NOAC 2009 Live!
Welcome to NOAC Live! 2009

49 Arrowmen Honored with the Distinguished Service Award

In 1940, the Distinguished Service Award was created to honor those who render service to the Order beyond the lodge level. The award is presented to those Arrowmen who have rendered distinguished and outstanding service to the Order on a sectional, area, regional, or national basis. It is given primarily for dedicated service to the Order and Scouting over a period of years. This year, 49 Arrowmen were presented with the Distinguished Service Award at a dinner before the History and Recognition Show, honored during the show, and congratulated at a reception afterward.

Kevin Anderson

Kevin Anderson
Kevin is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor, and Founders Award recipient from Cape Fear Council & Klahlcan Lodge. Kevin served as the ArrowCorps5 Lead Adviser. According to his DSA nomination form, Kevin's "positive attitude, helping hands, and heart for helping grow all that makes Scouting great."

Kyle Becker
Kyle is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor, and Founders Award recipient from Northern Lights Council & Pa-Hin Lodge. Kyle served as Conservation Vice Chief for the National Leadership Summit in 2007. Kyle currently attends the University of Minnesota. According to his DSA nomination form, "Kyle's Native American name is 'Machau Wichaman,' which translates into 'Great Helper.' I can think of no better description of Kyle."

Michael Bliss

Michael Bliss
Michael is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor, Founders Award recipient and Silver Antelope recipient from Crater Lake Council and Lo Lo' Qam Geela. Mike has served as the Western Region Chairman since 2006. According to his DSA nomination form, Mike's "wonderful style of using every available opportunity to coach and counsel our youth leadership makes him a shining example of what every adviser should be."

Forrest Bolles

Forrest Bolles
Forrest is a Vigil Honor, Founders Award recipient and Silver Beaver recipient from Heart of America Council and Tamegonit Lodge. Forrest currently serves on the National Order of the Arrow Committee. According to his DSA nomination form, "Forrest is an exceptional Arrowman and deserves the DSA for his continuous and dedicated service to all levels of the Order of the Arrow for the last 20 years!"

Alex Braden

Alex Braden
Alex is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor, and Founders Award recipient from San Gabrial Valley Council and Ta Tanka Lodge. Alex served as the 2007-2008 W4A Section Chief. President Bush presented the President's Call to Service Voluntarism Award directly to Alex after his work on ArrowCorps5. Alex currently attends the University of La Verne. According to his DSA nomination form, "Alex Braden is a fine example of an Arrowman providing dedicated service to the Order and to Scouting."

Russell A. Bresnahan

Russell A. Bresnahan
Russell is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member from Greater St. Louis Area Council and Shawnee Lodge. Russell served as the 2006 Central Region Chief. Russell currently attends Bnedictine University. According to his DSA nomination form, Russell is "a born leader, no challenge is too great for Russell.

DSA Ribbon (no photo available)

Wayne Brock
Wayne is the Boy Scouts of America's Chief Operating Officer. Wayne served as the Regional Director of the Southern Region and now is the assistant Chief Scout Executive. Wayne has a bachelor's degree in music education from East Carolina University.

Toby Capps

Toby Capps
Toby is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member from Chief Seattle Council and T'Kope Kwiskwis Lodge. He has served on the National Order of the Arrow Committee since 2006. According to his DSA nomination form, Toby is "the very definition of a servant. He has dedicated his life to helping others and truly lives the ideals of our order.

DSA Ribbon (no photo available)

Evan P. Chaffee
Evan is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor, and Founders Award recipient from Orange County Council and Wiatava Lodge. He served as the 2007 National Chief of the Order of the Arrow. He currently attends Saddleback College. According to his DSA nomination form, "As national chief, Evan spent the vast majority of weekends away from family and friends representing the Order in every corner of the county at national leadership seminars, conclaves, and lodge events."

Julius H. Corpening II

Julius H. Corpening II
Julius is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor, and Founders Award recipient from Cape Fear Council and Klahican Lodge. He is the SR-7B Section Adviser and serves on the National Order of the Arrow Committee. According to his DSA nomination form, Julius' "special gift of training and inspiring others, both young and old, has helped the Order lay a foundation of success across the United States and the Southern Region."

Dustin J. Counts

Dustin J. Counts
Dustin is from Charlotte, NC, and the Mecklenberg County Council. He is an Eagle Scout, Assistant Scoutmaster, and served as the 2006 Southern Region Chief. He is currently a student at Queens University. Dustin's ability to "relate to both youth and adults [and as] a champion to the new Arrowmen" is what makes his service extraordinary."

Darrell Donahue

Darrell Donahue
Darrell is from Old Town, ME, and the Katahdin Area Council. He is an Eagle Scout and a member of his Council Executive Board. Darrell has been an integral member of the AIA staff at NOAC and ArrowCorps5. Professionally, Darrell is a professor of Biological Engineering at the University of Maine. Excellence has been the hallmark of Darrell's service: "In all that he been asked to do, he has performed exceptionally."

Tyler Elliot

Tyler Elliot
Tyler is from Fairborn, OH, and the Tecumseh Council. He is an Eagle Scout, Assistant Scoutmaster, and served as the 2008 Central Region Chief. He is currently a student at the University of Cincinnati. Tyler excelled as chief of the Central Region. His nomination reads he "exemplifies the epitome of what we expect from a National Officer."

Thomas Fitzgibbon

Thomas Fitzgibbon
Thomas is from Tempe, AZ, and the Far East Council. He is an Eagle Scout and currently serves as the Western Region Director. He has a long and distinguished Scouting career that has seen him serve as Supreme Chief of the Fire in three different councils. Tom's nomination reads "the Order is better off because of Tom's involvement, leadership, support and interest."

James Flatt

James Flatt
James is from Huntsville, AL, and the Greater Alabama Council. He is an Eagle Scout and serves on his Council Executive Board. Professionally, James is a physician. He has been a key part of the development of OA training, and worked as a main adviser to the new Train the Trainer program. "If we have an MVP among adult Arrowmen in the Southern Region, James would be ours."

Jonathan Fuller

Jonathan Fuller
Jonathan is from Columbia Cross Roads, PA, and the Five Rivers Council. He currently serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster, is an Eagle Scout, and served as the Northeast Region Chief in 2006. Jon is a student at Mansfield University. Jon has served the Order exceptionally at all levels of the organization. "If only one DSA were given this NOAC, it should go to Jon Fuller."

Alex Gomez

Alex Gomez
Alex is from Tallahassee, FL, and the South Florida Council. He is an Eagle Scout, Assistant Scoutmaster and served as the 2007 Southern Region Chief. After his term, Alex continued his service by serving as an ArrowCorps5 squad leader. Alex is a student at Florida State University. A model of humility, "Alex has been committed to the Order at all levels without regard for recognition."

DSA Ribbon (no photo available)

John Green
John is the Group Director of the Outdoor Adventures Group. As Group Director, John is the professional Scouter responsible for not just the Order of the Arrow, but all National High Adventure Bases and the National Scout Jamboree. John has been a professional Scouter since 1972 and has served the Order at all levels, including as Supreme Chief of the Fire.

Kenneth Hager

Kenneth Hager
Kenneth is from Smock, PA, and the Westmoreland-Fayette Council. He is an Eagle Scout and serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster. In 2007, he was the Northeast Region Chief. Ken is a student at California University of Pennsylvania and a Camp Program Director. Ken's dedication to the Order is profound: "Ken spent 121 days [of year-long term] representing the Order of the Arrow at 43 different events."

Adam Heaps

Adam Heaps
Adam is from New Holland, PA, and the Pennsylvania Dutch Council. He is an Eagle Scout and Assistant Scoutmaster. Adam has a history of service: he was a two-term Section Chief, CVC at the 2006 NOAC and member of many staffs and committees. He is a student at Franklin & Marshall College. "Adam is a remarkable young man who served his Order at the highest levels."

Mark P. Hendricks

Mark P. Hendricks
Mark is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member, and Founders Award recipient of Walamootkin Lodge, Blue Mountain Council. He attends Harvey Mudd College in California and served as the Western Region Chief in 2008. Mark "set a great example for youth everywhere" reads his citation.

Doug Hirdler

Doug Hirdler
Doug is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Ka'Niss Ma'Ingan Lodge, Voyageurs Area Council. Doug has served as the Northern Tier General Manager from 1997-2008 and also as a National Camp School Director. "Without his dedication and commitment the success we have experienced at the Wilderness Voyage program would not have been possible" read his citation.

Burl Holland

Burl Holland
Burl is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member, and Founders Award recipient of Itibapishe Iti Hollo Lodge, Central North Carolina Council. He is a student at the University of North Carolina - Charlotte and a Sergeant in the North Carolina National Air Guard. Burl was the Assistant Director of Operations for the InstructorCorps at ArrowCorps5 and served on multiple national event staffs. "Burl was instrumental in coordinating the operations of the InstructorCorps," reads his nomination form.

Don Hough

Don Hough
Don is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Lakota Lodge, Northwest Suburban Council. Don served as the 2007 Central Region Chief and previously as Section Chief and Secretary of C-3B. "He absolutely exemplifies everything the DSA stands for," read his citation.

DSA Ribbon (no photo available)

Michael S. Kirby
Michael, Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member and Founders Award recipient, is from the Blue Ridge Council. He was a two-term lodge chief, section chief and active in training, Chiefs Corps, and Inductions/Ceremonial Events. His nomination reads, "He personifies the Order's commitment to cheerful service, and his dedication is void of any expectation for personal recognition."

Andrew Kuhlmann

Andrew Kuhlmann
Andrew is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Kola Lodge, Longs Peak Council. Andrew served as the CVC for Communications at NOAC 2004 and on five NLS staffs. "He is a young man that was never looking for glory or the spotlight," read his citation.

Thomas Lambert

Thomas Lambert
Thomas is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Chilantakoba Lodge, Southeast Louisiana Council. He is a student at Louisiana State University and has served as the National Event Promotions SVC for 2007 NCLS and as the youth coordinator for the National OA Web site. "Thomas has been a great asset to our regional and national programs," read his citation.

Geoffrey Landau

Geoffrey Landau
Geoffrey is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member, and Founders Award recipient of O-Shot-Caw Lodge, South Florida Council. He is a student at the University of Florida and serves as a Youth Incident Commander for ArrowCorps5. "Geoff embodies all that is right within our organization," read his citation.

Andrew Martin

Andrew Martin
Andrew is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Alibamu Lodge, Tukabatchee Area Council. He hails from Montgomery, Alabama and is part of the United States Air Force. Andrew served as the deputy for the curriculum for the NCLS program. He is "always willing to accept new and additional tasks in service to Scouting and the Order," read his citation.

Robert L. Mason

Robert L.Mason
Robert is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member, and Founders Award recipient of Wahissa Lodge, Old Hickory Council. He is a student at Appalachian State University and was a two-term Section Chief, six-time NLS staff member, and part of the ArrowCorps5 Instructor Corps staff. "He cares deeply for other people's input and their experiences to help make the Order of the Arrow a better organization," read his citation.

Bruce Mayfield

Bruce Mayfield
Bruce, a resident of San Rafael, California, is an Eagle Scout and a recipient of the Silver Beaver award. He is a Vigil Honor member of Orca Lodge, and commissioner for the Redwood Empire Council. For this year's NOAC he is on the Experience key staff. He is currently the Western Region Vice Chairman for Area 3. His citation reads, "Bruce works vigorously for the Order of the Arrow at all levels and the entire Western Region is better for it."

DSA Ribbon (no photo available)

Robert Mazzuca
Robert, an Eagle Scout and James E. West Fellow, is currently the Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. Bob has served the Boy Scouts as a professional for more than 37 years, most recently as the Assistant Chief Scout Executive and as Scout Executive in Pittsburgh, PA. A native of California, Bob is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University.

Sean M. Murray

Sean M. Murray
Sean is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member of Otahnagon Lodge, recipient of the James E. West and Founders Awards. Sean is a past National Chief (2007-07) of the OA, and a past Chief and Vice- Chief of Section NE-3B. He is now a District committee member of the Baden-Powell council in New York.

Larry M. Newton

Larry M. Newton
Larry is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member, and Founders Award recipient from Alibamu Lodge, Tukabatchee Area Council in Alabama. He currently attends Huntington College. Larry served as the 2007 National Vice Chief and previously as the Chief of Section SR-4N. "Larry was a very dedicated national officer who remains an active and contributing Arrowman," reads his citation.

David Nguyen

David Nguyen
David from Los Angeles, CA, a certified public accountant, is also an Eagle Scout, Founders Award recipient, and a Vigil Honor member form Lowwapaneu Lodge in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council. David has been on staff for NOACs, ArrowCorps5, the National Conservation and Leadership Summit, and NLS. He has served as Chief and Vice-Chief of Section NE-2B. He is currently an Assistant Scoutmaster. He is noted in his citation as "everything it means to be a servant leader."

James W. Palmer

James W. Palmer
James holds the titles of Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Japeechen Lodge. Residing in Jackson, New Jersey, James is currently a Judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey. Throughout his OA career, he has served on the Founders Council, National Scoutreach Committee, and National Order of the Arrow Committee. James is the 2009 NOAC adviser of Section NE-5A. "He doesn't seek a spotlight for himself, rather, he works diligently and quietly, somewhat behind the scenes in unassuming roles to make and leave his mark."

Ian Romaine

Ian Romaine
Ian is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member, and Founders Award Recipient from the Wa-Hi-Na-Sa Lodge, Middle Tennessee Council. A Ph.D candidate at Vanderbilt University, Ian played instrumental roles in the success of the Order's Strategic Plan, Annual Report, and Digital Archive projects. His dedication to the principles of our Order are demonstrated by his constant inquiry of, "How else may I serve?"

Patrick Rooney

Patrick Rooney
An Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member, and Founders Award recipient, Patrick hails from the Amangamek-Wipit Lodge, National Capital Area Council. Patrick served as the 2008 Northeast Region Chief, representing the Order and Scouting with distinction. As noted in his nomination, Patrick "has considerable talents to call upon to make a real difference for people and organizations."

David Schaub

David Schaub
David is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member, and Founders Award recipient from the Unami Lodge, Cradle of Liberty Council. For several years, this former section chief has served in numerous youth roles within the Northeast Region and the national programs of the Order of the Arrow, including all five ArrowCorps5 sites. David was recommended for the DSA as one "who has grown to be a servant leader and embraced all that the Order of the Arrow stands for."

Christopher Schildknecht

Christopher Schildknecht
Christopher served as the 2006 National Vice Chief of the Order of the Arrow. An Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member from the Ku-Ni-Eh Lodge, Dan Beard Council, Christopher is a student at the Ohio State University, where he started a community service program. Christopher "provides an energetic, focused example for the youth of the Order to follow."

Benjamin L. Stilwill

Benjamin L. Stilwill
Ben is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor, and Founders Award recipient from Chief Okemos Council and Gabe-Shi-Win-Gi-Ji-Kens Lodge. Ben served as the National Vice Chief for 2008. He currently attends DePauw University. According to his DSA nomination form, Ben "displays his devotion to Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, and Service… He is the type of Arrowman who holds these ideals close to his heart".

Francis Sturges Jr.

Francis Sturges Jr.
Frank is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member and Founders Award recipient from Mecklenburg County Council and Catawba Lodge. Frank served as SR- 5 Section Chief and was on the Instructor Corps for ArrowCorps5. Frank recently graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. According to his DSA nomination form, Frank "is a 'good Scout'- by this I mean that he is an excellent student, role model, and servant leader in community activities."

William Swedenburg

William Swedenburg
William is a Vigil Honor member and has the District Award of Merit from Direct Service Council and Gamenowinink Lodge. William has served as the Southern Region Staff Adviser since 2006. According to his DSA nomination form, William "really loves scouting and especially the Order of the Arrow…it is apparent that the OA is his 'first love.'"

John Mason Thomas

John Mason Thomas
John is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member, and Founders Award recipient from Indian Waters Council and Muscogee Lodge. John served as the 2008 Southern Region Chief. He currently is a student at the University of South Carolina. According to the DSA nomination form, John "performed his tasks as Region Chief admirably and with the kind of positive and infectious spirit which is important in such a role."

Kiernan Thompson

Kieran Thompson
Kieran is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member, and Founders Award recipient from Grand Canyon Council and Wipala Wiki Lodge. Kieran served as the 2006 Western Region Chief. According to the DSA nomination form "Kieran is a model Scout and live the Scout Oath and Law. He is very deserving of the DSA for not only what he has done but what he will do in life."

Kaylene Trick

Kaylene Trick
Kay is a Vigil Honor member of Susquehanna Council and Woapea Sisilija Lodge. She is a member of the Order of the Arrow National Committee. According to her DSA nomination form, Kay's "service to youth spans more than 20 years and includes leadership to Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Venturing, and the Order of the Arrow."

Ed Tudor

Ed Tudor
Ed is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member, and Founders Award recipient from Southwest Florida Council and Osceola Lodge. Ed produced the opening and closing shows for ArrowCorps5. According to his DSA nomination form, "Ed Tudor is one of those rare Arrowmen who has provided outstanding National Service in three areas: Shows, Communications and Marketing, and Training."

Jacob P. Wellman

Jacob P. Wellman
Jake is an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor member, and Founders Award recipient from Great Southwest Council and Yah-Tah-Hey-Si-Kess Lodge. Jake served the Order of the Arrow as the 2008 National Chief. Jake currently attends The University of New Mexico. According to his DSA nomination, Jake "constantly goes above and beyond every expectation of each responsibility that he has taken out."

Chad Wolver

Chad Wolver
Chad is an Eagle Scout, and Vigil Honor member of Grand Canyon Council and Wipala Wiki Lodge. Chad served as Western Region Chief in 2007. Chad currently attends Arizona State University. According to this DSA nomination form, "Upon election he immediately became a vital cog in the operation of first his chapter and then the lodge as he found that he had the natural ability to enthuse and motivate around him."

Revised 8/3/2009