Centennial Memory #2: Samuel C. Williamson Hall of Fame Induction

To celebrate the DeMolay Centennial, PA DeMolay will be counting down 100 memories worth celebrating that took place within the DeMolay Chapters and Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.

In June of 2016, "Dad" Samuel C. Williamson was inducted into the DeMolay International Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held during the DeMolay International Sessions, held in San Diego, California on June 18, 2016.

"Dad" Williamson is a cornerstone for Pennsylvania DeMolay. He is the founder of the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation, which has provided service and leadership to the Masonic Youth Groups for over 30 years. He is a Past Executive Officer, serving from 1987-2000. He is also the creator of the Key Man Conference, which was established in 1986. With all of that behind him, "Dad" Williamson is still a known figure that everyone looks up to in Pennsylvania DeMolay. Below is the plaque from the Hall of Fame, and some pictures from the ceremony in San Diego.

  

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Top Ten: PA DeMolay in 2016

The new year has been upon us for roughly two weeks now, but this weekend is the official start of the new year for PA DeMolay with Cowboys VS. Aliens Weekend. Although 2016 is behind us, the year brought us some great moments. If you weren't around for 2016, then here is a top ten list of what you missed out on:

10. Jacques DeMolay himself joined us for this years Jacquestoberfest. In October, the members of PA DeMolay participated in an "Oktoberfest" style festival. The members ate German inspired food, drank plenty of Birch Beer, and competed in a DeMolay Decathlon. Jacques DeMolay arrived to enjoy the ceremonial festivities with the members of PA DeMolay.

9. Friendship-Bray Chapter hosts a meeting with over 150 Master Masons in attendance. This was also the first meeting that FBC returned home to their original location in Jenkintown, after several years in Hatboro. Its always great to see such great support coming from the Masonic Family.

8. Dodgeball for Dyslexia grows into a spectacular annual event. This year was the second event, and plans are already in motion for a successful 2017 tournament. Chapters and Masonic groups gathered to help raise money for a great cause. Nearly $1,000 was raised and donated to the Learning Centers in Lancaster, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh. 

7. PA DeMolay accepted the mission to become secret agents at 007: Secret Agent Weekend. The weekend included a Sky Fall mission (a trip to Sky Zone,) and a Casino Royal event hosted by the Elected State Officers. Members enjoyed fancy drinks, played casino games, and enjoyed refreshments served by their favorite DeMolay Advisors (including the Executive Officer.)

6. The Judge is back on the road. For a short while, the traveling gavel, known as the Judge, was stuck in one location. Thanks to the help of Mitchell Holmes and the Elected State Officers, the judge is back on the road. Chapters that have already held it since September are Lorraine, Templar, Westmoreland and Northeast. 

5. PA DeMolay is still being different... by taking the show to Hollywood. Before Convention 2016 (If you weren't there, I'm sorry) SMC Adam Pritchard was encouraging PA DeMolay to "Be Different." During the 2016 Convention, in-going SMC Eric Dye introduced his theme for the year: Lights, Camera, Action: PA DeMolay Goes Hollywood. The year has been exciting with new events still to come.

4. NERF or Nothing! In January, PA DeMolay hosted the first ever all NERF weekend with Operation N.A.S.H.V.I.L.L.E. Training Weekend (Please ask Jake Beers what it stands for if you really want to know.) The function room was set up into a War Zone with games going on all day long. Congratulations to all of the winners.

3. PA DeMolay beats the Right Worshipful Grand Master in a game of Basketball. At Grand Master's Class, the RWGM of Masons in Pennsylvania, Raymond T. Dietz, challenged the members of DeMolay to a game of PIG, a basketball game in which a letter is given to a participant who misses a basket. Brothers Mitch Holmes and Kody Anderson won the game, $5 for every member, and bragging rights for all of PA DeMolay. 

2. "Dad" Samuel C. Williamson was inducted into the DeMolay International Hall of Fame. "Dad" Williamson has been a staple in the activities that are PA DeMolay for over 30 years. Since his resume is so detailed, I will save the length of this section, just know that PA DeMolay would not operate without his overwhelming support.

1. We brought in 100 new members this year. We had a really great year in membership this year, keeping the brotherhood going for several new young brothers. 

Wow! That's a lot to take in. 2016 really was an exciting year. So, how does PA DeMolay plan to make 2017 just as exciting? You'll have to wait and find out, but I can promise you that you will not be disappointed.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin         

Sam Williamson: The Godfather of Pennsylvania DeMolay

Today is the birthday of a very special person in the hearts of the members and advisors of Pennsylvania DeMolay, "Dad" Samuel C. Williamson. Today "Dad" Williamson celebrates his 90th birthday. In a way, this post is a Throwback Thursday post mainly because you will see some of the best pictures we have of "Dad" Williamson throughout his time with DeMolay. 

"Dad" Williamson served as the Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania from 1982 to 1983. In that time, he founded the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation, which dedicates its existence to the support of the Masonic Youth Groups in Pennsylvania. "Dad" Williamson served as Executive Officer from 1987 to 2000. This past year, "Dad" Williamson was inducted into the DeMolay International Hall of Fame.

To this day, "Dad" Williamson shows overwhelming support to the Pennsylvania DeMolay program. I had the privilege of being at the surprise party thrown for "Dad" Williamson last week (Sam, I still take no responsibility for throwing that party.) In that room, it was great to see how many people were affected in a positive way by the teachings of Sam Williamson. Thank you "Dad" Williamson for all that you do for Pennsylvania DeMolay. Happy Birthday! Enjoy your special day!

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Top Ten Reasons to be at Convention 2016!

Its the middle of May, which means the clock is ticking and Convention is right around the corner. This year, the annual Convention will be held at the Seven Springs Resort in Champion, PA from July 15 to 17, 2016. If you've never been to a PA DeMolay Convention, your probably asking yourself "Why should I go to Convention?" Below are the top 10 reasons why you should be at Convention 2016.

10. Members will have the chance to compete in Ritual Contests, from the Flower Talk to the Ceremony of Light.

9.  You'll get the chance to stay at a fancy hotel for the entire weekend.

8.  You'll get a free copy of the 2016 Convention Yearbook, with pictures and memories from all of the year's great activities. 

7.  Convention will be loaded with fun activities to fill the entire weekend. We start at the Caddie Shak Family Fun Center, which will have Mini Golf, Go Karts, Bumper Boats and much more. Then on Saturday, the Seven Springs Resort has several fun activities including the Alpine Slide, Disc Golf, Paddle Boats and Summer Tubing.

6.  Convention will provide food for every meal.  

5.  Your chapter will be able to receive awards based on the accomplishments they have performed throughout the year. 

4.  You'll have the opportunity to congratulate "Dad" Sam Williamson on being elected to the DeMolay Hall of Fame in person. The actual induction takes place on June 17 in San Diego, California.

3.  You'll have the chance to vote on your Elected State Officers for the 2016-2017 term. This includes the election of the State Sweetheart as well.

2.  This will give you a chance to get out of the house for the weekend.

And the number 1 reason that you should be at Convention 2016...

1.  Convention gives you the chance to see friends from the entire state of Pennsylvania for a great brotherhood atmosphere.

Hopefully this is enough to convince you that you should be at Convention this year. Registration is due June 5th, so get it in soon to guarantee that you won't miss out.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin     

Difference Makers: John Wayne

“Courage is being scared to death… and saddling up anyway.” No quote better encapsulates the "true tough as irons with a heart soft as leather nature" of “The Duke.” Born Marion Robert Morrison, the future American actor would go on to be the most recognized name in all of the western genre of film. However, before all of that, John Wayne, then known as “Little Duke” because of the massive Airedale Terrier that he always had with him which was also named Duke, was a brother in the Order of DeMolay.

After his high school years, Wayne went to the University of Southern California on a football scholarship to major in Pre-Law. While there, he engaged deeply in his studies and became a member of the Sigma Chi greek fraternity. Unfortunately, Wayne lost his scholarship due to a bodysurfing accident and was forced to return home to Southern California, unable to pay the hefty price of college tuition.

While at the time this seemed devastating to the young star-to-be, it was in fact a miracle. While working odds and ends in the acting industry, he was cast for the lead role in The Big Trail (1930), one of the first big budget films in the greatest decade in film history. It was here that he got his stage name “John Wayne.” His success on the big screen began to climb, and before long he was starring in his immortal pictures such as The Searchers (1956), True Grit (1969), The Quiet Man (1952), and The Alamo (1960).

John Wayne’s story of success is one for the history books, but it is all the more meaningful to us, his brothers. So when you hit some troubles down the road, remember to be like John Wayne; "I'm not the sort to back away from a fight. I don't believe in shrinking from anything. It's not my speed; I'm a guy who meets adversities head on."

This edition of the blog has been provided by PA DeMolay State Treasurer Daniel Shevalier. Thank you Daniel for your contribution. 

Gridiron Gang: Fran Tarkenton

With Super Bowl 50 taking place in a little over a week, I figured this is a good time to acknowledge the former football stars that were, or currently are, part of our Masonic Family. We start with a former member of the Order of DeMolay, legendary Quarterback Fran Tarkenton.

Francis Asbury Tarkenton, who later shortened the name to Fran, was born on February 3^rd, 1940 in Richmond, Virginia. He became the star Quarterback for Athens High School, where he led the team to a state championship in 1955. It was during his time in high school that Tarkenton found DeMolay, joining Frank Hardeman Chapter from Athens, Georgia in 1954. He attended the University of Georgia, where he led the Bulldogs to the Southeast Conference Championship and to the Orange Bowl. He became an All-American athlete for the Georgia Bulldogs.

In 1961, Tarkenton was drafted in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. In his first NFL game, Tarkenton threw 4 touchdowns, an accomplishment that had not been repeated until this past year when Marcus Mariota of the Tennessee Titans made the same accomplishment. Tarkenton became known as a mobile Quarterback, often referred to as “The Mad Scrambler” or “Frantic Fran.” In 1968, after playing his first 6 seasons for the Minnesota Vikings, he was traded to the New York Giants. In 1972, which would prove to be the prime of his career, Tarkenton was traded back to the Minnesota Vikings. From here, Tarkenton would lead the Vikings to 3 Super Bowls in 4 years, unfortunately missing out on all three tries. Tarkenton was named the League MVP in 1975 and was selected a total of 9 times to the Pro Bowl team. Tarkenton became a Pro Football Hall of Famer in 1986.

After his playing days were over, Tarkenton became a very well-known business man. Tarkenton has started twelve businesses, including a multi-million dollar computer software company that he sold in 1994. He also became known as a motivational speaker and an author, writing the books “What Losing Taught Me about Winning,” and “How to Motivate People: The Team Strategy for Success.”

In 1986, the same year Tarkenton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, DeMolay International inducted him into the DeMolay Hall of Fame. He was a Senior DeMolay as well as an Active Legion of Honor recipient. This Hall of Fame class was the inaugural class for DeMolay International.

“It is a great honor to be inducted into the DeMolay Hall of Fame. In today’s society where there is so much violence and heartache, it’s a gratifying feeling to know there is such a fine organization as DeMolay to look up to and lean on for guidance and support. I am proud to be a member!”

Be proud of who you are, both as a person and as a DeMolay.

Until next time – “Dad” Joe Pullin   

Who will be the next John Steinbeck?

Have you read "Of Mice and Men," "The Pearl," "The Red Pony," "The Grapes of Wrath," or "Cannery Row?"  These, and 27 other major works were authored by Senior DeMolay John Steinbeck, (1902-1968) who received a  Pulitzer Prize in 1940 for "The Grapes of Wrath," and a Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962 "for his realistic as well as imaginative writings, distinguished by a sympathetic humor and a keen social perception.”

Brother Steinbeck was a charter member of Watsonville Chapter in Watsonville, California, in 1921, and was inducted posthumously into the DeMolay Hall of Fame on June 16, 1995.  To learn more about Bro. Steinbeck, take a look at this link to a

Biography of John Steinbeck.

If, like Bro. Steinbeck, you enjoy creative writing, think that you have a knack for putting words on paper with style and a pizzazz and are an Active DeMolay, then we have a challenge for you: the annual  Kach Essay Contest.

The Scottish Rite Paul R. Kach Essay Competition awards $300 to each Region winner (two winners from each of the ten regions) and $1,200 for the national winners (two national winners.)  There are two competition categories, the first for young men in the 11th grade and above and the second for those in the 10th grade and below.  Entries in the 2015 essay contest must be titled: "100 Years More of Frank S. Land's Vision."  The content of the essay is of primary concern, but proper grammar and spelling will also be factors in the judging.  The essays must be an original work with a minimum of 1,000 words and a maximum of 1,500 words.  All essays must be submitted to Executive Officer "Dad" Tom Labagh by March 31, 2015.

Complete details on the Kach Essay contest have been mailed to all Pennsylvania DeMolay Chairmen, Chapter Advisors and Leadership Team Members.  A copy of the informational pamphlet is also available at the DeMolay International Webpage under Resources:Forms;2015 Kach Essay at:

http://www.demolay.org/resources/forms/

We challenge all of our active DeMolays in Pennsylvania - and in all Jurisdictions - to emulate Bro. Steinbeck, pick up a pen or settle in behind your keyboard of choice, and share your thoughts on what the vision of DeMolay will be for the next 100 years!

Senior DeMolay Highlight - John Steinbeck

It's been quite some time since I did a Senior DeMolay Highlight on the blog. As the school year winds down and the winds of Spring bring warm air to the Commonwealth, many young people are turning their attention to the final projects and papers required to complete their coursework. There are very few high schools that don't require some sort of reading and one of the most widely read authors is also a Senior DeMolay. Let's find out more about...

John Steinbeck

Great American Author

Bro. Steinbeck is probably one of the most notable writers of the 20th Century. His works have become standard fare for high school and collegiate English classes and many young people cut their proverbial teeth analyzing his novels. However, John never wanted the spotlight. He was a solitary man and valued his personal time more than anything else.

Born February 27, 1902, John was much loved by his parents. His father, John, was the Treasurer of Monterrey County in California, where the family resided. His mother, Olivia, was a retired school teacher. Episcopalians by faith, the Steinbecks were actually of German descent, while his mother was Irish. In his youth, John worked at a local farm and ranch where he encountered the darker side of migrant and farm labor that later influenced his novels. He assisted in founding Watsonville Chapter, Order of DeMolay, in Wastonville, CA, as a Charter member. As he aged, he attended Stanford University, but left after three years without earning a degree.
John entered the workforce, finding little success. He bounced from job to job, including acting as a tour guide and working in a warehouse. The only good thing to come out of this labor was that he met his first wife, Carrol, whom he would marry in 1930. Seeing his potential, his parents put he and Carrol up in a small flat where they subsidized his income so that he could concentrate on writing. He found a groove and penned his first books in the 1930's, but his life took a turn when he divorced Carrol in 1941. By 1942 he had remarried, this time to Gwyn, with whom he would have his only children - Tom and John IV.

Steinbeck wasn't immune from World War II. He served as a war correspondent until the completion of the conflict in 1945. Following the war, John travelled around the world, including several trips to Russia. In 1948 he returned to California to visit a dying friend, but sadly the man passed before John could arrive. Upon returning to his home from that trip, Gwyn asked John for a divorce, leaving him a broken man at the end of the 1940's.
 
If the 40's were rough for John, the 50's and 60's were his golden years. He met his third wife, Elaine, and wed her in 1950. He spent the next 18 years with her while he furthered his literary career. John passed away on December 20, 1968, at the age of 66, due to complications from a life time of smoking.

Before passing, John left such a volume of work that he would be lauded for decades to come. His books "The Grapes of Wrath," "Of Mice and Men," and "East of Eden" are considered modern day classics. He won a Nobel Prize in 1962 for his literary work. He was also honored with a Presidential Medal of Freedom from Lyndon B. Johnson.
 
The legacy of John Steinbeck is apparent. Sometimes the most creative and talented people are the most reserved and quietest in group situations. While he may not have been a Master Councilor, Bro. Steinbeck was certainly a leader in his own right.
Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Senator, Congressman, Captain, & Brother

This post is part of series of entries written by the Elected State Officers of PA DeMolay. Each of them have been assigned topics to discuss and offer their opinions on. Today's post is offered by Bro. Neal Skibicki, State Treasurer. Enjoy!

Since its beginning, the Order of DeMolay was noted for its support of patriotic ideals and virtues. This is mostly likely attributed to the diligence and effort of the members of the Order in practicing the seventh cardinal virtue - Patriotism. While every DeMolay should embody this virtue, some have gone above and beyond the call of duty in representing our great nation.

 Most of us are familiar with a few famous DeMolays such as  Terry Bradshaw and Walt Disney, but there are even more of us who have given so much to our country. For example, Bro. Robert B. Anderson (Former Secretary of the Treasury, Former Secretary of the Navy), Bro. Paul E. Tsongas (Former U.S. Senator from Massachusetts and 1992 Democratic Presidential Candidate), Bro. Mike Enzi (US Senator from Wyoming), Bro. and Captain Lance P. Sijan (Vietnam Prisoner of War and Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient), Bro. and General John P. McConnell (Fighter Pilot and Former United States Air Force Chief of Staff), Bro. James H. Douglas (Governor of Vermont), Bro. Charles Robb (Former Governor of Virginia, and also a Former US Senator from Virginia), and even Bro. and President Bill Clinton. Although they may hold high positions in our government or military forces, you can call each and every one of these men your brother, and know that many of them would not have "reached for the stars" as they did if they had not been members of DeMolay.

Bro. Carl Albert, Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, said, "In reflecting on my forty-nine years of public service, I find that the precepts of the Order of DeMolay have been invaluable to me. This was particularly true the two times I was just a heartbeat away from the presidency of the United States and faced very difficult decisions. My public life, as well as my private life, has been guided by the DeMolay vow – to love and serve God, my country, and my fellow man". Take those words to heart and always remember each and every one of our famous patriot brothers in history was just like you when they were growing up, a member of this great fraternity DeMolay.

Bring your Patriotic pride to your Chapter's Patriots Day Observance and our annual Patriots Class in Reading, PA, where we will be honoring another great Patriot, and proud supporter of DeMolay, Illustrious "Dad" Russel W. Baker, 33°, and Deputy for Pennsylvania of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction!

Senior DeMolay Highlight - Mel Carnahan

I took a break for the popular Senior DeMolay Highlight series last week, but today I'm back with another entry. We've talked about actors, entertainers, athletes, and explorers, as well as an international political figure. However, we haven't discussed any of the famous members of our government here in the United States. Today, I bring you the a tragic tale of a Senior DeMolay who's life was cut short before he could really show the impact that our Order had on his career. Today, we discuss

Melvin Eugene Carnahan

Former Governor of Missouri

Bro. Mel Carnahan was born in the small town of Birch Tree, Missouri, in 1934. His father was a state Representative, which would later impact his decision to become involved in politics. He had one brother, Robert, and was said to be a very loving son. While hailing from Missouri, Carnahan spent most of his adolescent life living in the District of Columbia while his father served his term of office. It was during this time that Carnahan became a member of Anacostia Chapter, a part of Nation's Capital DeMolay, but you can surely know that his Missouri roots prompted him to join.

He attended George Washington University, leaving the school with a business degree, after which he joined the United States Air Force. He attained the grade of 1st Lieutenant and spent most of his career in the Office of Special Investigation. Upon discharge, he attended the University of Missouri School of Law and earned a Juris Doctorate from that institution. In 1954, Mel married Jean Carpenter, and fathered four children with her - Russ, Tom, Robin, and Randy.

Politically, Carnahan was a popular democrat, who started out his career in the Missouri House of Representatives. In 1980, he was elected State Treasurer. Mel ran for Governor of Missouri in 1984, but lost the Democratic primary. Had he won, he would have faced another important political figure - former Attorney General John Ashcroft (who served as Governor of Missouri for 8 years.)

In one of the countries different political systems, the Lieutenant Governor of Missouri is elected separately from the Governor (they don't run as a slate, as is done in PA.) Carnahan was able to get elected Lieutenant Governor in 1988. This poised him to run for Governor again in 1992, in an election he would soundly win, becoming the 51st Governor of Missouri. He went on to serve as second term.

In 2000, Bro. Carnahan decided to run for United States Senator against his old political rival, John Ashcroft. The campaign was intense, with Carnahan criss-crossing Missouri on a daily basis, trying to ensure his election. In doing so, his son Randy would fly his father to each campaign stop in a small Cessna airplane. On Oct. 16, 2000, just three weeks before the election, his plane crashed into a forested area, killing Mel, his son Randy, and his campaign advisor, Chris Sifford.

Due to odd election laws in Missouri, Carnahan's name could not be removed from the ballot. For the last three weeks of the election season, his wife, Jean, continued to campaign for him using the slogan "I'm still with Mel!" In an unprecedented event, the deceased Carnahan won the election by a two percent margin, catapulting the race to national attention. With the seat being technically vacant, the Governor of Missouri appointed Jean Carnahan to fill the seat her dead husband would have held.

Of his DeMolay career, Mel said “I have many fond memories of my time as a DeMolay member. Along with my home and my church, DeMolay was one of the major influences on my life during those early formative years. One of the most important lessons I learned from DeMolay was the need for respect—respect for your parents, respect for women, respect for your family and friends, and respect for your community. I also appreciated the many wonderful friendships I was able to make within my chapter. DeMolay provides young men with the tools they need to assume leadership roles and accept the many civic and personal responsibilities that lie ahead of them. Most important of all, DeMolay builds strong character and instills the values that will continue to make this country a great one. I want to thank DeMolay for the difference its organization has made in my life, and I am confident that its principles will continue to inspire young men to realize their potential. ”

Bro. Carnahan was a Chevalier, a Legionnaire, and was inducted into the DeMolay Hall of Fame in 1999 - just months prior to his untimely death.

Bro. and "Dad" Carnahan showed that his Mission was to control public policy and help those who lived in the State of Missouri. What can you learn from how Mel completed his Mission?

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Senior DeMolay Highlight - Burl Ives

This is the fourth in our series of Senior DeMolay Highlights and today we take another dive back into the DeMolay International Hall of Fame. Today's highlight is an entertainer that I'm willing to bet everyone has heard or seen at some point, but probably doesn't even realize it.

I don't know of many people who dislike the holiday season. One of the most famous television holiday specials is the 1964 classic, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. That show was narrated by a plump and jolly character named "Sam the Snowman." That snowman was a characterization of Burl Ives. He also recorded several classic holiday tunes, like Holly Jolly Christmas and Silver and Gold. So, without further ado, let's learn more about

Burl Icle Ivanhoe Ives

Actor and Folk Singer

Brother Ives was born on June 14, 1909, near Hunt City (an unincorporated area in Jasper County, Illinois.) Burl had six siblings and was the son of farmer and laborer. He started singing very early on. It is said that his Uncle overheard him singing in a garden and thought he had a great voice. He was invited to come sing in Hunt City with a group and impressed everyone with his talent.

Burl was inducted into George N. Todd Chapter, in Illinois, in 1927. He became a member of the Legion of Honor of DeMolay in 1986. An active Freemason throughout his life, Ives would become a 33rd Degree Member of the Scottish Rite. He was also very active with the Boy Scouts of America, earning several distinctions, including the prestigious Silver Buffalo, the highest honor given in Scouting. One link Burl has to Pennsylvania is a 1977 sound recording of him being interviewed by Boy Scouts at the National Jamboree at Moraine State Park.

He would go on to college in Illinois to become a teacher. As the legend goes, he was sitting in English class in his Junior year when he suddenly felt that he was just wasting his time. It is said that he got up and left the class. As he did so, the professor apparently made a remark to Burl, to which he responded by slamming the door on his way out. Sixty years later, Eastern Illinois University named a building after not one of its most famous graduates, but its most famous dropout - Burl Ives.

Burl started his singing career in the 30's and 40's, travelling the country learning folk songs from cowboys, hobos, and anyone with a tune or tale to tell. He landed some gigs on local radio stations where he became famous for playing folk songs. In the late 1930's, he associated himself with a group of singers that took a public "anti-war" stance. This group included Woody Guthrie, Will Geer, and Pete Seeger. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the group changed its views, throwing its full support behind FDR. They even wrote "pro-war" songs to support the movement. In 1942 he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he would attain the rank of Corporal before being discharged in 1943 for medical reasons. Following his stint with the Army, Ives went to New York City to host a radio program for CBS radio. In 1945 he would marry Helen Ehrlich, with whom he would have a son, Alexander, in 1949. 

In the early 1950's, Ives hit a rough patch. He was identified (mistakenly) with the Communist movement and was placed on the infamous "Blacklist." Later, he would testify in front of the notorious House UnAmerican Activities Committee. During his testimony it was revealed that he had been blacklisted for visiting Union meetings where he was trying to stay in touch with the working man in an effort to increase his musical repertoire. He would round out the 1950's by landing parts in several movies and becoming a minor celebrity. 

The 1960's saw Ives continue his acting career and become a recording sensation. As mentioned above, his 1964 animated adaptation of the story of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer brought him a whole new level of success that would keep him into the public consciousness for years to come. In 1975 he earned another tie to the Keystone State when he was awarded the Penn State University Glee Club Award of Merit. He was also famous as a spokesman for Luzianne teas in the 60's and 70's. Ives was an author and Broadway actor during this time. 

Some of you may noticed that Bro. Ives is smoking a pipe in the picture above. As you know, PA DeMolay has a zero tolerance policy in regards to the use of tobacco in any form, but I wanted to depict Bro. Ives smoking his pipe for a specific reason. Ives was famous for his love of pipes, but it would ultimately be his demise. In 1994 he was diagnosed with oral cancer, caused by his decades of tobacco use. He fell into a coma in 1995 and would die before the end of the year due to complications from the disease. His signature look, that of a pipe smoker, would ultimately kill him.

Special thanks to the DeMolay International Hall of Fame and Wikipedia for information on Bro. Ives.

Bro. Ives took Control of his life, changing his career path and becoming a famous singer and actor. What have you done on your Mission to Control your own destiny?

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Senior DeMolay Highlight - Frank Borman

The Senior DeMolay highlight series has proven to be very popular. So far, we have covered an entertainer and a world leader, but we have yet to dive into the DeMolay Hall of Fame. But, today, we are going to do just that. If you have never checked out the DeMolay Hall of Fame Online, you should take a few minutes to do so. It's a great resource for information on famous men who were DeMolays - although, you don't have to be famous to get nominated to be a Hall of Fame member. Hall of Fame inductees are chosen through a committee of Active Members of the DeMolay International Supreme Council. They chose possible candidates based upon their contributions to society and how well they are known throughout the world. So, today, in keeping with the Hall of Fame and Bro. Matt Blaisdell's Mission: Control! theme, we present

Colonel Frank Frederick Borman, II

Astronaut and Commander of Apollo 8

Bro. Borman was born in Gary, Indiana, but it was soon discovered that Frank had serious sinus issues and it was recommended that his family move to drier, warmer climate. The family packed up and moved to Arizona, settling in Tuscon (which Frank now considers his home town.) It was there that he was inducted in to DeMolay in 1943. 

He started to fly at the age of 15. He is a graduate of the Tucson High School. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1950 where he served as an Army Football Manager, and along with part of his graduating class, he entered the United States Air Force (USAF) and became a fighter pilot. He received his Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from the California Institute of Technology in 1957. Later, Borman was selected for the USAF test pilot school and became a test pilot.

Before working on the Apollo project, Frank would spend time on the Gemini missions as well as working with a NASA review board that investigated the Apollo 1 fire. Having been recognized as a leader in the space program, Borman was tasked with leading the Apollo 8 mission. This mission was tested the feasibility of using the lunar module and orbited the moon twenty times before returning to Earth.

After his time at NASA, Frank would go on to become CEO of Eastern airlines which he later sold to Texas Air, retiring in 1986 upon completion of the sale. Borman returned to Tucson, Arizona, where he enjoyed rebuilding and flying airplanes from World War II and the Korean era. Borman has since appeared in the documentary When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions. On November 13, 2008, Borman and fellow Apollo 8 crewmembers Jim Lovell and Bill Andersappeared on the NASA TV channel to discuss the Apollo 8 mission. Borman currently resides with his wife Susan in Bighorn, Montana.

Special thanks to the DeMolay International Hall of Fame and Wikipedia for information on Bro. Borman.

Frank Borman controlled his Mission - as a DeMolay, as a Student, and as an Astronaut. How are you making your Mission a success?

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony