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By Jay M. Woodward
NNED Publications Coordinator

The afternoon of June 19, 2010, was a special one for Nathan MacGilvary of Outpost #11 in Auburn, NH, as he was honored for becoming the 40th boy in NNED Royal Rangers, and only the third in the annals of OP#11, to earn the coveted Gold Medal of Achievement! Nathan’s road to the GMA began at the age of five as a Straight Arrow. From there, he learned skills and had leadership opportunities that enabled him to grow Mentally, Physically, Socially, and Spiritually. He has also earned some very distinguished honors along the way. In 2005 he was given the National Medal of Courage for saving a little girl from drowning, and in both 2007 and 2008 he was a Regional Ranger of the Year and earned the Junior Leadership Medal! In addition, he is also a member of the Frontiersmen Camping Fellowship, earning the name “Steel Knuckles” at his Frontier Adventure. His service to God is not limited to Rangers, however, as he volunteers at The Place, an outreach ministry in Manchester reaching out to troubled youth. In a word, Rangers has made Nathan “READY”!

The ceremony, held at First Assembly in Auburn, was a special one, as family members, friends, Commanders and other honored guests came to congratulate Nathan for his accomplishment. He was treated to a standing ovation as he was escorted into the sanctuary by the NNED Security Color Guard, and got to take his place of honor on top of the stage, where he and the audience were treated to a slide presentation of Nathan’s “Quest for the GMA”. Following this, Guest Speaker Mike Goff, Director of The Place, showered words of praise and admiration for Nathan and what he has accomplished! Outpost Coordinator Wayne Sawyer read congratulatory letters from Senator Judd Gregg and Mike Huckabee. Commander Ken Kroh read a letter from Governor John Lynch. Local legislators also paid tribute to Nathan, as he was presented with a proclamation from the New Hampshire Senate from Senator Sharon Carson, and a proclamation from the New Hampshire House from Representatives Larry Gagne and Todd Smith, who gave congratulatory remarks of their own. In addition, they presented him with the State Flag that was flown over the State House in his honor. Gubernatorial candidate John Stephen was also in attendance, and he gave words of admiration for Nathan and for the Rangers ministry in particular. Stephen also presented Nathan with the United States flag that was hung over the Capitol in his honor.

Nathan also received honors from FCF. Ryley “Grin’n Cub” Paquette presented him with a knife that was sharpened at both ends, in order to help Nathan hit his targets better at Knife and Hawk competitions! Commander Bruce “Moose Call” Paquette, who also served as Master of Ceremonies, presented him with a handmade chest so he could store all of his FCF gear when camping, Other letters were read from Commanders Sid “Wooly Bear” Bean and Tim “Red Oak” Hatch, who had also handmade a knife for Nathan, to remind him to cut away anything that entangles him in living his life for Christ!

District Director Jerry Love reminisced about watching Nathan grow over the years into the young man of God he has become, and offered words of caution and encouragement for the future journey. Then, it was time for the moment everyone had been waiting for, the big prize, the GMA itself, to be handed out. Commander Jerry led Nathan and previous GMA recipients Ryley, Steven, and Youth Pastor Matt Ellis in the GMA Charge. Then Commander Jerry presented Nathan with the GMA Medal, with his parents, Commander John and Sheila, who got the honors of pinning the “READY” Gold Medal on her son! Nathan also received the yellow NNED GMA jacket, which at his request, was inscribed with the words “Nate Dogg” in place of his name! Finally, Nathan was presented with a plaque from District Men’s Ministries Director Ed Shearer, in addition to his own GMA plaque from the Outpost #11. Nathan then gave some brief remarks, giving thanks to all the Commanders and friends who guided him along the journey to the GMA, and also acknowledged the challenges along the way. Following the closing prayer from Pastor Matt, it was time to celebrate, with Nathan’s favorite foods served, pizza and Chex Mix, with the special GMA cake afterwards. Indeed, it was literally “the icing on the cake”!

As for the future, Nathan plans to earn more merits to receive a Gold Buffalo award, and will take his place as Junior Commander in his Outpost. He is also interested in pursuing a career in the medical field, as he enjoys studying biology. Indeed, Rangers has already made him “Ready” for whatever comes next!
Congratulations, Nathan! NNED is proud of you!