Most GMA ceremonies have some unique flavor. This was the case recently when two brothers, Benjamin and Patrick Mortenson, earned their GMA at a banquet in their honor. The ceremony was held on November 17, 2001 at Montana's Restaurant in Gulfport, MS. Senior Commander and dad of the two, Jeff Mortenson, made the arrangements. A crowd of friends, family, Royal Ranger leaders and church members were in attendance.

Following a delicious meal, the ceremony began with both recipients reading their 500 word theme on What Royal Rangers Means to Me. Then District Commander, Wesley Harmon, presented the medals to Ben and Patrick by way of their mother, Merilee Mortenson. It is a tradition for the mother to pin the medals on their son. A member of the Outpost Council presented a few of the letters from several dignitaries including Trent Lott and Thad Cockran. The letters were nicely framed. One of the commanders read the merits and various awards the boys earned while dad, Jeff Mortenson, delivered a PowerPoint presentation on the levels of accomplishment. Former Section 11 Commander and long time friend of the family, Jack Foster, said a few words of congratulations and presented the young men with a very special gift that he made. Pastor of Northside Assembly of God, Rev. Jeff Fillmore, lead the group in a special prayer for Ben and Patrick.

Patrick was the 4248 Royal Rangers nationwide to earn the Gold Medal of Achievement while Benjamin was number 4247. The Gold Medal of Achievement (GMA) is the highest award a boy can earn in Royal Rangers. To qualify, the boy must have completed all of the requirements for the Trailblazer program, 17 required merits, 10 merits of their choice, read the entire leaders manual and write a 500 word theme on What Royal Rangers Means to Me. They also have to sit before a GMA Review Board. The requirements will change somewhat when the new program kicks-in in 2002. The GMA is equal to its Boy Scout counter part: Eagle Scout.

Click here to download a application for the Gold Medal of Achievement. Also visit the National Royal Rangers web site for more information. While there, you can also check out the new plan for earning the GMA.