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Three thing you must get your GMA’s!!!

We have probably all heard the stats supporting the elite status of a GMA among the Ranger population.  Every GMA represents 1000 active rangers.  So why make such a big deal of the GMA?  Isn’t every advancement important?

I have run the Marine Corps Marathon four times.  It’s the 5^th largest race in the world.  More than 30,000 will line up at the start.  People from 50 countries, registered six months prior to race day.  Then, they share their ambitions with their family and friends, and begin the long arduous journey of training and preparing.  On race day, countless will have personal bests, many will win their age groups and there will be one that come across first.  I can give you first hand accounts that at every celebration runners are amazed at the accomplishment of the one overall winner.  In addition, every runner will look at how close they were to their age groups winner and where the finished overall.  Furthermore, they will give out countless hugs to strangers and offer up their congrats for having the courage to step up to the starting line.  Why, so much celebration when you didn’t win?  As a matter of fact, 99% of the runners that signed up to run knew they didn’t even have a chance to win.  I think there is something deep in all of us that says, even though the bar is so high and likely unattainable the journey towards it will enrich our lives and help us grow in way we never though possible.  As runners we all share a piece of the journey together and that is what builds the community, the family.

There are going to be young men that step into Ranges for the first time as an eighth grader.  There is no way that they will ever reach the Gold Medal of Achievement, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be inspired to know that there is a pinnacle achievement and celebrate when some young man is set apart and rewarded for his accomplishments.  It will be journey they shared that will make the difference and shape their future.

THE FLAG

For $31 buck, including delivery, you can present a GMA with a United States flag that was flown over the US capital.  It comes with a certificate of authenticity that reflects the date it was flown.  We at the Ranger Podcast think it is so important for all of us to remember that our Country is the greatest stronghold for religious freedom the world has ever known.  The greatest enemy our country faces is “The Enemy”, satan, and to fight this spiritual battle you need the religious freedoms that our country affords each one of us.

By following this link, you can complete your order online or download the PDF form and mail in your requests to the address below: https://www.billnelson.senate.gov/services/flags. You will need to fill out one form for each boy who is receiving the GMA.  The website should walk you through the process.

If you mail in your request, you will need to include a printed copy of the completed form along with a check or money order made out to “Keeper of the Stationery” to:

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson
Attn. Flag Requests
Landmark Two
225 East Robinson Street, Suite 410
Orlando, FL 32801

THE LETTER

With a little planning and for thought you can present a GMA with a personal letter from the President of the United States and a letter from his states governor.  You can certainly get more.  We have received letters from congressmen and mayors as well.

This is how this year’s letter read, Melania and I offer our congratulations on your achievement earning the Royal Ranger Gold Medal of Achievement.  Our Nation is successful because of hard-working and determined individuals like you.  We hope you continue to set your standard high, achieve your goals, and inspire others to do the same.  Best wishes in your future endeavors, Sincerely President Donald Trump.

OPTION A

Medal, patch, ribbon certificate and cover.  For $26.00 you can get the full package and I think they deserve it.  You Outpost may not have the dress uniform to display it all, and we probably need to talk about that some time, but moms will enjoy adding those items to an in-home display that really give honor to their accomplishments.  This selection is all done at the bottom of the GMA application and you can find that at www.RoyalRangerUSA.com site.