American Heritage Girls’
H e r i ta g e Headlines
Inside this edition:
Fall 2014
Love God: Faith Formation Serve in My Community Cherish My Family Serving is a Healthy Choice Honor My Country Stars & Stripes Recipients Save the Date to Celebrate
p. 1- 3 p. 5-10 p. 11 p. 13 p. 18-19 p. 22-24 p. 25
Love God My name is Caithleann from American Heritage Girls Troop MI0138, chartered
at St. Anastasia Parish in Troy, Michigan. For my Spirit Alive service project, I went to Tanzania, Africa on a missionary trip based out of my parish Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Sterling Heights, Michigan. I was placed in a local school where the headmistress assigned me to be with the Tanzanian scouts. My primary job was teaching fourth-grade English at St. Anthony of Padua School. I also visited local parishes in the area. I met the children and taught games and face painting. I had lots of fun with the children. I was named an honorary Catholic Tanzanian 1
Spirit Alive In Tanzania My Journey of Faith By Caithleann, 14 year-old Patriot MI0138
scout and Junior Assistant Scout Master after participating in their scout meeting. I visited parishes that rarely see white people. The people were deeply touched that we came all the way from America to visit them. The most challenging part of the trip for me was the long travel. The travel took nearly 48 hours one way to get to our destination. From this trip I learned that God can help me with anything, especially patience, perseverance and joy. I learned to be grateful for the stuff I have and to enjoy the variety of foods we have in America. In Tanzania, they have three main food groups: rice, bananas and chicken. Although they have limited material items, their capacity for love has no limits. I am so grateful for the opportunity to go to Tanzania, Africa.
Honorary Scout (Left) - On Scout Day in the Tanzanian school, Caithleann wore her AHG uniform. One of the boys presented her with his neckerchief and made her an honorary member of Tanzania Catholic Scouting. Caithleann reciprocated and gave the boy a neckerchief featuring Our Lady of Guadalupe, the American flag and the Statue of Liberty. Scouting in Africa (Right) - Caithleann is pictured with the girls of the St. Anthony of Padua School of Kahama. All the scouts in the picture are girls. Scouting in Tanzania is one organization for both boys and girls. They have separate Troops, but the same uniforms. Tanzanian children (and many adults) keep close-cropped hair, which is easier to keep clean when water supply is low.
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Safari in the Serengeti (Above & Left) - While visiting Africa, Caithleann and her family went on a safari in the Serengeti National Park. They saw hippos, giraffes and zebra. “And best of all, a lion came right up to the jeep!” she said.
I am grateful for the journey of faith
Catholic Religious Awards visit the AHG
An American Heritage Girl is Reverent
made possible by the Spirit Alive
National Catholic Committee web page
All American Heritage Girls have
Faith Formation Program.
on the AHG website under the Areas &
the opportunity to earn a religious
Committees Tab or:
award/medal
The Spirit Alive Faith Formation
http://ahgonline.org/catholiccommittee.
Program
based
denominational
upon
her
beliefs/affiliations.
For additional religious recognitions
The Spirit Alive Faith Formation
AHG’s National Catholic Committee
available to AHG Members refer
Program helps Catholic youth grow
The mission of the AHG National
to
in their awareness of the Holy
Catholic
Recognitions”
Spirit and how the Holy Spirit has
American Heritage Girls, Inc. while
manifested itself in the history of
promoting and providing for the growth
First Catholic MOU
the people of God and way the Holy
and spiritual development of its Catholic
The Most Reverend Robert Baker,
Spirit enlivens us spirituality. This is
members, in fidelity to the magisterium
Bishop of the Diocese of Birmingham
a Catholic program with an emphasis
of the Catholic Church, and to act as
in Alabama has entered into a
on prayer, study of Scripture and
the liaison between AHG, Inc. and the
Memorandum
documents of Vatican II, and service
Catholic Church. To learn more about
(MOU) with the American Heritage
to others. The program must be
AHG’s National Catholic Committee visit
Girls (AHG). This is a historic event
completed by October 15th each
the AHG National Catholic Committee
as it is AHG’s first MOU with a
year in order to receive the award
web page on the AHG website under the
Catholic Diocese. AHG is grateful for
in March of the following year. To
Areas & Committees Tab or:
his Excellency’s endorsement and
learn more about the Spirit Alive Faith Formation Program and other 3
Committee
is
to
support
http://ahgonline.org/catholiccommittee.
“AHG’s
Guide
of
to
Religious
Understanding
looks forward to a long relationship with the Diocese of Birmingham.
od continues to bless AHG with growth American G Heritage Girls, Inc. continues to experience growth in new Troops this program year, more than 850 Troops in 48 states and Trailblazers in 4 international countries. As membership nears 40,000 members, AHG continues to be humbled by the way God continues to bless the ministry. Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, But to Your name give glory, Because of Your mercy, Because of Your truth. Psalm 115:1 Alabama AL0252 Christ Fellowship Baptist Church/Mobile AL1410 Pleasant Springs Baptist Church/Tuskegee Arizona AZ1618 Knights of Columbus Council 11855/Tucson California CA0017 Desert Vineyard Christian Fellowship/Lancaster CA0102 Newark Community Church/Newark CA0608 First Baptist Church of Lakewood/Long Beach CA1410 Friends Christian School/Yorba CA1565 Prince of Peace Ministries/Anaheim CA2319 Hope Chapel/Hermosa Beach CA4012 Lighthouse Christian Fellowship/Lancaster CA7337 The Home Church/Campbell Florida FL0611 Holy Trinity Anglican Church/Jacksonville FL1347 Faith Christian Academy/Fernandina Beach FL3120 Idlewild Church at Odessa/Odessa FL3125 Our Lady of Victory/Crestview FL3160 Church of Our Savior/Jacksonville Beach FL3460 Faith Baptist Church of Spring Hill/Spring Hill FL3611 North Tampa Church of Christ/Lutz Georgia GA2011 Westminster Presbyterian Church/Columbus Illinois IL0412 Immanuel Lutheran Church/Palatine IL6408 Bethel Lutheran Church/Morton Kansas KS0014 New Life Baptist Church/Independence KS1000 Cornerstone Community Church/Topeka KS1279 St Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish/Leawood KS1497 Scott City Nazarene Church/Scott City KS2014 Cedar Ridge Chirstian Church/Lenexa Kentucky KY2415 Okolona Church of Christ/Louisville KY2911 Summersville Church of the Nazarene/Summersivlle Louisiana LA0110 Lafayette Vineyard/Lafayette LA1914 Plainview Baptist Church/Bogalusa Michigan MI1100 St Martha Parish/Okemos Minnesota MN0412 Lighthouse Baptist Church/Cottage Grove MN0423 Elevate Church/Mankato MN3737 Knights of Columbus Council 1575/Fairmont Missouri MO0325 Immacolata Parish/St Louis MO1021 St Clement of Rome/Des Peres MO2014 Immanuel Lutheran St Charles/St Charles
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Ministry Expansion Continues Mississippi MS3110 Christ Lutheran Church/Pascagoula North Carolina NC0039 Oak Ridge United Methodist Church/Oak Ridge NC0138 Holy Family Catholic Church/Clemmons NC0649 Rockfish Church/Raeford NC0894 First Baptist Church Rocky Mount/Rocky Mount North Dakota ND0107 Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church/Grand Forks New Jersey NJ1776 St James Roman Catholic Church/Pennington New York NY1618 St Clement’s Church/Saratoga Springs NY1819 St Pauls Lutheran Church/Saratoga Springs Ohio OH0031 St Patrick Church/Columbus OH1002 St Johns Lutheran Church/Marysville OH1613 Union Station of Logan County/Bellefontaine OH2911 Women Helping Young Mothers/Fremont Oklahoma OK0063 Cherokee Hills Christian Church/Oklahoma City OK0316 First Baptist Church Broken Arrow OK3125 Piedmont Nazarene Church/Piedmont Oregon OR2719 Calvary Church/Grants Pass South Carolina SC0722 St Mary Magdalene Catholic Church/Simpsonville Tennessee TN0356 Dallas Bay Baptist Church/Hixson TN1993
Grace Chapel/Franklin
TN2206
Stuart Heights Baptist Church/Hixson
Texas TX0669
Clearview Freewill Baptist Church/McKinney
TX0917
8th & Harrison Church of Christ/Harlingen
TX1793
Kiwanis of Huntsville/Huntsville
TX1865
First Baptist Church Farmersville/Farmersville
TX7356
Holy Cross Lutheran Church/College Station
Virginia VA0962
St Francis de Sales/Purcellville
VA1199
Covenant Presbyterian Church/Harrisonburg
VA1331
County Christian School/Ashburn
VA2316
Four Mile Creek Baptist Church/Henrico
Wisconsin WI1894
Mt Olive Lutheran Church/Milwaukee
West Virginia WV1017 Faith Bible Church/Williamstown Wyoming WY1024 College Heights Baptist Church/Casper
Serve In My Community AHG’s National Day of Service “She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy.” Proverbs 31:10
C
areful fingers tie knots at the end of fleece
blankets. Small hands sort toothbrushes, soaps and teddy bears. Watchful leaders keep an eye on each item stuffed into the duffle bags in assembly-line fashion. The girls feel a sense of accomplishment and know they are taking part in something bigger than themselves. Then, in a moment of silence, the girls bow their heads and extend their hands over the bags. Gracious heavenly Father, bless these bags. Bless the foster children who will receive the bags. May the items in the bag meet a physical need, but more
AHG Troops OH0413, OH3617, OH3021 and OH3210 pray over 100 duffel bags ready to be delivered to foster children.
importantly, may the items in the bag meet spiritual and emotional needs. We pray your Holy Spirit will flood every child with the love of Jesus through this act of service, In Jesus’ name, Amen. For AHG’s National Day of Service, four Dayton, Ohio AHG Troops with members from Centerville, Enon, Huber Heights and Kettering participated in the HUGS (American Heritage Girls United Giving Service) Duffle Bag service project. The girls filled 100 duffle bags with new items for children who have been removed from abusive and neglectful situations and placed in foster care. The bags were given to the Bair Foundation. The duffle bags were stocked with comfort items including blankets and stuffed animals as well as hygiene items. According to the Bair Foundation, all 100 duffle bags will be distributed in less than two months, which speaks volumes to the need for HUGS in the foster care system. The Dayton, Ohio Troops were blessed to collect items from individuals and local businesses. In addition, the AHG Troops partnered with the Airmen Breaking Bread organization at Wright Patterson Air Force base that set up donation boxes at various locations on the base. 5
In The News American Heritage Girls Celebrate by Serving
Most birthday parties are centered
on
receiving,
but
at
American
Heritage Girls (AHG), the focus is on giving. As part of its 19th year ministry celebration, AHG demonstrated its core values of faith, service and fun by serving communities across the nation during its third annual National Day of Service. While troops across the nation coordinated efforts on September 20th, serving is more than a oneday event for AHG. Last year AHG Troops donated nearly half-a-million hours of service to their communities. “Service is the practical expression of a girl’s faith,” says AHG Executive Director and Founder Patti Garibay. “Watching girls grow in their faith and discover their God-given purpose through the development of servant hearts is the greatest achievement of AHG.”
exceed 40,000 members by the end of
the
elderly
2014 and is on track for another year of
projects. Many participate in local
tremendous growth.
beautification projects.
Individual Troops select service project
Listen to Patti Garibay, Co-Founder
to fulfill the AHG mission to build women
and
of integrity through service to God,
share the value of service with
family, community and country. Projects
listeners on radio station KFUO, the
include assisting in pregnancy care
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
centers, collecting and distributing food
(LCMS) Faith and Family Program:
to the needy, collecting and assembling
http://www.ahgonline.org/pages/
toiletries for the homeless and assisting
page.asp?page_id=152268
National
with
home
Executive
repair
Director
The National Day of Service coincided with
AHG’s
19th
anniversary.
Since its inception in 1995, AHG
To learn more about the AHG HUGS program visit www.ahgonline.org/HUGS
membership continues to grow. Last year AHG grew 30 percent. AHG will
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Green Thumbs AHG Troop VA1412 prepared a community garden at Virginia Tech Extension Center for the winter. They pulled out old crops, weeded, mulched and planted seeds for winter crops.
Food Bank Girls and their parents from AHG Troop TX0131, including Rachel and Hannah (right), hiked to the local grocery store to buy fresh produce, milk, bread and meats for the local food pantry. They fed 45 families with a total of 192 adults and children who came to the food pantry that week. This was Elizabeth’s Lewis and Clark Level Award special event.
Painting in the Park Sydney, Maria and Jocelyn from AHG Troop AZ1212 paint a bench while beautifying a local Pima County Park in Arizona. The Troop celebrated their accomplishments by having a picnic in the park.
7
Puppy Love (left) Kathie and Kaylin from AHG Troop NC0031 gave more than kisses to the animals at the PAWS animal shelter. The girls collected and delivered dog and cat food.
Bingo! (below) AHG Troop TX2928 played bingo with residents. Each AHG girl brought a prize for the residents and donated homemade cakes.
Chopping Broccoli (above) Girls from AHG Troop OK0405 chopped vegetables to build a compost for Urban Harvest, the Regional Food Bank in Oklahoma. 8
Dress a Girl AHG Troop CA0468 chartered by Redeemer Lutheran Church of Redwood City, CA display pillowcase dresses for the “Dress a Girl Around the World” program.
New Troop Serves New Troop AL0252 kicked off the year with a food drive for the Bay Area Food Bank which is our area’s local Feeding American location. Leigh Ann of AL2345 and Laurel of AL0252.
Food for Kids AHG Troop OK0405 packed bags of food for kids to take home from school on Fridays prepared at Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.
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Treats for Firefighters (left) Girls from FL8811 delivered homemade cupcakes and giant hand-written cards to show thanks to the firefighters.
All Things Baby (below) AHG Troop OK0405 collected clothing, diapers, formula, toys and books for new moms. The girls offered a time of prayer and a Bible study to the moms too.
Trash Bash (above) A family representing AHG TX1221 and Trail Life US Troop 1221 work together at the Trinity River Trash Bash, Fort Worth TX. (WAITING FOR NAMES)
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Cherish My Family
Charles Harris served as a Marine through 1951. His granddaughter Elizabeth Harris from AHG Troop MI3130 honored her grandpa Harris while completing her Dolley Madison Level Award by using his hand-built trailer to collect food and clothing for a local ministry.
Grandpa
Charles Harris built a
Town Ministries in Flint, MI. The donations
passed from one generation to the
trailer many years ago. And although
were driven in grand-style, in grandpa’s
next, fulfilling the command from
he is no longer with us, his legacy
trailer decked out in patriotic regalia. Of
Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the
continues with that sturdy old trailer.
course the day of service included lip
way he should go; even when he is
Grandpa is a Marine. I intentionally
smackin’ fun with an ice cream social
old he will not depart from it. “
use the present-tense “is” because
and prizes.
the traditional phrase “‘once a Marine
The legacy continues!
always a Marine” is honored in my
Methinks
family.
mothers and daughters (and some dads)
grandpa
would
smile
as
of Troop MI3130 gathered together in On this year’s National Day of
service, friendship, leadership, team
Service, grandpa’s trusty trailer was
effort and fun.
Grandpa’s old trailer becomes
the centerpiece of my daughter’s Dolley Madison Project.
Leaving a Legacy
Elizabeth
Most noteworthy to me are AHG’s
gathered her Troop MI3130 in a
a centerpiece for service
principles to value God, honor country
common mission to scavenge a local
and cherish family. These principles are
By Brenda Harris,
neighborhood
non-perishable
what attracted my family to AHG. These
food items and clothing for Carriage
principles are eternal truths; like a torch
for
Unit Leader Troop MI3130 11
Dear Friends, For we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) The importance of serving others has been an important foundational truth throughout my life. Raised by a disabled dad and a mom who worked diligently to keep our large family together, empathy for others in less than favorable situations has always been part of my DNA. As I grew to have a family of my own with a husband who loves to help others, Pat and I vowed to raise our kids with servants’ hearts. Weekly visits to my dad’s nursing home allowed our kids to peek into the lives of so many amazing men and women, many of whom society had already discarded. Thanksgivings
began
Family with
the
distribution of turkeys and fixings to those less fortunate and Christmas always included an “adopted family.” The kids just expected it.
The
Garibays were here to help and here to stay! Service was and remains a vital value for us, one that we often believe has resulted in the blessing of a close-knit family. A love for service must begin young. The seeds of service are planted in the hearts of kids through parents that model a lifestyle of giving. Kids that learn to sacrifice for another reap
a great harvest throughout their lives.
learning more about themselves
Sacrifice and service are gifts from God
by learning more about the needs
to his people to help them grow in love
of their communities. Hundreds of
for Him and for each other. As Paul said
thousands of hours are given each
to the Ephesians “For we are created in
year by AHG members to people
Christ Jesus to do good works, which
in need. Imagine what God can do
God prepared in advance for us to do”
with that type of investment by His
(Ephesians 2:10).
people.
Teaching kids to “get up and serve” and
God has given each of you some
use their God given talents to benefit
special abilities. Be sure to use them
others will bless them throughout their
to help each other, passing on God’s
lives. Serving helps us learn about our
many kinds of blessing” (1 Peter
passions and God’s will for our lives.
4:10).
The American Heritage Girls’ program, with its strong emphasis on service, is
Serving Him
a perfect conduit for putting legs to its families’ passions while seeking God’s
Patti
will and making our world a much better place. In this edition of Heritage Headlines, learn how girls across the USA are
12
one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which
Serving Is A Healthy Choice
God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Our service is an expression of what God has done for us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 John 4:1820 says, “We love because he first loved us.”
Volunteering has Benefits Not only is service a biblical mandate, but volunteering offers surprising benefits. According to research, volunteering increases selfconfidence, combats depression and helps you stay physically healthy. Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who don’t volunteer.
As parents, we work hard to make
healthy choices for our children. We choose well-balanced, healthy foods. We choose extracurricular activities. But if we are not careful, we can over-schedule our children’s lives and forget to include one of the healthiest activities for our children!
Volunteering has been shown to lessen symptoms of chronic pain.
Schedule Time to Volunteer Parents must be intentional about volunteerism. Make time in your family’s
schedule
to
Volunteering
• increases self confidence • combats depression • improves your health • generates happiness
volunteer.
Children will model this same behavior when they are adults. The benefits are immediate and leave a lasting legacy for the next generation.
A foundational value in American Heritage Girls (AHG) is “service.” The girls recite this value in the AHG Oath: “I promise to love God, cherish my family, honor my country and serve in my community.” Volunteering has Purpose As a faith-based, Christ-centered program, AHG teaches a biblical worldview
about
the
value
of
volunteering. God created each one of us for a purpose. Ephesians 2:810 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no
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Volunteering Connects Passion to Purpose
With a little help from AHG’s friend
Frieda B, an illustrated cartoon character and book series by author Renata Bowers, AHG connects girls’ passions to their God-given purpose. The “Free to B. a Blessing” program guides AHG Troops, families and girls through the process of: Believing and exploring the story God wrote for every girl, Dreaming big about a girl’s story and her unique purpose and Doing for others … using her unique passions to be a blessing in the world around her. To learn more about Frieda B. go to the AHG website at www.ahgonline. org/fbab.
TX1230 Troop hosts a Free to B. a Blessing Party and Service Project Pink tablecloths, candles and coloring pages set the stage for the Free to B. a Blessing Party and Service Event at AHG Troop TX1230. And don’t forget the cupcakes! After the girls completed the coloring pages, they decorated their cupcakes each as unique as themselves. After Patriot Brittany read the Frieda B. a Blessing story book, the youth 14
pastor shared a special devotion. Next, the candles were lit and the older girls led the girls in a song called “Light your Candle.” Of course, everyone enjoyed eating their cupcakes! Service with a Smile After the party, the girls moved to another room to begin assembling hygiene kits for the homeless. Bags were filled with supplies and a special note was handwritten to share the love of Jesus. “It was a great morning,” said Rae Ann Burmaster, TX1230 Troop Coordinator. “The girls were blessed to be a blessing.”
American Heritage Girls Impact Their Community and the World By Cayley, 17 year-old Patriot TN1004
Our girls learned how to let their
hygiene products for children all over
… caring for children in need and
light shine at a service event by AHG
the world. The girls also brought items to
helping to make the world a better
Troop TN1004 in Burns, Tennessee.
benefit the Dickson Help Center.
place.
The girls rotated to different stations and learned the importance of being
These young ladies not only impacted
themselves while helping others with
our community right here in Burns,
Operation Christmas Child
their God-given talents.
Tennessee, but also the entire world
Operation Christmas Child, a division of Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s
At the first station,
Purse, sends a message of hope
girls
a
to children in desperate situations
reading of Free to B.
around the world through gift-
Herself, a book which
filled shoe boxes and Christian
reinforces the idea of
literature. This program provides
being the best you can
an opportunity for individuals of all
be. At the next station,
ages to be involved in a simple,
the
listened
to
girls
decorated
hands-on missions project that
cupcakes,
which
reaches out to suffering children
were later delivered
while focusing on the true meaning
to
of
a
firehouse,
a
Christmas—Jesus
Christ,
police station and a
God’s greatest gift. Each year, the
retirement home.
program collects millions of shoe boxes worldwide and distributes
In the last station, the
them to children in more than 100
girls made the popular
countries. AHG Troops choose
loom-band
bracelets.
to
participate
These bracelets will
in this ministry
be used for the Troop’s
every year. Click
next service project for
here to learn more
Operation
Christmas
about OCC and to
Child. We will fill shoe
see how your AHG
boxes supplies, 15
with toys
school and
Troop or family can get involved.
”Birthday Party” in a Box By Gambrill Wagner TX3126 Vice Coordinator
For our National Day of Service
streamers, noise makers, party favors, books, coloring books and crayons.
upcoming
we
After the boxes were filled, the girls added “fluffs” of festive tissue paper and then
assembled 20 birthday boxes for
wrapped them with colorful paper. Then the girls decorated the wrapping paper
families who depend on the food
with Happy Birthday messages and drawings. Finally, we prayed over the boxed
pantry
and marched downstairs to the office that manages the Food Pantry.
project, and in honor of AHG’s 20th
supported
birthday,
by
Houston’s
First Baptist Church, our Charter Organization.
The parade of smiling girls holding these boxes full of love was a joyful sight and
We decided to make these boxes just
donned party hats, sang Happy Birthday to AHG, and ate some yummy cake to
for girls because AHG is a ministry
we could see the glow of God’s love in their faces! We returned to our room, celebrate!
for girls. Blessing less fortunate girls who live in Houston was a great experience for our girls. Each AHG girl brought five birthday party items. We filled the empty boxes, donated by Chick-Fil-A. The girls filled the boxes with items including plates, napkins, cake mix, frosting, candles, blank birthday cards, “Happy Birthday” banners, 16
AHG Troop Finalist in Environmental Excellence Competition “
Check out what I just received,” emailed OK0405
Troop Coordinator Kena Vogel.
It turns out we were nominated and we are finalists in the Youth Award category for the 2014 Environmental Excellence
Competition
hosted
by
the
Keep
Oklahoma Beautiful organization. Our Troop helped plant trees last November in areas with extensive tornado damage. We will be planting trees with the Tornado ReLeaf Project again this year in Moore, OK in November. Also, we’ve been watering 80 young trees once a week each summer for the last four years on the Oklahoma Christian University campus. I didn’t know anything about the competition until I received the letter this morning!”
(Top) Morgan, a 9th grade Patriot from Troop OK0405, waters a tree she planted following extensive tornado damage in Moore, Oklahoma (Above) Roxy, a first grade Tenderheart is ready to plant and water trees with her Troop OK0405 (Left) Troop OK0405 plant trees after extensive tornado damage in Moore, Oklahoma
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Honor My Country
A New Way to Show Respect to our Country By Miranda and Abigail,
W
MN0300 MaKayla (Pioneer), Miranda (Explorer), Abbey (Explorer), Eliana (Explorer), Ella (Pioneer) MN0408 Annika (Patriot), and Greta (Pioneer) MN0412, Allison (Pioneer), Anna (Patriot), Ava (Tenderheart) MN0913 Elizabeth (Pioneer)
stands for American Heritage Girls
hold until 2001 when I helped form
Allegiant
the Minnesota Fallen Firefighters
Honor
Guard.
The
word
“allegiant” means faithful follower.
Memorial Associate (MFFMA).
I
set up two training sessions for the
Explorers, MN0300 We would like you to hear from the person organization so some of them could hen we joined the American
Heritage Girls Allegiant Honor Guard (AHG2), we thought the group was about perfecting the flag ceremony in Troop MN0300. This excited us because we wanted our flag ceremonies to look better. But we have learned that AHG2 is so much
who taught us proper flag etiquette. We have been blessed and honored to work with Major Cady, a veteran and honor guard expert. We asked Major Cady these questions:
learn full honors funeral operations and all the tasks involved. AHG2: Were you in the military? Major Cady: Yes. I served in the US
AHG2: Why did you start training groups
Army active duty 1968-1970 and US
for Honor Guard?
Army Reserves 1972-1993. I served in the Persian Gulf War in 1991 in a
more than flag ceremonies. We’ve
Major Cady: I played army every
grown closer as friends, we’ve
time I could when I was young. In my
learned about leadership and we’ve
teenage years I was in a marching drill
AHG2: What is your vision for
learned a time-honored patriotic skill.
team sponsored by the VFW in White
American
We picked the name AHG2. This 18
Bear Lake, MN. Much of that was on
Honor Guard to a national level?
Psyops unit.
Heritage
Girls
taking
Major Cady: I look forward to AHG2
year we posted and retired the colors at the Stars & Stripes Ceremony at Game
becoming a fully professional group.
Haven Ranch for Rochester Troop MN0100.
I would love to see a week long camp with training for other AHG Troops.
We also did the opening and closing ceremonies at our AHG GRACE Regional
The Honor Guard Protects the Flag
130 girls at GRACE Regional Camp.
Major Cady trained us to know why we have honor guards and flags. Flags were important in war because they were symbols of your unit, they would signal if you surrendered and signify who you were fighting against. The color guard was there to protect the flag from being stolen by the enemy. If the enemy stole the flag it could cause confusion because it was used as a rally point and you might accidentally start fighting for
Camp in Minnesota. We felt lucky to be able to serve in this manner. There were
This fall we served at a 9-11 Tribute. There were 32 groups honoring 9-11. Although not all of us could be in the official honor guard ceremony, the other girls from AHG2 helped by distributing programs, candles and flags to veterans, firefighters and EMT personnel. We were also able to carry flags for the Fallen Fighters Memorial. We enjoy AHG2. It makes us feel special to have the opportunity to teach people and show others how to do a flag ceremony the right way. It is fun to have the opportunity to serve at Stars & Stripes ceremonies and other important events. AHG2 is a great opportunity for girls to lead, serve and show respect to their country.
the enemy.
My Honor Guard In later trainings, we learned how to stay in step with the squad. We also learned how to fold a flag and all the flag rules and regulations. We also learned how to use a flag harness. The flag harness makes the flag easier to carry if you are carrying the flag for a long distance, or if you need to dip the flags. It is very important for all the flags to be the same height, with the American flag a little higher. We learned how to properly post the flags and how far to reach out your arm to properly dip them. We were given the opportunity to carry a mock rifle and learn the positions and commands. Learning commands and saluting is fun! We have had many opportunities to put this learning into practice. This 19
Honor Guard Inspired by Girl Leadership AHG girls inspired and led the effort to create American Heritage Girls Awesome Honor Guard (AHG2), said Ministry Expansion Lead Lynelle Lindberg. “When an idea like pursuing patriotism comes from the girls, they are more likely to embrace and excel at it.” Watch AHG2 honor the Colors at the 9-11 Tribute on YouTube at this link: http://youtu.be/VIwxurJ8atE
On September 25th, Freedom House Church
of God in Trenton, Ohio hosted the first annual “Sweet Gathering of Shepherds.” An atmosphere of candlelight and sweet treats set the mood for this important evening. Cincinnati Area Coordinator Linda King opened the meeting with encouragement and stressed the importance of every Shepherd in the AHG Troop Ministry Leadership Board. She noted that this meeting was the first of its kind and hoped it would inspire Troop Shepherds throughout the Cincinnati Area to share experiences while lifting up each other in prayer.
Thou Art” and blessed the gathering with her beautiful voice. Cincinnati Area Shepherd, Shelia McClung, shared a message about
Shepherds from different Cincinnati Area Troops
three Shepherd qualities; Valuable, Precious, and Unique.
and denominations enjoyed the message by
Shepherds are …
Shirley Malone called “Being a Shepherd.”
“Valuable” because they are the spiritual thermometer of their Troops.
Malone told the bible story of the love of our
“Precious” because they are loved by God and He gave His life for
heavenly Father who would leave the 99 to find
them.
the one, stressing that He is unfailing to care for
“Unique” because each Troop Shepherd is given specific talents to
His sheep. She also sang “Midnight Cry” a song
be shared with the girls, Leaders and families.
about the urgency of the times in which we live. The event ended with a candle-lighting ceremony. Troop Shepherds Haley, a Pioneer from OH1412 sang “How Great
were commissioned to return to their Troops to answer the call God has equipped them to do and to remember that they are a part of something bigger than themselves.
Steps to Starting an AHG Troop
Special thanks was extended to girl leaders, Pioneer Emma, Patriots Cassie and Erin, Pi/Pa Leader Shauna McClung
The Troop Shepherd ensures the heart and health of a Troop
The Troop Shepherd is one of the five required positions needed to start an AHG Troop. The Troop Shepherd serves
and Cincinnati Area Training Coordinator Kris Browning. These girls and Leaders assisted Sheila McClung with preparation, serving and clean up. A special thanks to Melissa Murr and Julie Martin, OH1412 Coordinator, for their technical expertise.
the local AHG Troop by overseeing and ensuring the “heart” and health of the local AHG Troop, coordinating efforts with the Troop Board and Ministry Team, while implementing the AHG program based on the policies and guidelines of the American Heritage Girls, Inc. and the Charter Organization. Want to learn more about staring an AHG Troop in your church? Visit www.ahgonline.org/startatroop 20
Sweet Gathering of Shepherds A ministry of service By Linda King Cincinnati Area Coordinator
Presenting the Colors at Value Voters Summit 2014 American Heritage Girls from Troop VA1010 were honored to present the Colors at the 2014 Voters Value Summit. The Color Guard includes (right to left) Mallory (Tenderheart), Audrey (Tenderheart), Elizabeth (Explorer), and Kendall (Pioneer). Also participating but hidden by the flags are Abigail (Explorer) and Samantha (Patriot). VA1010 is chartered by First Baptist Church of Woodbridge, in Woodbridge, VA.
Respect Life Activity Patch The Respect Life Patch reinforces AHG’s commitment to honoring life from conception to natural death. Girls can earn the patch by participating in an event that brings attention to respecting life or by providing a service project for an organization whose mission demonstrates a desire to respect life, such as pregnancy resource centers, pro-life groups and hospices. The Respect Life Patch can be ordered in the AHG Attic under Event Patches. http://store.ahgonline.org/
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#135 Lydia Lawton, CO4316
Stars & Stripes g
Each Stars & Stripes Recipient is as unique as her project and presentation. We congratulate each Recipient for her dedication to AHG, her perseverance in the hard work of the Stars & Stripes Procedure and her loyalty in representing AHG well to their communities. Our most recent Recipients share their experience in their own words. This quarter’s recipients include:
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During the Fall of 2014, a number of young ladies worked diligently and now have the honor of being called a Stars & Stripes Recipient!
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Stars and Stripes Recipients
The Stars and Stripes Award teaches girls perseverance, self-respect and a strong feeling of satisfaction. Girls who earn the Stars and Stripes Award reflect the mission of AHG to build women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country.
A candidate must complete a number of requirements to achieve this honor, including: - Complete the Dolley Madison Level Award - Earn a total of 16 Badges - Earn the Religious Recognition associated with their denomination - Have held a leadership position in their Troop for a minimum of six months - Plan, develop, and provide leadership to others in a 100+ hour service project - Write a Life Ambition/ Spiritual Walk Essay and mini-resume - Receive at least 3 Letters of Reference - Pass a Board of Review
never have imagined when you joined AHG.”
“This project has expanded my leadership abilities in ways I did not anticipate. Leadership requires being organized and able to adapt plans on the spot. It is exhausting. Leadership requires keeping the objective in mind while considering the needs and abilities of those whom one is directing. My advice to other Candidates is to keep your goals in mind as you work. Remember your life’s purpose is to bring honor and glory to God. Your project is not about you but fulfilling the call He has put on your heart. Ultimately, you are serving the Lord, so strive for excellence. Repent often, and lay your pride at His feet. Then you will be doing things you 22
# 136 Aleah Pope, TN0516 “I come from a Troop where I am the oldest and the first one to try for my Stars and Stripes. I had so much more support from my Troop than I ever thought I would. They are a real blessing to me. I feel God calling me to teach in inner city schools, because I never want a child to feel like he or she is not smart enough to succeed. This call was affirmed by the experience of my Stars & Stripes Leadership project. I am blessed and pleased to report that I have been accepted to attend Lipscomb University which boasts one of the highest ranked schools of education in the United States. I can now see that God has been with me through everything even if it didn’t feel like it at times. His grace and providence have sustained me. The Holy Spirit has comforted me on many occasions. I may have had struggles but know that God was using each to teach me that He is all powerful to calm the storms of life.”
#137 Kayla Gardner, TN0413
“I feel my leadership skills were improved greatly. I learned to put my thoughts into words that others could understand. I learned to prioritize the questions and deal with each in the order I was asked. I learned how to motivate others by listening to suggestions and making necessary changes. I learned how to keep everyone on task by going to each work station and working with them. I think the project outcome was successful and beautiful. Seeing how happy and thankful everyone was showed me it was not about
me; it was about giving people the help and enjoyment they need. If I could say anything to a future candidate, it would be not to get too caught up in just getting the project done. When the final day comes, don’t get overwhelmed with making it perfect, just enjoy the time you have with the people/organization you are helping. It only comes once, so make it count!” #138 Emily Hartung, MD0134 “Integrity means honesty and being for something – putting effort into something no matter what.” Leadership positions in American Heritage Girls have given Emily a new confidence and reliance on her relationship with God and recognition that ‘it is ‘impossible... to survive life by myself.’ With strength from God, Emily is now able to speak with parents of younger Troop members without fear. #139 Elizabeth Ham, TN0059
to fail. The responsibility for anything that happened was on my shoulders. Because of this, I had to plan meticulously and pay attention on every workday.” #140 Laura Goggans, TN0131
#142 Bess Milne, TN0131 “Throughout the project, the volunteers (myself included) were actively serving God, family, community, and ultimately country through the project; the more people whose lives are changed by Christ, the better off the country… this project will help the church with community outreach opportunities, and the impact can only expand from there… having a cheerful attitude goes a long way toward making one’s workdays as productive, and enjoyable, as possible for all involved…It was hard calling people, asking for donations. Now I know I can do that. I learned to be more assertive, appropriately assertive and to step in where no one else is.” #141 Laurel Small, TN0131 “I feel like my leadership didn’t just come on actual workday, but also with all of the communication that was involved in
“I learned that the more you expand your comfort zone, the less you fear expanding your comfort zone…I think pushing myself to fundraise helped me conquer my fear of confrontation…Before this project, I had limited experience leading others…With my Stars & Stripes project, I had the necessary room
preparing for my workdays and for my collections…working with adults that I don’t know as well was a challenging experience for me. I feel like I was able to develop more confidence by having to communicate with so many different people…Girls should persevere and make goals for themselves in order to get everything done – badges, level awards, service hours – in a timely fashion…I love knowing that I’ve made a difference in the lives of families in need.”
“By doing this project my leadership skills have grown and I saw some growth in three particular areas that are mentioned in the AHG Creed: Helpful, Perseverant and Responsible…I was able to help out a school that did not have the funds to do a project…A few times during this project I felt like giving up… but I knew that once I had finished I would be very pleased with what I had done…I was able to face the problems on my own, but I also knew that being responsible means asking for help when I can’t figure anything out…I know that with my friends, family and God by my side that I can lead even better than I ever thought.” #143 Madison Sillies, OH1843 “I have learned many lessons on the pathway to earning my Stars & 23
Stripes Award. I believe that God helped give me the motivation and inspiration that I needed to help me learn from my mistakes. The skills and lessons I have learned through completing this Award will assist me throughout the rest of my life in countless situations, and have helped me become a better person, a person that I want to be…For the first time have been behind the scenes, doing the prep work and making this project happen…I appreciate more of what is done for me and what I do for others, and I no longer take much of what I have learned during this project for granted.” #144 Alison Grogan, TX1171 “I learned a lot through this experience and I grew stronger in my delegation skills, leadership skills, time management, and most
importantly my faith…I have learned to persevere no matter what you’re facing because God will always be there for you…I have encouraged girls in my Pi/Pa group and encourage any other AHG girl to strive for the Stars & Stripes Award. It is a huge learning opportunity, and will help prepare you for future experiences… most importantly make sure you put God first in everything you do, set an example to others as a daughter of the King, and let His love show through everything you do.” 24
#145 Angela Carver, OH0323 “Laziness did not complete my Stars & Stripes Project; perseverance completed it. Trusting in God’s timing also became a big part of the process. I was unsure that I could handle all this responsibility…but God made it all work out…and [sic] cap off my 13th year in American Heritage Girls…Keep in touch with your Stars & Stripes support system by communicating with them often. Your advisor and your mentor are there to help you, so ask questions and keep them up to date on your progress. Also, don’t forget to keep the representative from the benefitting organization in the loop; that representative knows none of the Stars & Stripes process, so make sure to explain it to them fully.” #146 Julianna Peters, MI0412 “I learned about what it takes to be a role model and a responsible leader. It takes courage, faith, responsibility, compassion, and above all, perseverance…To put a positive effort toward something is quite difficult… something as huge as a Stars & Stripes project or a deadline at work, putting positive effort into it is the best way to go about it, especially if you desire the best outcome…This lesson is a hard one to listen to because I have a tendency to hope for things to happen the way I want them to. But for the best results, I need to put positive effort into whatever I am working on and do it God’s way.” #147 Hannah Howarth, OH0215 “This project was impactful for me, and I will remember it always. What I did was a great thing, but I wanted people to see God and not me…If you are ever going to begin the Stars & Stripes project, I want to tell you that it is a rewarding thing, and it builds you as an individual. There may be days that you may feel
tired, but know that your hard work is paying off…you will be able to learn what your strengths and weaknesses are, and it allows you to see where your skill might fit into your future job/ career…AHG has helped me better understand service. Service is a way of showing God’s love to others. If I help someone but have no heart in caring for them, then the service was worthless…All of the skills and knowledge that I have attained has built me as an individual and will help me in all areas of life.” #148 Virginia Walker, VA0711 “Through it all, God has truly taught me the importance of responsibility and leadership. Responsibility for an entire project is a big task for a seventeen-year-old, but at the end of the day you just have to keep pressing on…use your Stars & Stripes project as an arena to touch those that hold as soft place in your heart. It may not be in a hospital or a homeless shelter, but take the gifts God has blessed you with and give back by serving in an area that you feel called to…Life is full of obstacles and I was blessed to be able to learn how to push past them through my project.”
save the date t o celebrate! 20
June 24-27, 2015 Anderson University Anderson, Indiana The American Heritage Girls ministry is turning 20! All AHG Leaders, girls & families are invited to celebrate AHG’s 20th Anniversary!
w w w. a h g o n l i n e . o r g / 2 0 1 5 c o n v e n t i o n Don’t miss this weekend of inspiring speakers, fun, friends & more!
American Heritage Girls Board Members EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Greg Schmidt, President – Anchorage, AK Rob Rye, Vice President – Montana Nick Harshfield, Interim Treasurer – Louisville, KY
Larry Cunningham, Chairman – Cincinnati, OH MEMBERS AT LARGE Vickie Burress – West Chester, OH Larry Carpenter – Franklin, TN
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Nancy Dendramis – Cincinnati, OH Pat Garibay – Cincinnati, OH Marci Powell - San Antonio, TX Dana Steele - Suffolk, VA Mike Tillar - Cincinnati, OH Sara Worley - Sautee, GA John Young – Milford, OH EX OFFICIO Patti Garibay – Cincinnati, OH
I love adventure. American Heritage Girls lets me explore Who I can Be Outdoor Experiences My Faith Walk Join the Adventure.
Together, We Can Change the World! www.ahgonline.org/donate
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What’s Trending @AHG Hashtags #DoSomething #Herewegrow #loveAHG #AHGrocks Share your favorite service pictures, Joining Award snap shots and fall camping pics on Instagram! www. instagram.com/ahgfun AHG surpassed 20,000 followers on Facebook! www.facebook.com/ AmericanHeritageGirls Share the new IMPACT video on YouTube www.YouTube.com/AHGchannel Is your AHG Troop growing? Share your story using the hashtag #herewegrow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ahgnews AHG on the web www.ahgonline.org
New Troop Tuesday! Keep up with AHG’s rapid growth via Facebook. Join AHG on Facebook every Tuesday and watch AHG grow!
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www.facebook.com/AmericanHeritageGirls
aHG is always collecting stories to share in the Heritage Headlines and other publications. Please share stories about how AHG is making a difference in the lives of girls, families and communities. Email your story and pictures, or story ideas, to
[email protected] today!
Check out the Winter 2015 Edition
of the Heritage Headlines for of the FAIT H, SERVICE and FUN that is AHG!
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American Heritage Girls is family-friendly and faith-based – perhaps the AHG Oath says it best:
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American Heritage Girls, Inc 175 TriCounty Pkwy, Suite 100 Cincinnati, OH 45246
I promise to Love God, cherish my family, Honor my country and serve in my community.
Read about the Faith, Service & Fun that is AHG!
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