On the first day of training at NOAC 2024, James McCloughan, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, had an important message for Arrowmen.
“Don’t ever let one characteristic stymie you,” he told them.
McCloughan came to speak at NOAC as part of the ARROWx program, a series of signature training sessions featuring engaging keynote speakers run by the conference Training Committee.
A veteran of the Vietnam War, McCloughan came to share how his time as a US Army combat medic impacted his life.
“My men overseas were more like brothers than my actual brothers back home,” he shared.
This brotherhood that he experienced overseas guided his actions even when his unit was ambushed by enemy forces. McCloughan told the story of how he was injured by a grenade and pushed through the pain to save his brothers under fire.
“I was not going to let my men die,” McCloughan said. “I was just doing my job.”
Despite being injured himself, McCloughan saved ten wounded men from his unit. For that heroic action, McCloughan was presented with the Medal of Honor on July 31, 2017.
Louis S. of Ti’ak Lodge, Pine Burr Area Council, was particularly taken by McCloughan’s story.
“It was very eye opening and offered a very good perspective on how to look at life,” Louis remarked.
Tyler M. of Kittatinny Lodge, Hawk Mountain Council, was interested in what McCloughan said
“The story could change your view on who is around you,” Tyler said.
While ARROWx may be the signature training series offered at NOAC 2024, there are many other incredible training sessions offered to help you seek new heights in your personal journey.
Some training sessions provide help with resumes and scholarships to help you on your path to college or trade school, while other training sessions offer next level leadership training that can help you achieve that unit, chapter, or lodge officer position that you have always wanted. There are even some educational classes like STEM and Sustainability to promote better Leave No Trace within your community. Each course is taught by world class trainers who are subject matter experts to help you on your way to success in pursuing your goals surrounding the covered topic.
“NOAC brings together the nation’s best trainers to create an unforgettable learning experience for all,” shared Training Conference Vice Chief Laura Sun. “Whether you want to discover new tools for your chapter or lodge, explore future career paths, sharpen your leadership skills, or hear from inspiring speakers, every Arrowman has the opportunity to learn and grow.”