Each NOAC, the Order of the Arrow takes time to recognize those who dedicate themselves to servant leadership in the Order of the Arrow and Scouting America. The OA recognizes Arrowmen with the Distinguished Service Award at NOAC who have rendered distinguished and outstanding service to the Order on a section, regional, or national basis. Since the time the awards were first presented, fewer than 1,200 awards have been presented. This year, we recognize 53 Arrowmen with this prestigious award.
Additionally, the OA will recognize three individuals for service to the Order of the Arrow beyond the lodge level who are not members of the OA.
The stories of these servant leaders are below. No matter their background, the common bond among them is the service they have given. Take time to review the biographies, and rededicate yourself to your leadership in service that all Arrowmen are called to do. Now more than ever, the ones who chose you, need you. Whether it’s your unit, chapter, district, lodge, council, or beyond, follow the footsteps of these recipients to serve your fellow Scouts and those around you.
Distinguished Service Award Recipients
Ross M. Arnold
Tuku'ut Lodge
Greater Los Angeles Area Council
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Ross M. Arnold - DSA recipient
Ross is from Los Angeles, CA and Tuku’ut Lodge. Ross served on NOAC staffs for each event from 2004 to present, typically providing leadership in the training arena, and staffed a number of Jamborees, all as part of a long history of national Scouting service. Ross has served as Section Adviser of W-4N from 2013-2016 and served from 2018 to 2020 as Adviser to the Western Region Training Chair, serving on several NLATS staffs. As a youth, Ross was a Lodge Chief.
Jeffrey Aster
Unami Lodge
Cradle of Liberty Council
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Jeffrey Aster - DSA recipient
Jeffrey is from Honey Brook, PA and Unami Lodge. Jeffrey has served nationally as a Key Volunteer for the Financial Strategy Subcommittee since 2017 and has served on the NE Region OA Committee from 2018-2021 as Region Trading Post Adviser. For the last four NOACs and the 2021 NCOC, Jeffrey has served as the Trading Post Point-of-Sale and Cashier Manager. Jeffrey served Unami Lodge as Lodge Chief as a youth and later as Lodge Adviser.
Jason Ball
Lowaneu Allanque Lodge
Three Fires Council
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Jason Ball - DSA recipient
Jason is from Bolingbrook, IL and Lowaneu Allanque Lodge. Jason has provided lengthy service to the Order through his participation in shows at NOACs from 2012 to present, and at 2016 NEXT and with the OA Service Corps at the 2017 National Jamboree. He has staffed NLATS and DYLC and serves nationally as a Key Volunteer for the DEI Subcommittee.
Tim Beecher
Nischa Achowalogen Lodge
Golden Spread Council
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Tim Beecher - DSA recipient
Tim is from Amarillo, TX and Nischa Achowalogen Lodge. Along with Cortney Grosz, Tim was one of the original leaders of OA Wilderness Voyage and has provided consistent and lengthy service to the OA High Adventure programs ever since. He has staffed NOACs from 2000 to present – in the High Adventure arena – and, as a youth, served as Section SR-2 Chief in 1997 and as Associate Adviser of his Section from 2007-2014. He served on the staff of Gros Ventre Branch at Bridger-Teton National Forest for ArrowCorps5 in 2008.
Kurt Everett Brown
Illini Lodge
Prairielands Council
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Kurt Everett Brown - DSA recipient
Kurt is from Nixa, MO and Illini Lodge. Kurt served on Registration staff and Concierge staff at NOACs from 2012 to present. Kurt trained at DYLC events from 2017 to present and served as Gateway Region DYLC Co-Chair since 2021. Kurt served as Section Adviser of C-3B from 2016-2020.
Steven Robert Buer, Jr.
Kit-Ke-Hak-O-Kut Lodge
Mid-America Council
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Steven Robert Buer, Jr. - DSA recipient
Steven is from Fremont, NE and Kit-Ke-Hak-O-Kut Lodge. Steven served as the National OA Vice Chief for 2022 and helped preside over the 2022 NOAC. Steven served as a NLS trainer and served on the staff of the 2021 NCOC at Philmont. Steven served two terms as Section Chief of C-5A.
Vianney Mauricio Careaga
Papago Lodge
Catalina Council
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Vianney Mauricio Careaga - DSA recipient
Vianney is from Scottsdale, AZ and Papago Lodge. Vianney served as the Content Pillar Adviser and as Liaisons Adviser for the National OA Communications group. Vianney served two terms as Section W-6W Chief in 2013 and 2015, also was a two-term Section Secretary, and served as Western Region NOAC Training Coordinator. Vianney served on the 2015 NOAC Conference Committee and served on the road crew for ArrowTour in 2015. He staffed NEXT 2016 as well as the OA Trek Guides at the 2013 and 2017 National Jamborees.
Matthew Carlson
Na Tsi Hi Lodge
Monmouth Council
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Matthew Carlson - DSA recipient
Matt is from Kendall Park, NJ and Na Tsi Hi Lodge. Matt served as the Eastern Region Chief for 2023 and helped staff Operation Arrow at the 2023 National Jamboree. Matt also staffed the 2022 NOAC and staffed 7 NLS courses in 2022 and 2023. Matt served as Section Chief and Vice Chief of E17.
Adrian Castaneda
Wiatava Lodge
Orange County Council
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Adrian Castaneda - DSA recipient
Adrian is from Santa Ana, CA and Wiatava Lodge. Adrian provided leadership to Momentum Launch, served as a panelist for Momentum Spark, and as Workstream Lead and as a Deputy Coordinator for the OA’s Thrive program. Adrian provided service as a CVC for the cancelled 2020 NOAC. He was Section Secretary in 2018, Vice Chief in 2019, and Section Chief in 2020 for Section W-1A. Adrian also provided the Western Region OA with service on several NLS staffs and in other roles.
Corey J. Channell
Tindeuchen Lodge
Erie Shores Council
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Corey J. Channell - DSA recipient
Corey is from Toledo, OH and Tindeuchen Lodge. Corey served the National OA Communications group as Visual Media Lead from 2021-2023 and was a Visual Media producer for Momentum Discover in 2021. Corey also provided service to the Admonition Team at the 2022 NOAC and is serving as Youth Lead at the 2024 NOAC. Corey served the Central Region OA as Visual Content Chair in 2021 and the Eastern Region as NLS staff. Many of the OA videos in recent years have resulted from or benefited from his efforts.
Johncarlo "JC" R. Cinelli
Owaneco Lodge
Connecticut Yankee Council
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Johncarlo "JC" R. Cinelli - DSA recipient
JC is from Trumbull, CT and Owaneco Lodge. JC served as a Key Volunteer since 2017 for the National OA Subcommittee for Inductions. JC has staffed six NOACs and served as Lead Adviser for ICE training at the last three. JC served as an adult adviser with the Operation Arrow Service Corps at the 2017 National Jamboree.
Evan Crocker
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Pathway to the Rockies Council
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Evan Crocker - DSA recipient
Evan is from Monument, CO and Buffalo Mountain Lodge. Evan served as JVC for the Summit Apex Experience, debuting a new program, at the 2023 National Jamboree. Evan served as Section Chief of G-12S in 2023 and previously had served as Secretary and Vice Chief for his Section. Evan has also served on NLS staff and is working on the 2024 NOAC staff.
James Delorey
Kintecoying Lodge
Greater New York Council
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James Delorey - DSA recipient
James is from Westport, CT and Kintecoying Lodge. James has served as a Key Volunteer since 2017, first with the Strategic Performance Committee and then with the Mission and Reputations Subcommittee. James has also served on the BSA International Committee and on the BSA Alumni Association National Committee and staffed three NOACs. As a youth, James served as Section Chief of NE-1B and served on the OA Service Corps at the 1985 National Jamboree.
Benjamin Deveau
Tuku'ut Lodge
Greater Los Angeles Area Council
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Benjamin Deveau - DSA recipient
Ben is from Altadena, CA and Tuku’ut Lodge. Ben has served on the OA Trail Crew staff at Philmont, first as a Foreman, then as Assistant Director, and in 2023 and 2024 as Trail Crew Director. Ben provided service to the OA Thrive program and, in addition, served as the 2020 W-4N Section Chief and served on NLS staff.
John R. Donat
Blue Heron Lodge
Tidewater Council
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John R. Donat - DSA recipient
John is from Norfolk, VA and Blue Heron Lodge. John served on training staff at the NOACs from 2012 to present and has served as a DYLC trainer since 2018. John served as Section Adviser of SR-7A and E9 from 2020 to present, and served his section as Associate Adviser for the four years prior.
Paul Empie
Sac-N-Fox Lodge
Winnebago Council
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Paul L. Empie - DSA recipient
Paul is from Denver, IA and Sac-N-Fox Lodge. Paul has served on all NOAC staffs since 2000 in training, housing, and contingent services, and served on National Jamboree staffs from 2005 to present. Paul staffed the 2016 OA NEXT event and the 2019 World Jamboree. Paul has staffed NLATS and DYLC events from 2008 to present and served as Section Adviser of C-3A and G8 from 2012 to present.
Carson Paul Engelmann
Sac-N-Fox Lodge
Winnebago Council
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Carson Paul Engelmann - DSA recipient
Carson is from Miami, FL and O-Shot-Caw Lodge. Carson served as CVC of Engagement at the 2022 NOAC, in charge of the overall delegate and staff experience and many other programs such as the virtual delegate program, religious services, wide game, and contingent leader meetings. Carson also served on the National Communications committee as the on-boarding youth lead and served as Section Chief of E5 in 2022.
Michael J. Fowler
Woapalanne Lodge
Patriots' Path Council
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Michael J. Fowler - DSA recipient
Mike is from Sparta, NJ and Woapalanne Lodge. Mike served on the NOAC Conference Committee in 2022 and served the National Communications group as Social Media Lead and as Deputy Communications Coordinator. Mike has staffed nine NLS courses. Mike has served Section NE-5 and E17 in all three section offices and served three terms as Section Chief, ending in 2024.
Thomas Franklin
Colonneh Lodge
Sam Houston Area Council
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Thomas Franklin - DSA recipient
Thomas is from Houston, TX and Colonneh Lodge. Thomas has served on five NOAC staffs over the years, four NLS staffs, and also the staff of the OA NEXT event. Thomas has served as a professional Scouter in Sam Houston Area Council since 2005 and is currently that council’s Deputy Scout Executive. As a youth, Thomas served as Lodge Chief of Colonneh Lodge and as Section Secretary in 2002.
Samuel Gartzman
Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Lodge
Northeast Illinois Council
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Samuel Gartzman - DSA recipient
Sam is from Chicago, IL and Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Lodge. Sam served on NOAC staff from 2015 to present and served at the 2013 National Jamboree on the OA Trek Guide staff. Sam served on the National Communications group and helped with the Thrive Connect program. Sam has served on NLS staff and three times on DYLC staff and served as 2015 Section Chief and 2013 Section Vice Chief of C7.
Sean R. Gertsch
Takhone Lodge
Pathway to Adventure Council
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Sean R. Gertsch - DSA recipient
Sean is from Crown Point, IN and Takhone Lodge. Sean has served on every NOAC staff but one since 2006 and served at the 2007 NCLS event and at the 2013 National Jamboree as OA Trek Guide staff. Sean has served as a Key Volunteer for training and helped with numerous national OA committees and programs over the years. Sean has served on NLATS staff, DYLC staff, and recently served as Section Adviser of G9, after serving as Associate Adviser in C-7. He served as a Lodge Chief as a youth in Michigamea Lodge.
Joseph S. Grabill, Jr.
Sakima Lodge
La Salle Council
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Joseph S. Grabill, Jr. - DSA recipient
Joey is from Mishawaka, IN and Sakima Lodge. Joey served as the CVC for Special Events at the 2022 NOAC and was extremely involved in the NLS program from 2018 to 2022 in the Central, then Eastern, Region. Joey served on the Activities staff at the NCOC event in 2021 at Philmont and staffed the OA Indian Village at the 2017 National Jamboree. Joey is a two-term Section Chief of C-6A and E1.
Zach Grinvalsky
Blue Heron Lodge
Tidewater Council
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Zach Grinvalsky - DSA recipient
Zach is from Virginia Beach, VA and Blue Heron Lodge. Zach served as the 2023 National Chief of the Order and, as such, was the youth lead for the OA’s Operation Arrow at the 2023 National Jamboree. Zach served as Section Chief of SR-7A and E9, and prior to that he served as Section Vice Chief. Zach has also served on several NLS staffs.
Cortney Grosz
Nischa Achowalogen Lodge
Golden Spread Council
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Cortney Grosz - DSA recipient
Cortney is from Amarillo, TX and Nischa Achowalogen Lodge. Along with Tim Beecher, Cortney was one of the original leaders of OA Wilderness Voyage and has provided consistent and lengthy service to the OA High Adventure programs ever since. Cortney has served on NOAC staff from 2000 to present and has served as one of the key adults in his Section for many years. He helped staff the 2007 NCLS event and served as a key site leader for the Gros Ventre Branch at Bridger-Teton National Forest for ArrowCorps5 in 2008.
Wade Leon Hartley
Yustaga Lodge
Gulf Coast Council
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Wade Leon Hartley - DSA recipient
Wade is from Brewton, AL and Yustaga Lodge. Wade has served on the training staff for nine NOACs and held leadership roles in training for the last five. Wade also staffed the OA NEXT event in 2016 and numerous other national training projects, while also serving on the Eastern Region OA Committee. Wade served as Section Adviser of SR-1B and E4 from 2016-2023 and served as Associate Adviser in SR-4N and SR-1B from 2006-2015. Wade served as Lodge Chief and Section Secretary as a youth.
Eli Hattersley
Shenandoah Lodge
Virginia Headwaters Council
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Eli Hattersley - DSA recipient
Eli is from Lexington, VA and Shenandoah Lodge. Eli served as the CVC for Communications at the 2022 NOAC and served as Communications Lead for the 2021 NCOC event, in addition to other national communications efforts over the past few years. Eli served on eleven NLS staffs and served as Southern Region Web Lead. Eli served as Section Secretary of SR-7A in 2021 and then Section Chief of E9 in 2022.
Roger Hoyt
Wewikit Lodge
National Council
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Roger Hoyt - DSA recipient
Roger is from Cimarron, NM and Wewikit Lodge. Roger is the General Manager of Philmont Scout Ranch, having served in that role since early 2019. Roger also served on the staff of four councils, twice as Council Scout Executive, as part of a professional career in Scouting which began in 1995. Roger received the Vigil Honor from Tamegonit Lodge.
Darryk A. Kelly
Madockawanda Lodge
Pine Tree Council
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Darryk A. Kelly - DSA recipient
Darryk is from York, ME and Madockawanda Lodge. Darryk served as the CVC for Shows at the 2022 NOAC and staffed the 2023 National Jamboree as part of the Operation Arrow Service Team. Darryk served two terms as Section Chief – in 2021 for NE-1 and in 2022 for E19. Darryk also served in all three section offices.
David Kenneke
Wewikit Lodge
National Council
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David L. Kenneke - DSA recipient
Dave is from Cimarron, NM and Wewikit Lodge. Dave is the Director of Ranching for Philmont and has served in that role since 2016. Dave has served as the Base Representative for the Philmont OA Trail Crew program since 2018. Dave was a seasonal staff member at Philmont from 1988-1992 and has worked full-time in several roles since 2000. Dave has served as a Vice President for the Philmont Staff Association and, as a youth, Dave was a member of Wulapeju Lodge.
Grant Kim
Ma-Nu Lodge
Last Frontier Council
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Grant Kim - DSA recipient
Grant is from Edmond, OK and Ma-Nu Lodge. Grant served as the 2023 National Vice Chief of the Order, staffed the 2023 National Jamboree with Operation Arrow, and served on the 2022 NOAC staff as Adventure Expo leader. Grant has served on numerous NLS staffs over the past few years and served as a two-term Section Chief of SR-8 and G4, after serving as Section Secretary.
Mike Kirby
Osceola Lodge
Southwest Florida Council
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Mike Kirby - DSA recipient
Mike is from Cape Coral, FL and Osceola Lodge. Mike served the last few NOACs with Contingent & Staff Services and served the Western Region and Gateway Region as a DYLC trainer since 2017. Mike served as Section Adviser of W-2W and G14S from 2020-2023 and previously served as Associate Adviser. As a youth, Mike was two-term Section Chief of W-2A and W-5D in 2003 and 2004 from El-Ku-Ta Lodge, and he served on NLS staffs and on the staff of the Indian Summer OA event in 2003.
Matthew P. Kusche
Kittan Lodge
Twin Rivers Council
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Matthew P. Kusche - DSA recipient
Matt is from Loudonville, NY and Kittan Lodge. Matt served as the Director of OA Ocean Adventure in 2022, after having served several years as a Foreman, and served as youth chief of staff for OA High Adventure. Matt has also served as Deputy Coordinator for Engagement with the Thrive program and he has served in numerous roles with the national communications group. Matt also served as a NE-3B conclave coordinator in 2017.
Vince La Padula
Achewon Netopalis Lodge
Greenwich Council
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Vince La Padula - DSA recipient
Vince is from Greenwich, CT and Achewon Netopalis Lodge. Vince serves on the National OA Committee and also serves on the National Executive Board of the BSA. On the National OA Committee, Vince serves on the Foundation & Development Subcommittee and heads up the Endowment group. He received the Vigil Honor as a youth in Aquehongian Lodge.
Carson B. Lee
Japeechen Lodge
Jersey Shore Council
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Carson B. Lee - DSA recipient
Carson is from Hammonton, NJ and Japeechen Lodge. Carson has worked with the National Communications group for several years and has worked with the Admonition Team since 2020 and in that role has served on staff of the last two NOACs. Carson staffed the 2023 National Jamboree as communications lead for the DEI group. Carson has also worked with the OA Alliance as Brand & Identity Lead. Carson served as the 2022 Section Secretary for E17.
Andrew Line
Tukarica Lodge
Mountain West Council
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Andrew Line - DSA recipient
Andrew is from Boise, ID and Tukarica Lodge. Andrew served as Leadership Academy Lead for the training group at the 2022 NOAC and Andrew staffed the gatherings at the 2021 NCOC event at Philmont. Andrew served on twelve NLS staffs from 2021-2023. Andrew has been a leader in the OA Thrive program and staffed the 2023 National Jamboree with Operation Arrow. Andrew served as Section Secretary for a year before serving three terms as Section Chief of W-1E and G14N in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Adam Lucier
Tipisa Lodge
Central Florida Council
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Adam Lucier - DSA recipient
Adam is from Eustis, FL and Tipisa Lodge. Adam served on staff of the 2022 NOAC and the 2021 NCOC event at Philmont. Adam served as an OA Ocean Adventure Foreman in 2022 and served on NLS staff and DYLC staff. Adam served as the 2021 Southern Region Youth Lead for Thrive and PMP. Adam served as Section Chief of SR-4 in 2021 and as Vice Chief the prior year.
Andrew J. Miller
Lenape Lodge
Garden State Council
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Andrew J. Miller - DSA recipient
Andrew is from Boulder, CO and Lenape Lodge. Andrew served as Lead Adviser for the OA Momentum Virtual Events in 2020-2021 (Launch, Spark, Discover)" and served on the National OA Subcommittee for Strategic Performance since 2017. Andrew provided leadership to the Wide Game and the Remote Delegate program over the last several NOACs. Andrew is the Chair of the BSA Alumni Association and previously served as the BSA Northeast Region Area 5 Outdoor Programs Committee Chair and in other Northeast Region roles. Andrew has served on the National Executive Board of the BSA since 2023.
Danny Miller
Mishigami Lodge
Michigan Crossroads Council
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Danny Miller - DSA recipient
Danny is from Berkley, MI and Mishigami Lodge. Danny served as the CVC for the Activities and Recreation Committee at the 2022 NOAC. Danny also served as Chief of Staff for Operation Arrow at the 2023 National Jamboree. Danny has staffed numerous NLS events and served as Section Chief in 2022 of E2 and as Section Secretary of C-2 the year prior.
Nikolaus Kurt Newman
Colonneh Lodge
Sam Houston Area Council
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Nikolaus Kurt Newman - DSA recipient
Nik is from Kingwood, TX and Colonneh Lodge. Nik served as a Key Volunteer for the History & Preservation National OA Subcommittee and has led numerous OA history projects. Nik served as Lead Adviser for the OA Alliance efforts at the 2023 National Jamboree and Nik has served in key staff roles at several NOACs. Nik has served his Section in several adviser roles since 2013. Nik has also served Council Service Territory 7 in the roles of Program Lead, Jamboree Coordinator, and NESA Scholarship Chair. Nik also provided extraordinary service as a youth and young adult in Aina Topa Hutsi Lodge.
Michael Parmer
Tsali Lodge
Daniel Boone Council
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Michael Parmer - DSA recipient
Mike is from Hendersonville, NC and Tsali Lodge. Mike has served on NOAC staffs since 2006 and for the last two has served as Chief Medical Officer for NOAC. Mike also served as Chief Medical Officer for the portion of ArrowCorps5 at Bridger-Teton National Forest in 2008. Mike has also served on the medical staff at National Jamborees from 2010 to present and at the 2019 World Jamboree. Some of the service Mike has provided to the Order occurred while he was a member of Michigonong Lodge.
Michael J. Payne
Wisawanik Lodge
Arbuckle Area Council
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Michael J. Payne - DSA recipient
Mike is from Wynnewood, OK and Wisawanik Lodge. Mike served on all NOAC staffs since 2006 and has served as Infrastructure Lead for the NOAC GEO (the museum)" since 2012. Mike served as Section Adviser from 1999-2005 and served on three National Jamboree staffs. Mike also provided service to the 2019 Historian Summit at Philmont and served on the region’s NESA Scholarship Committee for many years.
Grant Phifer
Tonkawa Lodge
Capitol Area Council
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Grant Phifer - DSA recipient
Grant is from Austin, TX and Tonkawa Lodge. Grant has served the National Communications team as a youth and as a young adult, serving as youth eNews Lead and as youth Production Lead, then as adult Creative Pillar Adviser and adult Deputy Production Adviser. Grant served on the communications staff at NOACs since 2015, and also served as a Crew Guide at NEXT in 2016 and helped with the OA Thrive program. Grant has served as Gateway Region Communications Lead Adviser. As a youth, Grant served as a Section Secretary and several terms as a conclave CVC.
Alexander J. Pillis
Tschitani Lodge
Connecticut Rivers Council
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Alexander J. Pillis - DSA recipient
Alex is from Watertown, CT and Tschitani Lodge. Alex served as the Eastern Region Chief for 2022 (the inaugural Eastern Region Chief)" and was a key leader for the 2022 NOAC. Alex also served on several NLS staffs. Alex served two terms as Section Vice Chief before serving twice as Section Chief of NE-2A.
Timothy J. Reiss
Tahkone Lodge
Pathway to Adventure Council
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Timothy J. Reiss - DSA recipient
Tim is from Palatine, IL and Takhone Lodge. Tim served as the 2022 National Chief of the Order and, as such, was the youth lead for the 2022 NOAC. Tim also served as Deputy Lead for the 2020 Momentum Training service and served as Chief of Staff for the US contingent to the 2023 World Jamboree. Tim served as Section Vice Chief before serving twice as Section Chief of C-7.
Mac Richards
Sikhs Mox Lamonti Lodge
Mount Baker Council
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Mac Richards - DSA recipient
Mac is from Renton, WA and Sikhs Mox Lamonti Lodge. Mac served as a Key Volunteer with the National OA Subcommittee for Technology since 2019. He managed the team and led the development of the uniform Section Website program. Mac served as Program Deputy Lead for the OA Hack-A-Thon event in 2019. Mac provided similar service to the Western Region OA Committee in technology and staffed every NLS in the region for two years. Mac served as Section Secretary in 2017 and Section Vice Chief in 2018 of W-1N; Mac also served twice as a conclave CVC.
Bradley L. Schmidt
O-Shot-Caw Lodge
South Florida Council
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Bradley L. Schmidt - DSA recipient
Brad is from Davie, FL and O-Shot-Caw Lodge. Brad served as DYLC Lead Adviser for the Eastern Region from 2022 to 2024, after having served on numerous DYLC staffs. Brad served as Section Adviser of S-4 and E5 from 2019-2024, having served as Associate Adviser for several years prior. Brad has served on NOAC staffs and most recently served as Deputy Lead Adviser for Engagement.
Peter Selfors
Wag-O-Shag Lodge
Potawatomi Area Council
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Peter Selfors - DSA recipient
Peter is from Pewaukee, WI and Wag-O-Shag Lodge. Peter served as National Events Promotions Lead for Operation Arrow at the 2023 National Jamboree and for the 2024 NOAC. Peter also served as an engagement lead for the Thrive program and has served on NLS staff and Gateway Region section officer seminar staff. Peter also served as aide to the National Chief at the 2022 NOAC. Peter served as Section Chief of C-7 in 2022 and served as Section Vice Chief the previous year.
Catherine Simpson
Woa Cholena Lodge
Mobile Area Council
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Catherine Simpson - DSA recipient
Catie is from Mobile, AL and Woa Cholena Lodge. Catie served as the CVC for Adventure Central at the 2022 NOAC and served on the national DEI subcommittee which a focus on mental health. Catie also served as the Southern Region Social Media Lead and served on several NLS staffs. Catie served as the 2022 Section Chief of SR-1B/E4 and, before that, served as Section Secretary.
Dirk Demotte Smelser
Lo La'Qam Geela Lodge
Crater Lake Council
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Dirk Demotte Smelser - DSA recipient
Dirk is from Eureka, CA and Lo La’Qam Geela Lodge. Dirk served as the 2022 Gateway Region Chief (the inaugural Gateway Region Chief)" and served with Operation Arrow at the 2023 National Jamboree in the OA Activation Station. Dirk served on numerous NLS staffs and served on the planning committee and staff for the 2021 NCOC at Philmont. Dirk served twice as Section Chief of W-1S, and served as Section Vice Chief in the prior year.
Andrea Watson
Wewikit Lodge
National Council
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Andrea Watson - DSA recipient
Andrea is from Irving, TX and Wewikit Lodge. Andrea serves as the BSA’s Director of Outdoor Programs and Properties and has served in that role since 2020. Prior to that, Andrea served as Team Leader for BSA Camping Services from 2018-2020, and served as an Associate Director of Program at Philmont from 2011-2015. Andrea has also served in three councils as part of a professional career in Scouting which began in 2004. Andrea served as Section Staff Adviser of W-4S and received the Vigil Honor in Wiatava Lodge.
David E. Werhane
Wewikit Lodge
National Council
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David E. Werhane - DSA recipient
Dave is from Cimarron, NM and Wewikit Lodge. Dave began serving as Director of the Philmont Museums in early 2012. When the National Scouting Museum in Irving, Texas closed in 2017, Dave added to his title that of Director of the National Scouting Museum, which would be relocated to Philmont. Dave served as Project Manager for designing the new museum, which opened in May 2018. The museum’s Order of the Arrow gallery debuted in September of 2018 and Dave and the museum now provide critical maintenance and storage for OA artifacts.
Michael R. Whitford
Yah-Tah-Hey-Si-Kess Lodge
Great Southwest Council
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Michael R. Whitford - DSA recipient
Michael is from Albuquerque, NM and Yah-Tah-Hey-Si-Kess Lodge. Michael served as the 2023 Gateway Region Chief and helped staff Operation Arrow at the 2023 National Jamboree. Michael also served on Special Events staff at the 2022 NOAC and has trained at a number of NLS courses. Michael served as Gateway Region High Adventure coordinator in 2022 and served twice as Section Chief of G12S.
David M. Williams
Pellissippi Lodge
Great Smoky Mountain Council
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David M. Williams - DSA recipient
David is from Knoxville, TN and Pellissippi Lodge. David is the Scout Executive of Great Smoky Mountain Council and has served in that role since 2015. David began his professional career in Scouting in 1997 in Middle Tennessee Council and in 2011 served as Deputy Scout Executive in Circle Ten Council. David has served as Section Staff Adviser of SR-6 and E3 since 2017. David provided key leadership to the 2022 NOAC in Knoxville and served on the Contingent Management Team for the 2019 World Jamboree.
Red Arrow Award Recipients
Rebecca C. Martinez
Irving, TX
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Rebecca Martinez - Red Arrow recipient
Rebecca is from Irving, TX and has worked for the BSA since 2011. She first served as a Program Analyst, then worked for the Western Region, and then served as a Program Assistant. She has provided valuable administrative support for national Order of the Arrow events and projects.
Rob Ridgeway
Mount Hope, WV
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Rob Ridgeway - Red Arrow recipient
Rob is from Mount Hope, WV and has worked as Director of Facilities for the Summit Bechtel Reserve since October 2013 and, in 2021, was promoted to Chief of Staff / Director of Facilities where he continued to manage the facilities and also support the Executive VP of High Adventure. On October 1, 2022, Rob became Vice President and General Manager of the Summit Bechtel Reserve. Prior to working for the BSA, he was a project manager for the developer and prior to that, was a consultant for the State of West Virginia’s search committee for the Summit.
Robert Seiter
Mount Hope, WV
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Robert Seiter - Red Arrow recipient
Rob is from Mount Hope, WV and became a Senior Management Facilities Specialist for the Summit Bechtel Reserve in October 2013. He was promoted to Supervisor of Outdoor Services at the Summit in 2020, and then became Manager of Facilities for the Summit in October 2022, where he continues to serve. Prior to working for the BSA, he was a project manager for the developer of the Summit, Trinity Works.