Hello Section G16!
I am writing this on a plane, on the way home from the National Jamboree, and thinking about all of the amazing people I’ve had the opportunity to meet and spend time with over the past few weeks. As my term is only a few weeks away from being at its end, and as we are preparing for another spectacular conclave, I want to share a few final reflections and one key request that I have for each of you. Two years ago, you elected Hannah, Reece, and I to serve as your section officers, placing in us the trust that we would plan a good conclave and support the lodges, but more importantly, you chose us to strengthen the ties between all Arrowmen of the section.
In each of my speeches to you, asking for your vote of confidence to lead our section, I promised three main principles. I promised to serve alongside you; and looking back, the service that we have done together, from building trails to cleaning camps, has been some of the most memorable service of my life. Each year, I promised to put on an amazing conclave, and in a few weeks, we will witness all of the work the Council of Chiefs has done to put together another great event. Finally, I told you that I would strive to meet every member of our section, and build meaningful relationships with all of you, and as our team has traveled through the section, I see nothing but friends that I would never have met before, and friends that I count as my family in this order.
Over the past two years, we have made many amazing memories together as a section. The other officers and I have had the opportunity to travel to many of your lodge events, meeting people from around the section and seeing that the Order of the Arrow’s spirit is very much alive in each and every one of you! We have been with you at two national events and participated in countless hours of service alongside you. Most importantly, last year we all gathered together at Camp Meriwether, one of my favorite places on earth, and had an absolutely amazing conclave! The fellowship we all experienced at our conclave truly inspired me to continue in my endeavor to connect with each and every one of you.
This is where my request to each of you comes in. In the OA, you have many opportunities to lead, learn, and meet new people, and I ask that you take up every opportunity that comes your way! Beyond Scouting, though, you will have many more opportunities in life, so take on every one that you come across and carry with you the principles of the OA with you when you do. Remember to extend a friendly hand to everyone that needs help whether they are a friend or stranger because your simple act of kindness can change a life. Strive to be a servant leader in every aspect of your life, placing the needs of others above your own. Most importantly, however, remember to take your spirit of cheerful service with you in life. Whether you are picking up trash on the road, or volunteering in a hospital, your actions will inspire others to serve alongside you, making the world a better place one small action at a time!
Thank you all for trusting me to lead this section for two amazing years! I can’t wait to finish strong with one more conclave, and pass the torch on to a new team to lead G16! I am confident that each and every one of you will go on to do amazing things with the values of service and leadership that you learn here in the OA! I can’t wait to see you all at conclave!
Your Friend and Brother,
Anson J. Fleck
2025-2026 Section G16 Chief