Gold Medal of Achievement

So our outpost has finally raised its first 2 GMA's. So the end of year award ceremony is June 8. I'm starting the process of requesting congrat's letters. The reason for this post is asking what do you guys do for Award Ceremony. I'm looking for ideas to make this a big deal.

My first GMA ceremony included:
- Outpost chaplain's opening prayer and benediction
- Reading a couple of letters (has Obama's administration cut RR off?)
- Custom-engraved Buck knives (one of the Bucks attended our church)
- Invitation to all uniformed (military, police, etc.) members of the church to dress up
- Color guard entry and departure
- Gift certificates from outdoor-themed businesses (many were donated)
- Light dinner and a decorated cake
- Reading of each boys' accomplishments to earn the GMA
- An invitation to other churches with outposts

Rappelling out of ceiling onto the platform is a nice touch..I have been a part of that on 2 occasions.  The boys rappel. I just make sure it's safely done.

A table with their past items on it.  Can be most anything they did in rangers.

A short slide show or a couple of video segments if you have something that got on the camera that is fun.

If they have any skills they have learned along the way..it can be musical as well.

I have had a dad or two think it was about him and his mother and had to explain it was about the boy and many people spoke into his life at various times.  

You can request letters from your state folks. Mayor, representative, senate etc... and letters from commanders in your district and such. ( I wouldn't ask for one from Obama....he most likely has no plan for them anyway.)

Obama rejects on "separation of church and state". I'm sure if GMA was Gold Muslim Award he would even attend. To get a presidential letter I sent request to George W Bush's office. I got one. It raised curiousity later when I read GW congrat letter but not Obama!  If BHO or Mr Barry Sortero had sent one I would have read it even with a bad taste in my mouth.

Apologies for lack of posting. the GMA ceremony seemed to become a bit of a monster as this was the first for the church and first for our states new Coordinator.
Here are photos of the night
GMA night
and the GMA Powerpoint
and for all the guests who didn't know a brief intro video
What is the GMA

Now one is moving onto ER and another is working on his JLSA for Jr. Cmdr.

Awesome Strods!