The Chief Speaks

Brothers and Sisters:
Twenty-nine years is a long time. I’m not that old. As a matter of fact, less than 30% of our lodge is that old. Of that 30%, only about 3% remember when our Lodge was formed in 1973. So, for some of you, twenty-nine years is nothing, but for the rest, twenty-nine is a LONG time, and THAT is just living as an adolescent, teen or young adult. Think about twenty-nine years of non-stop service.

Food for thought: Our Lodge has been in continuous operation for nearly 30 years. Some of us haven’t been around that long, others can’t remember that far back (just kidding!), but all of us are connected to the Cahuilla Lodge in a personal, spiritual way. We share the same uniforms, the same history, beliefs and heritage of those first Cahuilla Lodge members, and of the first Arrowmen in 1919. Thirty years of service, and that is just OUR Lodge. People, this is going on around the world.

Now usually, things don't last for 5 years if they don't work; definitely not thirty years and forget about eighty-three. Obviously, we are doing some things correctly. First, we provide quality, useful service and support to the Boy Scouts of America. Second, we do it well. As all of you know, “…[H] e who serves his fellows is, of his fellows greatest.” We are but servants of our God, our Country, our Units and our families. Those who selected us for the honor of membership in the OA placed on us an expectation of a lifetime of service. Not one hour a week, month or a few days a year. We, as leaders, set the example for ALL Scouts and Scouters to follow. And, if any of you are familiar with Council and National Training mantras, setting a good example is as important as breathing- those you lead are more likely to imitate your actions, not conform to your commands.

So, I admonish you: Act in accordance with the Scout Oath and Law, and our Obligation at all times. So that you, the leaders of Scouting, shall recruit and train quality people, and so continue our Service, and our Lodge, for another thirty, eighty, or one hundred years.

Your Brother in Cheerful Service,
-Brian James Hall “Wulihan”
Cahuilla Lodge Chief 2001-2002