[RR] GMA vs. Eagle Awards

[Burt Sherry]

Interesting questions being asked. Following is a letter from one of my former RR's who's currently on active duty in the USAF flying "heavies" (tankers & such).   Burt  Sherry, aka "Beavertooth" NY Eastern Region Cdr ********************************* 28 April 97 Fellow Rangers, I have been asked to express my reflections of both the Royal Ranger Program and the Boy Scout Program. I earned both my Gold Medal of Achievement with a Gold Buffalo and my Eagle Scout with a Bronze Palm. I have spent over ten years in both programs. During that time, I made some observations about both programs which have allowed me to compare them. I cannot say one is better than the other. I can only compare my own personal experiences in BSA Troop 1 of Somers, N.Y. and Royal Ranger Outpost 118 of Yorktown, N.Y. I think both programs offer a wealth of knowledge and experiences. Before I begin, I would like to say that being an active member in both programs, playing sports, and keeping up with your grades in school is possible. I did it, but I will not deceive you, it will take a lot of work and even more dedication on your part. However, it is worth the work and time you spend. My experiences in both programs has prepared me for my future. Presently, I attend the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I am working towards an officer commission in the United States Air Force. Those days as a Royal Ranger seem so far in the past, but there are certain things that I will always remember. Some of my favorite memories are of the campfires on Pow Wows, the friends that I made though Royal Rangers and Boy Scouts and, of course, the special GMA and Eagle Scout ceremonies. The Boy Scouts is set up so the older Scouts can take charge of the Troop and teach the younger boys the skills and knowledge they need to advance. There are no age divisions in a Troop to cause problems, especially in a large Troop like mine. Too many boys with no guidance causes mass confusion and chaos. There was very little guidance or supervision on the part of the parents. We were left to do want we wanted to and the parents assisted us in planning trips and whatever else we asked of them. There was very limited adult involvement. In fact, most parents did not take any role in the Troop at all. As a result, our Troop played games most of the night or just fooled around and talked. You did not learn anything unless you took your own initiative and did it yourself. The Troop was not very focused and, as a result, we were there just to be there and have fun. The Royal Rangers is a similar program for boys. It is divided into different age groups and a few adults are active in each group. The young Rangers still have a lot of responsibilities and are the fundamental piece of the program. However, the Ranger Leaders guide the boys and young men and teach them important skills. Rangers hone their camping skills. They learn the requirements for advancement. Most importantly, they learn about Jesus Christ and grow in their relationship with Him. The Leaders and the boys build a team, and together strengthen their walk with Jesus Christ. The adult involvement is a key difference between the two programs. The young Rangers have direct contact with someone that cares about them. A boy will notice that and will respond to the dedication of their leaders. The dedication of the boys and, more importantly, the leader in the small groups of Rangers is what makes the it successful in teaching young men about God. There are still games and fun activities, and through those activities and lessons a boy begins to understand who Jesus Christ is and how to live for him. God is the focus of Rangers. The Boy Scout Code and the Ranger Motto are similar to each other in text but very different in application. The Boy Scout Code is: A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent. These concepts are difficult for most adults to understand. It is even more difficult for teenage boys. Without good role models to teach the boys what each part of that code means, the words are meaningless. In the Rangers, the adults that are working with the boys exemplify the Ranger Motto. The Ranger Motto is: A Royal Ranger is Alert, Clean, Honest, Courteous, Loyal, Courageous, Obedient, Spiritual. The boys not only memorize the words, but they learn what these concepts mean by seeing them displayed and followed. The concepts are still hard to grasp, but it is easier when there is someone there to explain them. Both the Eagle Scout Ceremony and the Gold Medal of Achievement Ceremony are very special events that I still hold dear in my heart. Behind the Eagle Scout Rank is a lot of hard work, organization, and paperwork. It is memorable in my mind because I had completed the Boy Scouting program. Some of my fellow Scouts that achieved their Eagle before I did had a joint ceremony. I would discourage this. I think that when a young man has put forth the amount of work that is necessary to obtain such a high honor, he should receive his own ceremony. It makes that achievement even more special in his mind. When I got my Gold Medal of Achievement, I thought about all of the friends that I had made in Rangers. I also remembered the support from not only my parents and my Ranger Leaders but the church body as well. It marked the completion of the Royal Ranger program. At my ceremony, political figures among others were invited. I think this was important because it increased the awareness of the Ranger program in the political arena. It allowed the politicians to realize that even in today’s society people still uphold Christian values and morals. I would encourage the leaders of both programs to go to each other’s ceremonies if possible. I think you will understand more about the other program and what it is all about. As I close, I would like to offer encouragement. To the Young Rangers—you can do it! It takes dedication, hard work and time but it is worth it in the end. I guarantee it. To the Trailblazers and Air/Sea and Trail Rangers—stick with it. High School is going to offer you a lot of opportunities. Prioritize your life and put God first. He will show you the way to go. Help the younger boys. They look up to you even though you don’t think so. To the Leaders—you hold in your hands the future. Trust in God and seek him with your boys. He will show you what is right. They are a part of your family. They look to you for guidance. Some of them look to you for a paternal role model. It is a long road and the impact you have on them will be great. You will be rewarded accordingly. If you would like to talk to me about anything, feel free to. My E mail address from 2 August 97 until 20 May 99 is: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or my Mailing address is: Cadet Donald Landgrebe Box 3409 USAFA, CO. 80841 USA May God Bless You-