouth, NH. One of its very own, Jake Blake was being awarded his Gold Medal of Achievement (GMA) at the Family Worship Center. Jake became the Outpost’s fourth ever GMA recipient and the 38th GMA in the Northern New England District. As any recipient can tell you, the road to the GMA is a very challenging one, but with determination, commitment and perseverance, it can be done! Jake’s Road to the GMA
Jake started Rangers at Outpost #40 as a Trailblazer in 1998, working his way through the steps on the Advancement Trail, and becoming a member of Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship (FCF), going by the name “Caterpillar”. If that wasn’t enough, in high school he was in the National Honor Society, and captain of his soccer team and his track and field team. Indeed, Jake has become a real leader, in Rangers and beyond! However, it hasn’t always been an easy road for Jake to travel. As Senior Commander Willy Gusha of OP #40 explained, “Jake had a lot going against him at first. His dad died while he was at a Ranger event. It hit Jake really hard. Seeing him through the sad time was a challenge, he really stuck in there.” He added, “Through all the road blocks he stayed persistent and kept coming back and pressing towards the goal. He quit a couple times but always came back more and more focused on the prize.”
The Ceremony Jake’s GMA Ceremony was indeed a joyous occasion, Following the opening praise and worship, posting of colors by the Color Guard, and reciting of pledges, Deputy District Director Kendall Sperrey, who emceed the ceremony, recognized Sherry Glover and Olive Blake, Jake’s mother and grandmother, who sat beside Jake at his place of honor. Commander Gusha recognized prior GMA’s and Eagle Scout recipients, and played a PowerPoint presentation of OP #40’s GMAs. Commander Willy also explained how he got his FCF name Caterpillar- Jake Blake rhymes with Jake brake. Also, Commander Kendall read another congratulatory letter, this one from Governor John Lynch, who recognized him for earning an award that few boys receive. FCF President Tim “Red Oak” Hatch thanked Jake for his devotion to FCF, and presented him with a simple gift- a canteen made from a gourd picked out of his garden. Red Oak explained that it may be a simple gift but can be used for noble purposes.
Then, Commander Jerry read Jake his own personal letter of congratulations, and advised him to take seriously the responsibilities and expectations of being a GMA recipient. Then, he led Jake and previous GMA recipient Steven Corum in reciting the GMA pledge, and presented Jake with the shiny GMA Medal, which Steven had the honor to pin on his uniform. Commander Willy also presented Jake’s mother and grandmother with special gifts he personally made- necklaces to commemorate Jake’s GMA! Jake’s Gold Medalist Speech was a short but emotional speech, as he explained how the men of Rangers were father figures in his life, and especially thanked Commander Willy for pouring into him and playing such an important part in his life. Following a prayer for the Jake from Pastor Glen and the Commanders present, the ceremony came to a close, followed by a meal and specially made cake with Jake’s picture on it, which Jake got the honors of cutting. Talk about icing on the cake! What’s Next?
For Jake, earning the Gold Medal of Achievement is a milestone in his life, but not the last. Beginning Fall 2009, he will be attending Keene State College, where he will be studying architecture, being a shining example of Christian life and service in the lives of those around him, and a role model by which future GMAs can aspire to becoming! Congratulations, Jake! NNED Royal Rangers is proud of you!
