A Lasting Impact

August 29, 2024

Of the nearly three million boys and young men who have participated in Royal Rangers since 1962, each one has distinctive stories they could share from their time in the program. Many include tales of adventures, friendships, and new experiences. If you were to dig deeper with any number of those three million participants, you would hear testimonies of how God used their involvement in the program to change their lives. Let me share with you about the impact one man had on a boy that changed his life forever.

Aaron’s earliest memories of attending Royal Rangers are still vivid in his mind today. He recalls attending weekly meetings and being shocked that a man would devote his time to teach, love, and mentor young boys. Aaron’s leader, Commander Freddie, took a keen interest in the lives of his boys and made a concerted effort to get to know them personally. Over time, he gradually became a father figure in Aaron’s life, guiding him through the ups and downs of maturation. As he grew from Ranger Kids to Adventure Rangers, Commander Freddie encouraged Aaron to pursue the Gold Medal of Achievement (GMA)—an idea that he didn’t immediately buy in to. With more persistence on Commander Freddie’s part, he eventually started working on merits and completing advancements. During that season, Aaron recalls, “I experienced a profound spiritual awakening as the Holy Spirit urged me to follow this path.” It was the first time in his life that he felt a deep sense of commitment and enthusiasm to accomplish a goal.

Although Aaron was enjoying success within Royal Rangers, his family life was filled with turmoil and strife. Growing up amidst domestic violence, alcohol abuse, and emotional detachment in his family, he lacked a healthy, nurturing environment that so many boys miss out on in our current culture. Unfortunately, his childhood innocence was stripped from him at the early age of four. The burden of processing numerous adversities from an early age caused him anger, confusion, and isolation, further accentuating feelings of being an outcast and feeling deeply misunderstood.

Despite the difficult circumstances at home, his commander assumed an even more proactive and supportive role in his life. As Aaron’s family structure was crumbling, Commander Freddie continued to instill the value of the four gold points of the Royal Rangers emblem and focused Aaron on striving to grow mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. He says during that season, he began to grasp the concept of resilience, drawing on his commander’s guidance and wisdom to fortify his spirits and face the rigors of life as he knew it.

In 2008, Aaron completed the requirements for the GMA, and he “felt a deep sense of accomplishment and a confidence that I could overcome any obstacle that lay ahead.” Aaron adds, “My Commander’s teachings on aligning my heart’s desires with God’s will remain etched in my memory, shaping my worldview and helping me navigate life’s complexities with faith and purpose.”

 During his high school years, he applied for various college scholarships, and on one application mentioned he was a GMA recipient. The committee assessing the applications was familiar with the GMA and awarded him a $16,000 scholarship! Aaron regarded the decision as a divine blessing and a testament to the continued impact of the Royal Rangers ministry on his life. He also felt a deep level of gratitude to the Lord, pushing him to want to give everything he has to God. Aaron graduated from college with a degree in electrical engineering from Texas A&M University in 2015 and later completed a master’s degree in business administration from Duke University in 2023.

Today, Aaron is a devoted husband to his wife, Taylor, and a father who is carrying on the legacy of godly manhood demonstrated by Commander Freddie. Aaron says, “Thankfully, I have been blessed with a supportive network of meaningful relationships with wise brothers and mentors who have guided me on my faith journey. As a result, I have grown to trust in the Lord more deeply and have gained confidence in myself as a man of faith.”

 Leaders and pastors: take heart! The lessons you are imparting with both your actions and words have an impact not only on the current generation but also on the generations that follow. The relationships that you build with the young men in your community can change the trajectory of not only their lives but also of their future families. As the story of Aaron’s life and the family he leads continues to be written, he can share with his young daughter the relationship he has with his Heavenly Father in great part because of the intentional discipleship and investment of Commander Freddie.

“Follow me as I follow Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 MEV