The Chief Speaks

Since this will be my last article as chief I wanted to take a moment to thank all of the people who have made the last two years such a successful, educational, and fun time for me. Many of these people helped in a very direct way, many more in very indirect way. This article is going to be way to long so sorry if I miss anybody.

Peter Mandery, Sr. - Never before has a Cahuilla Lodge adviser only advised one chief for his entire tenure. I really believe that I was meant to be his chief, and Peter my adviser. It has been a pleasure to work with my friend Peter of the last two years. After September Peter will not be my adviser, but he will still be a great friend. I hope I can be like Pete when I am older, just I will talk faster. Thank you.

Tracy Schultze - This guy seems to know everything about the OA. He was always there with support, commentary, and a good laugh. Being chief at times is tough, Tracy was always there to remind me I could be a better chief. In a really, really weird way it has started to make sense and helped when I need it. Thank you.

Pete Townsend & Larry Dylina - You guys believed me long before anyone else did. I began running for chief nearly 3 years ago now and you guys believed that I could do it. Pete was an adviser who lit a fire under me, challenged me to take charge at a time when I did not believe. I can never repay you both for everything you have done. Thank you.

Steve Scott- For knowing that I was just crazy enough to pull it off. For showing that to be Chief you need to be a little bit different, a little bit load, and willing to embarrass yourself at Conclave and NOAC. Thank you Bob Kelly - If the founders could answer the question of what an adult role in the OA should be they would use Bob as the model. This guy is what arrowman is at their very, very best. Thank you.

Mojave Chapter - There is no place like home. From Jared Nichols, Chris Mendez, Kyle Shell, Robi Townsend, Earon Parker, Hank #2, Chris Boothe, Mr. C, Mark Riddle, Paula Booth, Herny Rice Sr. and the members of Troop 62 and Crew 869. You guys were there no matter what, and thought it all really keep me humble and real. Thank you.

Council of Chiefs and Advisers - Alan Underwood, Steve Bartel, Cory Fuqua, Doug Haynes, Matt Gardner, Eli Brooks, Scott Hatton, Phil Mandery, Christian Knowles, Bob Graham, Ron Collins, Bob Morgan, Steve Hall, Beau Sawyer, Ked Hedrick, Richard Garver, Don Turk, Barbara Salva, Rick Rhay, John Winston, and last but not least Frank Sydow. Thank you. Western Region Chairman Steve Bradley - Steve is my hero. Thank you.

Other Non-Cahuilla Guys - Mark Stickel, I could not have lost to a better section chief. Other friends I meet, Troy Martinez, David Ramos, Paul Olaso, Bob Westmeyer, Marty Gonzalez, Mike Settember, Linda Settember and the staff of NLS. Thank you.

Brian James Hall - Brian thinks that he is one of the funniest guys in the world, he also talks too much. Now you can see why he is one of my best friends. Thank you for reminding me about the important things like service, girls, Philmont, politics, chapter meetings, school, and corn dogs. Thank you.

Garth Olson - A great officer in whatever office he was in. Thanks for making laugh at the last two NOAC and for sticking up for me when I needed it the most. I have only meet a handful of scouts that are like Garth. Thank You.

My Family - Without them I would not have had this chance. Mom and Dad, brother Kyle, Grandma Katy, Grandpa Rufas, Uncle Vern (Vern is one of the greatest men I have ever meet, one of the greatest volunteers that I have seen) Without these people and many others I would not be doing what I am doing. Thank you.

My Girlfriend Sarah- (She is going to kill me for this) She has been with me for 2 ½ years now and I imagine that it has to me tough to date an overgrown scout. She has been one of the most supportive people. She probably helped fold and label this newsletter, and it would not be the first date we spent working on something for the lodge. I love her and glad she feels the same.

In Closing - The last two years have been great, I could never get back to this program what I have received in the last two years alone. Since I first made a "Vinney for Chief" button almost 3 years ago it has been a crazy ride. Thank you all so very much, if you made it through this article, thank you for listening. I left so much out, but I have a long time to try to say thank you to everyone, this is just the first step.

Yours in the sprit,
Vinney Williams