Senior DeMolay Highlight - Michael G. Severe

We haven't done a Senior DeMolay Spotlight in a little while, so I thought it would be appropriate to revisit the topic. However, the last few spotlights we have done have been about members of the DeMolay International Hall of Fame. The men who compose the Hall of Fame are some our greatest members from previous generations, but I also think it's important to highlight Senior DeMolay's who may not be as widely known, but who are giving lots of time and effort to the organization. In recent weeks, one such Senior DeMolay has really come to the forefront by using his influence to remind people of the importance of the DeMolay program. That man is:

"Dad" Michael G. Severe

Imperial Potentate of Shriners International

"Dad" Severe is currently serving in one of the most high profile positions in all of the Masonic Fraternity; he is the Imperial Potentate of the Shrine of North America. While the title is impressive, the work he is doing behind the scenes is what really should impress you the most. As part of his position, he serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Shriners International - the same group that owns and operates the Shriners Hospitals for Children. The work the Shrine Hospitals does is well known and needs no explanation here. But, who is "Dad" Severe, really?

As a young man, Severe was a member of the Order of DeMolay in Columbine Chapter, in Grand Junction, Colorado, and immediately progressed on to joining the Masonic Fraternity at the age of 21. He quickly joined the York and Scottish Rites, which enabled him to don the coveted red fez of a Shriner by the age of 22. He served his Lodge, Glenwood No. 65, in various offices and is a Past Patron of Erica Chapter No. 69, Order of the Eastern Star. However, his first love would always be Shrinedom. He got involved in the Scooter and Motorcycle Units, becoming president of the latter in 1989. Feeling the continued call to service, he was appointed Outer Guard of El Jebel Shrine in 1990, where he progressed  through the chairs until serving as Potentate in 1999. Some would say 10 years of service to the Shrine is enough, but not "Dad" Severe! His love for the organization led him to run for the bottom of the Imperial (meaning national) line in 2000. A decade later, we find "Dad" Severe in the position of Imperial Potentate, continuing to strive for excellence in his role as CEO of all things Shrine related.

Severe’s wife, Patty, is employed by St. Joseph Hospital. He has two children, Joe who repairs and races track motorcycles, and Lauren who is attending the University of Northern Colorado as an English major; Patty has two grown children, Aaron and Amanda; and two grandchildren, Sydney and Derek.

Most of you are probably thinking "This is all well and good, but what else has he done for DeMolay?" That's the most important piece of the story! On October 6, 2011, "Dad" Severe issued a letter as Imperial Potentate to the 193 Shrines that compose the organization. In that letter (which you can read here) he asked all of the Shrines to sponsor a DeMolay Chapter and provide whatever support they can for the organization. It was because of his positive experiences as a DeMolay that he published this letter, opening up one of the best opportunities for Masonic interaction that DeMolay International has had in a long time.

Here in Pennsylvania, we are sending letters to all of the Shrines, asking them to sign on as sponsors of their local DeMolay Chapters, along with a list of 25 ways that the Shrine can support DeMolay. However, we can only do so much. We ask that each Chapter reach out and contact their local Shrine group and start a discourse with them directly. If you need contact information for your local Shrine Center, give us a call here at the PA DeMolay office and we'll be glad to help!

On behalf of PA DeMolay, I thank "Dad" Severe for his continued support. We look forward to working with the Shrine here in the Keystone State; not only for the betterment of DeMolay, but for the Shrine as well!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Futurama

I realized last week that this humble little blog has recently passed some major milestones and is on its way to reaching a few more. This post is number 252 for the PA DeMolay blog. Our first post was created on January 4, 2010, just a couple months short of two years ago. While two years may not seem like a long time to some (and may seem like an eternity to others) in the world of the internet, that's an incredible amount of time. To our knowledge, there is no other DeMolay related blog that has been as consistently updated for any length as this one. However, anecdotal evidence doesn't make a case, so I'd like to share with you some statistics related to this site.

• Views to date: 23,394
• Most Views in a Single Month: August 2010 with 2,434 views.
• Average Views Per Month (Over the last 12 months) - Just above 1500
• Average Views Per Month (Last Quarter) - Just above 2000
• Most Popular Post A Closer Look at Regalia: Part 1 - Aiguillettes - Posted August 19, 2010 (767 views)
• Largest Referring Site: Google
• Largest Referral by Link: http://freemasonsfordummies.blogspot.com/
• Top Five Search Words:
• Unplug - 113
• Aiguillette - 100
• Aiguillettes - 79
• Colonel Mustard Costume - 29
• DeMolay - 24

Now some of you may be looking at those search terms and thinking "What in the heck?!?" Actually, those terms are good for the Blog. Why? While they may not be truly DeMolay related, they are bringing people to our Blog who are looking for something else. While they are here, they are probably learning at least a little bit about DeMolay, which is a very good thing! Just where do those viewers come from? Here is a break down of the top countries that check out this site:

United States 14,354 Philippines 1,567 Brazil 1,254 Canada 898 France 632 United Kingdom 486 Germany 241 Netherlands 186 Russia 175 Australia 166

Obviously the top four countries are all major areas for DeMolay, which explains their high hit rate. 

So, where is the blog going from here? That's a tough question. It's interesting to see how the blog has changed over time, but I know that it will continue to grow and prosper. As always, I'm open to new contributors and people who would like to have their opinion heard. Just drop your article in an e-mail to webmaster@pademolay.org and we can talk about posting it!

Also, in the coming months, I will be doing a new feature called "Active DeMolay Spotlight." Like our popular Senior DeMolay Spotlight series, these articles will highlight what some of our current members are doing in their homes and communities. This is a great way for Active DeMolays to get their name out there to College Recruiters  Community Leaders, and other DeMolays (hint hint for those of you thinking of running for Elected State Office next year!)

So, stay tuned for another year and see where the Blog takes you!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

The Obligatory Post

This post is a day later than usual (for which I apologize to our regular readers.) We have just come off of a big weekend of Flag Football and I'm furiously working on the Keystone Crusader and the Masonic Youth Minutes. These two publications account for almost 3000 pieces of literature going out to the Masonic Fraternity all over the country. However, this doesn't lessen the importance of this Blog, which is also rising in viewer-ship. But, I digress...

Today's post is something we've been discussing here at the office for the past week. As reports of Obligatory Day observances begin to flow in, it has become obvious that some of our members don't quite understand what kinds of activities are considered good Obligatory Day observances.

Part of the problem is that most DeMolays refer to their DeMolay Leaders Resource Guide for ideas, and it was written 20 years ago, but the rules were changed in 2006 by vote of DeMolay International.  There was a good reason for the changes-- now, the requirements specifically fall to the officers of the Chapter to establish a chapter activity as an observance.  The old requirements were all over the place-- some applied to the Chapters, some to officers, and some to individual members.  Consistency-- even 50 years late-- is still a good thing!  Why is this important to know?   Well, if you are applying for the PMC-MSA you will certainly want to get it right!

The question then comes to mind, what exactly are we supposed to do for these observances? The real definitive answer can be found in a document that I guarantee most of you have never looked at... (cue scary Halloween theme music) the DeMolay International Rules and Regulations; specifically Section 323.1 - Obligatory Observances. Let's take a look, shall we? (Boldfacing of some text was added by PA DeMolay.)

323.1 - Obligatory Observances

(a) Dates.  The following days are fixed as special ceremonial days, and their observance is obligatory for all DeMolay Chapters unless prevented by unavoidable circumstances: (2006)


(1)  Devotional Day: A day during the week that includes March 18. (2006)


(2)  Patriots' Day:  A day convenient to the Chapter in the month of February.

(3)  Educational Day:  A day convenient to the Chapter. (Note: by virtue of section [b] below, the EO of PA DeMolay has chosen to require this day to be observed in September.

(4)  DeMolay Day of Comfort: a day between November 15 and December 31. (2006)


(5)  Parents' Day: A day between May 1 and June 21. (2006)


(6)  My Government Day:  A day convenient to the Chapter in the month of July.


(7)  Frank S. Land Memorial Day:  A day convenient to the Chapter near November 8.


(b) Executive Officer.  The Executive Officer may change the date of any Obligatory Day.


(c) Notify Members.  The officers of each Chapter shall arrange for the observance of these Obligatory Days, and notify active members of the dates. (2006)


(d) Devotional Day.  On Devotional Day it is the duty of the members of each Chapter of DeMolay to attend as a group, a worship service in some church, synagogue, mosque, temple, chapel or other place of worship approved by the Advisory Council. (2006)


(e) Patriots' Day.  On Patriots' Day each Chapter shall arrange a program at which the great patriotic events of the country in which the Chapter is located shall be reviewed, so that the great light of patriotism may never grow dim. (2006)


(f) DeMolay Day of Comfort.  On DeMolay Day of Comfort it is the duty of each Chapter to visit the sick or aged. (2006)


(g) Educational Day.  On Educational Day it is the duty of each Chapter to arrange a program that will tend to emphasize the value of an education and the fact that the public school is a bulwark of liberty and must be maintained. (2006)


(h) Parents' Day.  On Parents' Day it is the duty of each Chapter to arrange a program to which the parents, guardians, mentors or other significant caregivers are invited and at which they will be suitably recognized. (2006)


(i) My Government Day.  On My Government Day it is the duty of each Chapter to arrange a program at which the members may learn about the government of the country in which the Chapter is located. (2006)


(j) Frank S. Land Memorial Day.  On Frank S. Land Memorial Day it is the duty of each Chapter to arrange a memorial program in honor and memory of Dad Frank S. Land, Founder of the Order of DeMolay, and to carry out a special fund raising effort with the proceeds being donated to a Masonic charity.

Now, take a moment to review what your Chapter has been doing for these observances. Did your program on George Washington really fulfill a My Government Day observation, or would that have been better suited to Patriot's Day? Having someone help teach the members some basic music skills is fun, but does it really count for Education Day? Did you forget the "fundraiser" requirement of Frank S. Land Day, last year?  That is a perfect time to raise funds for the Children's Dyslexia Centers-- your State Charity!


We suggest that you print out this post and tuck it away so that the next time you have an observance you can make sure that it meets all the requirements! Now, go start observing!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Oh, you're going to your cult again, aren't you?

I was recently reminded that there is still a large amount of stigma placed around involvement in a Masonic Youth Group. People ridicule what they don't know or understand and oftentimes our young members aren't in a position to defend their membership with confidence. Heck, I still hear of college aged members who have to deal with these sorts of claims.
Some of you might remember that the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation published a brochure entitled "Isn't that a cult?" that helped to dispel some of the concerns and stigma about the Masonic fraternity and it's youth programs.   For your convenience, I've reprinted the text of that publication below. If you'd like a copy of the document, you can find it over at the PMYF website.

Isn’t That A Cult?

Every so often, a member of a Masonic-sponsored youth group will invite a friend to join and be told that they can’t, because “my parents say it’s a cult.”  All Masonic-related Youth Groups MUST have parental permission before a youth may join, so it’s important to us that parents understand what we’re about, and why we’re most definitely NOT a cult.  We hope the information in this article will be helpful to you in understanding Masonic-sponsored youth groups.

Why would someone think these groups are cults?

We’re not entirely sure.  Different people probably have different reasons.  Some that we have encountered are: lack of knowledge, misunderstanding, mistrust of fraternal organizations in general, a negative experience, and perhaps most commonly …just because someone else told them they are!

What is a cult?

Cults may be religious, social, philosophical, or political.  In general, cults take everything to the extreme.  Most experts agree that it takes more than just a different set of beliefs than the norm to make a cult.  Most groups with new or different ideas, especially those with religious content, are apt to be labeled a cult.  The most useful definitions of cults include the characteristic of excessive control over members (especially through isolating them from the “outside world”) and the existence of a charismatic and powerful leader.  Groups with these characteristics often do terrible damage to families associated with their members, and are sometimes overtly dangerous to their members.  A few that we have all seen in the news have become dangerous in the extreme, resulting in mass murders and/or suicides among their members.  Some cult leaders, like the infamous Charles Manson (“The Manson Family”), Reverend Jim Jones (“The People’s Temple”), David Koresh (“The Branch Davidians”), and Marshall Applewhite (“Heaven’s Gate”), have drawn public attention to the cult leader “type.”  Certainly there are many more cult leaders who have not been so tragically famous.   They are often very dynamic, effective communicators.  They tend to be “control-freaks,” who rule by strength, fear and sometimes even violence.  They may claim divinity or to have supernatural or supernormal powers.  They require unquestioning loyalty, obedience and dependence.  They may demand the sharing or surrendering of the members’ property. And they often place themselves “above” the rules of the group. Such a leader could be very dangerous indeed.

So are Masonic-related groups cults?

Masonic-related Youth Groups are NOT cults, because they encourage members to be actively involved in their church, school, and community. (Cults trade on isolating their members from outside influences.)

Masonic-related Youth Groups are NOT cults, because they place a tremendous emphasis on the importance of the family, and the authority of the young person’s parents. (Cults claim top authority for themselves, and often try to replace or supplant a member’s family.)

Masonic-related Youth Groups are NOT cults, because they make no claims to a unique or exclusive knowledge of truth.  We encourage our members to pursue and grow in their own family’s faith tradition.  We teach religious tolerance, not religious pluralism. (Cults always point inside the group to look for truth, never out to other groups.)

Masonic-related Youth Groups are NOT cults, because they work cooperatively with other community groups toward common goals and worthwhile services.  (Cults operate on an “us versus them” mentality, and isolate members from the public.)

Masonic-related Youth Groups are NOT cults, because they emphasize service to others through giving of time, talents, and financial resources.  (Cults demand that service and investment of resources be only for the benefit of the group.)

Masonic-related Youth Groups are NOT cults, because they encourage parents to be involved in all of their youth’s activity with the group, whether as a guest, or even as a volunteer leader.  (Cults practice deceit and “hiding,” not openness and welcoming.)

Masonic-related Youth Groups are NOT cults, because they encourage independent thinking, initiative, and leadership.  Good team members are co-leaders, not mindless followers.  (Cults seek unquestioning obedience to a domineering leader, not democratic, cooperative leadership among their members.)

What can we do?

We cannot change the minds of those who are rigidly, irrationally against Masonic Youth Groups and the Masonic Fraternity.  However, we can make sure that we know what we stand for, and that we are comfortable defending our  Masonic Family.   We can encourage those with doubts to go see for themselves.  We can suggest that they take some time to visit with a local group, and talk with the members and adult volunteers involved.  We can urge them to ask honest questions, express their concerns, and be ready to listen openly to the responses.  We can encourage them to visit with their own religious leaders to learn their faith’s official position on our organizations.  We can show respect for those who take into consideration the position of their faith community and its leaders.

We should offer to help them identify people they trust and respect, who are already associated with Masonic-related organizations, to seek out their opinions.  The Masonic Youth Groups group will absolutely respect and abide by a parental decision to keep their child from joining these groups.  No child will ever be permitted to participate in activities with a Masonic Youth Group without parental permission.  We agree that the Masonic Youth Groups are not for everyone.  Neither is Freemasonry.  

For more information on the Masonic Youth Groups in Pennsylvania, please contact the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation; 1244 Bainbridge Road; Elizabethtown, PA 17022; (800) 266-8424  www.pagrandlodge.org/pmyf

What's your legacy?

Today’s blog topic randomly came to me this morning as I was making my tuna sandwich for lunch. I know that’s an odd time for a topic to come to mind, but hey, I’ll take it!

I happened to catch a glance of the word “legacy” written on the newspaper sitting nearby and for some reason my mind started thinking about the legacy of DeMolay, what my legacy is, and what everyone thinks of their legacy. Before we dig into that, however, let’s define “legacy.” Dictionary.com gives us the following:

1. Law . a gift of property, especially personal property, as money, by will; a bequest.

2. anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor: the legacy of ancient Rome.

So, what does this mean in the fraternal word? Generally, when people put lots of time, effort, and money into something they like to see a return on their investment. In some cases this return comes in the form of recognition or perhaps and award. That kind of return is quite common in the fraternal world. The return could also be a promotion or the opportunity to go through the chairs and become the leader of the body. But, that is just the tip of the iceberg. Once someone becomes a leader, they are assuredly putting huge effort into the organization, which makes their “legacy” all that more important. Why would you want to be Master Councilor if you weren’t going to do anything? It’s often said that when you get elected to a position of leadership for an organization your primary goal should be to leave the group in better shape than when you took over. This is when the idea of “leaving your mark” on the group takes over. That very notion has everything to do with the idea of legacy.

When I was an Elected State Officer for Pennsylvania DeMolay I wanted to do something to help the DeMolay program not only for that year, but for the future as well. I wanted to do the same thing in every organization which I’m involved. Then, it hit me. We all leave a legacy so profound that most of us never even realize it or take time to ponder its implications. That legacy is found in the people we recruit into the organization. The most important thing you can do for DeMolay is to recruit other young men who you believe will benefit from and be an asset to the program. That’s the longest lasting legacy that you’ll have. Those young men will go recruit their friends and soon your Chapter will grow.

My DeMolay legacy was 5 members. Of those five, two were Officers in our Chapter, and one went on to be Master Councilor. That makes me feel like I made a difference in the history of Erie Chapter. To date, I have sponsored three men into the Masonic Fraternity. One is currently Senior Deacon of my home Lodge and he will be conferring the degrees on his step-son in just a few weeks. Now, that’s a quality experience!

Everyday you are leaving your legacy on DeMolay – is it one of growth, new members, and positive experiences? Or is it one of lost interest, boring activities, and stagnant membership? That choice is up to you.

Frat! ~ “Dad” Anthony

In Memoriam

Today's post is a sad one. It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of the most senior Past State Master Councilor( whom we could still confirm as alive prior to his passing.) "Dad" and Bro. Robert D. Griewahn, of Erie Chapter, served as the last State Master Councilor prior to World War II. He took the oath of office of State Master Councilor and admirably served from 1941 to 1942. Due to the war, another State Master Councilor would not be elected until 1951. "Dad" Griewahn would go on to earn his Juris Doctorate after a stint in the armed services during the war. He was known to  regularly participate with the Chevalier Court and Legion of Honor Preceptory up to his passing. From his public obituary:

Robert David Griewahn, Sr. passed away suddenly on October 1, 2011. Bob was born in Erie on July 31, 1922 to William and Loretta Engel Griewahn. He attended the University of Pittsburgh College of Arts and Sciences, and School of Law. He was a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa society, the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and president of the Pitt chapter of Phi Delta Phi law fraternity. Prior to law school, Bob served in World War II as lead bombardier, 15th Air Force, European Theater, 454th Bombardment Group. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal. Returning to Erie, Bob opened the firm of Robert D Griewahn & Associates on State Street, in the 1950s. He still was operating his company at the time of his death. Bob was a leader in the insurance industry as a member of the Million Dollar Roundtable, and past president of the Northwestern Chapter of the American Society of Chartered Life Underwriters. He was past president of the Estate Planning Council of Erie, and was a member of the Erie Torch Club. Bob's leadership in the community will be missed. Among his roles were: president of the Erie County Heart Association, state president of DeMolay, Hamot Hospital Corporator, Erie Day School board director, Shipley School board trustee, and director of the Washington Trail Council of Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of The Erie Club and The Kahkwa Club. Active in the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, Bob was an elder, deacon, and board trustee. He also was a board trustee of the Chautauqua Presbyterian Association. Bob had a love of learning, giving back to the community, traveling, and being with his family. He instilled in his children a love of sailing on Chautauqua Lake, and was a member of the Chautauqua Yacht Club. An avid supporter of the performing arts, he served as board director of both the Erie Philharmonic and the Erie Playhouse. Bob's optimism, creativity, warmth, humor, and love will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Griewahn; daughter Pamela, daughter, Shelley Griewahn (Patrick Okita); son, Robert Griewahn, Jr. (Laura Smith), daughter, Leslie Gurney (Ronald); granddaughter, Jessamine Griewahn-Okita; and sister, Beverly Deininger (James) and her family. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dr. Janice Beebe. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 1645 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16505 and SafeNet Erie, 1702 French St., Erie, PA 16501, (www.safenet.org). Calling hours will not be observed. Burial was private in Laurel Hill Cemetery with full military honors. Arrangements entrusted to Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10th St. Online condolences may be made atwww.Burtonfuneralhome.com or at www.legacy.com. 

As of today, Pennsylvania DeMolay can confirm that "Dad" and Bro. Rodney L. Caulkins, of Williamsport Chapter, is the most senior living Past State Master Councilor. While we do not have final obituary information on John E. Groome (SMC '29-30), Robert W. Sarvis (SMC '36-'37) and Charles M. Jones (SMC '39-40) we believe them to have all passed from our presence, leaving the title to Bro. Caulkins. Based upon this information, 24 of the 75 Past State Master Councilor's of Pennsylvania DeMolay have passed or are assumed to have died. We ask that you keep them in your prayers as they continue to support Pennsylvania DeMolay in spirit.

Frat! ~ "Dad" Anthony

It's all about the Benjamins...

Here at the PA DeMolay office we are always looking for new ideas to share with you that can help your DeMolay program. Recently, we've been discussing a lot of ideas revolving around fundraising. As our Chapters and other organizations get back into the swing of things, many are looking for new ways to bolster their bank accounts and raise some money.

So, along those lines, I went in search of some ideas for fundraising to share with you. Rather than list all of the good ideas here, I will just share a website with you. Go check out http://www.better-fundraising-ideas.com/list-of-fundraising-ideas.html. There are a ton of good ideas on there that are totally workable for a local Chapter.

How are you going to control your Chapter's bank account?

Frat! ~ "Dad" Anthony

Manliness and Greatness

Today is going to be one of those rare posts that is for entertainment purposes only. I've been watching Parks and Recreation, the NBC television show that depicts local government in the same vein as The Office. This show has extra significance for me as both of my parents work in municipal government. Just as The Office seemed to depict some of the daily challenges I faced working in Human Resources, Parks and Recreation does a great job of showing what the more humorous aspects of my parent's occupation are.

One of the characters on the show is Ron Swanson. Played by actor Nick Offerman, Swanson his the head of the Pawnee Indiana parks and recreation department. The character is depicted as a libertarian and hyper-masculine. In some ways Ron Swanson is a perfect re-imagining of my father. He teaches life lessons to those around him and never lets others forget what it means to be a man. I've grown to really enjoy this character over the last few months and have started to take some of his "wisdom" into my interactions with the Elected State Officers. Some of it is completely off kilter, but most do provide good, manly lessons.

Don't believe me? Even the Art of Manliness got in on the action with an article on the story.

So, without further ado, I present the Swanson's Pyramid of Greatness! (click for a close up view)

Ron Swanson has made it his mission to control his life and his facial hair. What are you doing to control your life?

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

P.S. - I also think it's a little suspicious that Ron Swanson looks very similar to PA DeMolay's own "Dad" Eric Ullom, PSMC, and Chapter Advisor to Joppa Chapter, in Washington, PA. Coincidence? Hmmmmm.... it must just be the mustache.

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