Active-Duty First Seargeant in the U.S. Army stationed in Fairbanks. His message was well received and provided positive uplift and education for all the attendees. He came to us as a personal acquaintance of CIC Denzel Mosley who also is an Active-Duty U.S. Army Captain stationed on Ft. Wainwright. The COD carried historical significance to the members as Sovereign Grand Commander Dr. Melvin J. Bazemore took time from his extremely busy schedule to bring us opportune words and guidance from the United Supreme Council. This was a singular honor and privilege for the membership marked the first visit by the SGC. There were many shocked faces online and, in the room, when his profile showed in the Zoom gallery. The Orient unveiled a few innovations this year as we decided to name awards after some of our distinguished Fraters whose labors have ceased. Two invited guests of Overseer Harris were surprised during the award ceremony. He sprung the innovation to the delight of the crowd. The GIG Herman L. Smith award was presented by his granddaughter Mrs. Tia Dunn. The GIG Lawrence R. Rhodes award was presented by his daughter Ms. Marcia Rhodes. Both Fraters had been faithful members of Top of the World Consistory No. 102 and had been heavily invested in the Valley of Fairbanks. The COD also maintained a near and dear community service commitment. The Door is a local youth shelter that provides a safe place for young boys and girls 6 - 18 who are suffering any hardship. They are a 24/7 facility whose purpose is to meet the needs of young people in crisis who do not have a safe place to go. They provide Safe Shelter, Food, Clothing/Hygiene items, Education/Counseling, Resources and Life Skill Development free of charge to any who need them. LLR Amelia Starks and Alaskanite Assembly No. 76, and LLR Khadijah Hickman-Napier and North Star Assembly No. 79 provided a donation for The Door. Together they provided over 55 gift packs containing: socks, female underwear, sanitary supplies, lip balm, lotion, tissues, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste and wipes. SGLLR Parker and her team declared the project a joyous success.
The Alaska State Grand Assembly has adopted The Door as our yearly community service initiative. The Auxiliaries will continue to collaborate and support this worthy cause throughout the year stay tuned. We would like to personally thank the OGC members near and far who helped make this a success by donating items, money and time. Without them there is no us in this organization. The religious duties for the banquet were carried out by Dr. Fayzul Kabir; the Imam of the Muslim Community of Fairbanks. MWGM Mustapha-Thomas and Overseer Harris collaborated to present a check to him for the building fund and the Vision of a Fairbanks mosque. The Orient was honored to be a part of this effort. The Orient of Alaska also had to bid a
provisional “ Fare Well ” to one of our estimated members. GIG Anthony April of Northern Lights Consistory No. 72 is retiring from the Alaska State Troopers after 30 years of service to the people of the great state
of Alaska. On Aug 25th he received his 30-year service pin and a signed certificate from Governor Dunleavy recognizing his excellent service to the people of Alaska. GIG April informed us that it was especially meaningful to him because Colonel Hughes is the first Black AST Director to present it to the first Black Deputy Director of AST. They follow in the footsteps of great men, and this milestone would not have been possible without the like of Dr. Ed Rhodes, who opened doors for Black professionals in the Department of Public Safety. Dr. Rhodes attended the DPS Academy Class 9 in September 1965 and later joined AST in 1966. His legacy laid groundwork for all of us who followed culminating in GIG Anthony April being promoted to Major and proudly serving as the Deputy Director of the Alaska State Troopers. Well Done Tony!
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