Firebuilders

Clinton Beckerdite: Firebuilder White Eagle Soaring High Above the Treetops. Clinton became a Brave in 1996 during second session. He advanced to Warrior during Staff Week in 1997 and Firebuilder during 5th session 1997. He is a Life scout working toward his Eagle. His brother (Brave Son of Little Tall Swaying Fir) became a brave during the same year. His father (Warrior LittleTall Swaying Fir), his grandfather (Honorary Warrior Little Tall Swaying Fir), and his grandmother's cousin, J.D. Hammontree Jr. (Medicine Man Blue Elk) are all in the tribe. His e-mail address is sewing@laurie.net
Joe Bezingue: Firebuilder Grandson of Singing Moonlight. Joe became a Warrior in 1999 while camping in Lone Star, and was most recently elevated to Firebuilder 4th session in 2000. He is a member of Troop 813, Venture Crew 813, and Police Explorer Post 847. His e-mail address is jagwrestler@juno.com
Michael Bowling: Firebuilder Swift Rising Smoke. Mike has attended the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation for six years. He camped at Lone Star all six years, and like most of us loved every minute of it. He received his Brave in 1990 and was elevated to Firebuilder in 1992. He's been on 2 treks to Philmont in 1990 and 1994. Mike started out as a Tiger Cub in Pack 412 in the first year the Tiger Cub program existed. He is an Eagle Scout. Mike served as an Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 412 from 1994-1996. He graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1998 with a degree in Broadcasting.
Danny Brasfield: Firebuilder Brother of Eagle in the Mist. Danny became a Brave 3rd Session of 1997 and a Warrior 4th Session of 1998, both at Camp Piercing Arrow. He was elevated to Firebuilder 4th Session of 1999 in Lone Star while serving on the staff. He also served on the pool staff at Camp Lone Star during the 5th and 6th sessions in 1998. He is a Life Scout, Troop Guide, and Den Chief in Troop 323, First Presbyterian Church in Lee's Summit, MO. His e-mail address is danbrasfield@hotmail.com
Tom Cahill: Firebuilder Brother of Quick Scampering Raccoon. Tom became a Brave in 1991, a Warrior in 1992, and a Firebuilder in 1994. He is a member of Troop 261 in Parkville, MO. He became an Eagle Scout in 1992. Currently Tom is a junior at the University of Missouri in Columbia. He is majoring in Hotel and Resturant Management. He plans on becoming active with a Troop in Columbia as his classes allow. His e-mail address is c667329@showme.missouri.edu
Rick Etem: Firebuilder Young First Rabbit. Rick became a Scout with Troop 219 of Hickman Mills, MO in October 1966. In July 1969, he became a Foxman while attending the 7th National Jamboree in Farragut State Park, Idaho. He became Brave 4th session in 1970. He was in Ewing M. Kauffman's Class of Eagle Scouts--Fall 1970. He became a Warrior 4th session in 1971. That year, he also attend Philmont on Expedition 808A-1 and earned his Coup of the Long Trail. His most recent elevation to Firebuilder occurred 3rd session in 1972. He is currently a Committee Member of Troop 255 in Lee's Summit, MO. Rick received his Wood Badge in September 2001. His son, John, is an Eagle Scout and Hardway Warrior. His younger son, Robert, is a Star Scout. In addition to his own biography, Rick has also submitted a biography in memory of his father, Charles A. Etem, Jr.: Sachem First Rabbit. Rick's e-mail address is ritem@earthlink.net
Jeff Fairlie: Firebuilder Least Bird Caller. Jeff started camping at H. Roe Bartle in 1971, at what was then Camp Wigwam (now Lone Star). He returned as a camper the next three years. In 1973 he was called out at Wigwam as a Foxman. He was called out again the next year as a Brave. Jeff almost didn't return in 1975, but ended up returning as a member of the Sawmill staff. He was called out of the council fire 1st session that summer to become a Warrior. Since he was already a dancer, (White Eagle Lakota Indian Culture Explorer Post), he was allowed to dance on Visitor Sundays. The last session of that year, he was called out as Firebuilder. His grandfather joined the Tribe at Camp Geiger as (Honorary) Warrior Bird Caller, and Jeff was honored to follow after his Tribal name. His uncle also joined at Geiger as Brave Little Bird Caller. Jeff's brother is Brave Littlest Bird Caller. Jeff is greatly looking forward to returning to the reservation for the 25 year reunion of Sawmill Camp Staff this fall. His e-mail address is jfairlie@medna.com
Brian Fuller: Firebuilder Spirit of the Whispering Star. Brian was an active scout in Troop 9 in North Kansas City from 1990 to 1996. His first summer at Bartle was spent at Camp Frontier in the summer of 1990. He became a Brave in '93, a Warrior in '94, and a Firebuilder in '95. Brian is an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Park Hill High School in 1997, and from the University of Missouri-Rolla in 2001 with a BS in physics. He is currently a graduate student studying condensed matter physics at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. His email address is brfuller@physics.unc.edu
Wayne Giles: Firebuilder Proud Son of Many Thundering Hammers. Wayne became a Brave in 1998, and received his Warrior during Staff Week of 2000. His most recent elevation to Firebuilder was during 6th Session of 2000. Wayne is a Life Scout. He has attended camp every year since 1994 except for 1999, staying in Piercing Arrow each year. In 2000, he served on the P.A. camp staff, working in the office and trading post. Wayne is an Assistant Patrol Leader of Troop 428 in Raytown, MO. He is a junior at Truman High School, and will also be attending Herndon Vocational Technical Center for college credit classes. He played football his freshman year and wrestled his sophomore year. Wayne feels the Scouting program encourages people to come together and have fun while learning important life skills. His e-mail address is waynjaminbeast@juno.com
Scott Higgins: Firebuilder Free as the Wind. Scott camped at Bartle and became a Tribesman in the mid 1970's. He graduated from Clemson University in 1980 and received his MBA from Pepperdine University in 1992. He is currently the General Manager for North & South America for Big OpenTV. Scott is married to his beautiful wife Laurie and has four children: Kendall, Danielle, Andrew, and John. His e-mail address is shiggins@opentv.com
Danny Jackson: Firebuilder Soaring Eagle in the Morning Mist. Danny entered the Tribe as a Brave during 2nd session 1996 in Camp Piercing Arrow. He was elevated to the rank of Warrior during Staff Week 97 at the same camp. He served on the Piercing Arrow Rifle Range staff. Danny recived his Coup of the Long Trail during 2nd session of 97 and his Staff Coup 3rd session of the same year. Danny is currently a Life scout working towards his Eagle in Troop 11 of First Babtist Church in Jefferson City, MO. Danny's father, Mike Jackson, is also a member of the Tribe, Warrior Snake in the Grass with Big Dogs. In addition to Scouting, Danny is a member of the Jefferson City Jays Wrestling Team, which won the 4A State Title in 1997. He would like to hear from fellow staff members.
Dick Johnson: Firebuilder Little Swift Burning Oak Leaf. Dick was a member of the old Troop 83 out of Kansas City in the late 1960's and early 1970's. He is an Eagle Scout. Currently, he is serving as Scoutmaster of Troop 776 in the Quivira Council, White Buffalo District out of Wichita, Kansas. Dick is also a member of the Quivira Tribe where his name is "Nischa," which means Two Tribes. He still wears the claws of Mic-O-Say, thus his Quivira name. Dick is a Brotherhood member in the Order of the Arrow. His son, Andrew, is also an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow. His e-mail address is DJ2422@aol.com
David Jones: Firebuilder Screaming Crow. David attended Camp Osceola (before it was called H. Roe Bartle) from 1953 to 1957. He became a Brave in the Tribe in 1955, a Warrior in 1956 and a Firebuilder in 1957. As a member of BSA Troop 64, which met at First Church of the Nazarene in Kansas City, MO, he received the Eagle Award in 1956 and a Bronze Palm in 1957. Unfortunately, he has been inactive in Tribal affairs for many years due to the fact that he has spent most of his professional career away from the Midwest. He has been an adult leader in Scout programs over the years in a number of different locations. David is a Ph.D. in Biochemistry (Cornell University, 1969) and is currently Chairman of Chemistry at Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania. His e-mail address is dhjones@gcc.edu
Daniel Lenz: Firebuilder Second Son of Walking Two Feathers. Dan became a Brave in 1991, a Warrior in 1992, and his most recent elevation to Firebuilder was in 1994. He graduated from the University of Missouri--Kansas City with a degree in Political Science. Dan is currently living in Washington D.C. as a District Executive for the Boy Scouts of America--National Capital Area Council. He camped at Sawmill for 6 years. His e-mail address is lenzdt@hotmail.com
Johnathan Lowe: Firebuilder Son of Lost Texas Rattler. Johnathan became a Warrior during second session in 1997. His most recent elevation to Firebuilder was second session In 1998. He has camped at Bartle for six years, all at Camp Piercing Arrow. He plans to return to Piercing Arrow again next summer. Johnathan is a member of Troop 271 out of Kansas City, MO He passed his Eagle Board of Review on March 22, 1998. He is a Junior at Oak Park High School. His e-mail address is Soop16@aol.com
Kevin Mashburn: Firebuilder Wary White Owl. Kevin became a Boy Scout in 1965 with Troop 54 in the Mohawk District of the old Kansas City Area Council. He continued his trail to Eagle by transferring to Troop 364 in the Arrowhead District, then over to Troop 40 back in Mohawk District where he finally attained the rank of Eagle Scout on 3/2/71. Kevin was a member of the Sanford N. McDonnell Class of Eagle Scouts. The Eagle Court of Honor was held at the Kansas City Municipal Auditorium on Sunday, April 18, 1971. The Eagle Scout Court of Honor program indicates on that day, the organ recital was performed by H. Louis Chandler. There were a total of 311 Eagle Scouts in that class, out of ten districts in that Kansas City Area Council. Kevin became a Brave in 1969. He returned in the summer of 1971 to attain his most recent elevation to the responsibility of Firebuilder. He now works with Troop 84, Pioneer Trails District, Heart of America Council, sponsored by the Country Club Christian Church. He has two sons, Bill and Robert, who are also Eagle Scouts and still active with Troop 84. He would like to hear from any Tribesmen and Scouts/Scouters. His e-mail address is mashkm@swbell.net
Zac Mathews: Wind Warrior Keeper of the North Star. Zac began his Mic-O-Say trail in Camp Frontier (now Piercing Arrow) with Troop 285 from Raytown, MO. He earned his Brave the summer of 1991 and advanced to Firebuilder his last summer at Bartle as a scout in 1994. Zac earned his eagle badge in the Fall of 1993. Graduating from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in June of 2000 with a commission in the U.S. Coast Guard, Zac's first assignment was as Combat Systems Officer aboard the Coast Guard Heavy Endurance Cutter CHASE (WHEC-718) homeported in San Diego, CA. Currently, he is stationed in Pensacola, FL with Helicopter Training Squadron Eight. Zac is finishing rotary-wing flight training and will be headed to Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City in the spring of 2004. He would like to hear from anyone else from Troop 285. His e-mail address is hh_65a@hotmail.com
Chris McCauley: Firebuilder Least Long Running Wheels. Chris has attended the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation for six years. He camped at Lone Star all but one year, and like most of us loved every minute of it. He became a Brave in 1996 and became a Warrior in 1997. His most recent elevation to Firebuilder was in 1998. He's been on 2 treks to Philmont in 1995 and 1998 and one trek to Canada. Chris started out as a Tiger Cub in Pack 426. He earned his Eagle Scout in 1999. He has served in the positions of Patrol Leader, Assistant Patrol Leader, Historian, Scribe, Den Chief, and Crew Leader (at Philmont 1998). Chris is a junior at Raytown South High School and plans to attend collage. His e-mail address is cowboy__chris@hotmail.com
Jim Millard: Firebuilder Orange Setting Sun. Growing up in Troop 25 (Mohawk District) Jim became a Brave in 1984, his fourth year at Lone Star. His class had one of the stranger Called Brave experiences: with Call Night the evening before Visitors' Sunday, his class was "on silence" with visitors roaming the Camp, but had the joy of NOT being on silence the following day, which was work day. Needless to say, work day went by much faster that it would have on silence. The following year, Jim returned for a fifth year in Lone Star and was elevated to Warrior. That summer he had the honor of serving as the Dance of Joy line-leader for Lone Star, and ultimately for the session. Jim earned his Eagle rank the following fall, and had the honor of having Paul Arend (Chieftain Piercing Arrow himself) as keynote speaker for his Court of Honor.
Jim returned to Bartle after his 18th birthday as Camp Scoutmaster for his first-ever session in Camp Sawmill, earning his Scoutmaster's Coup. That year and session had some historically significant events: it was the first year that "21 paint" was awarded to men from the ages of 18 to 21. Much to his surprise (and happiness!), Jim was elevated to Firebuilder. More significant, however, it was the first session that a female was inducted into the Tribe as an Honored Woman, the recipient being a leader camping in Sawmill. Shortly thereafter, Jim took a hiatus from the Tribe and Scouting to pursue other personal and professional goals. In 1999, he made good on his personal commitment to a lifetime of Scouting and returned to the scouting movement as a Committee Member of Troop 30 (home of the infamous/famous Medicine Man Mad Drums--Whitey Koogler) where he serves as webmaster for the Troop website (http://www.troop30.org) in addition to other duties. His e-mail address is jim3@millard.org
Jason Randall Pink: Firebuilder Swift Circling Golden Eagle. Jason was inducted into the Tribe in 1989. His most recent elevation to Firebuilder was in 1991. Jason started camping at Bartle in 1983 with Troop 409 from Raytown, MO. He has only missed camping at Bartle twice since 1983. Jason is an Eagle Scout with a bronze palm, and has received a staff coup and the coup of the long trail. Currently, he is an assistant scoutmaster of Troop 145 in Raytown, MO and has been on staff at the Rotary Youth Camp for Disabled Scout for the last five years. Jason has a Master's Degree in special education and is a teacher working with special needs students at Fort Osage High School. Jason's father, John Pink, is also a tribesman. His tribal name is Warrior Great Swift Circling Golden Eagle. Jason's e-mail address is tchrpnk@aol.com
Paul R. Smith: Firebuilder Charging Red Ant. Paul was a member of Gashland, MO (North Star District) Troop 247 from 1958 until 1962. He was a member of the Joyce C. Hall Class of Eagle Scouts in 1961 and earned his Bronze Palm in 1961 as well. Paul attended Camp Osceola (Wigwam) five years (1958-1962). He became a Brave in 1960, a Warrior in 1961, and received Firebuilder paint in 1962. Paul left the Kansas City Area Council in 1962 to attend university and earned a B.A. in journalism at M.U. Columbia in 1966. He served four years in the U.S. Army (1966-1970) before returning to university studies and completed an M.A. in political science at the University of Illinois in 1973. Since 1973 Paul has been a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State and is currently serving as Public Affairs Officer at the American Embassy in Moscow. Paul has remained an active Scouter since 1970 and is currently involved in a number of projects to support the renewal of Scouting in Russia. His e-mail address is 100140.1655@compuserve.com
Todd Smutz: Firebuilder Fair Fox. Todd has camped at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation for 7 years, becoming a Firebuilder in 1997. He has also been to the Philmont Scout Ranch. He joined the Scouting program as a Bear Scout, and is an Eagle Scout with six palms. Todd has served in the positions of Chaplain's Aide, Patrol Leader, Troop Guide, Den Chief, and Senior Patrol Leader. He graduated from West Point as a Second Lieutenant and completed Officer Basic Training in Ft. Knox, KY. He is now stationed at Ft. Hood, TX as the Headquarters Platoon Leader for HHC, 1-66 Armor Batallion. As of his last update, Todd was getting ready to head to Iraq. His e-mail address is ltsmutz@yahoo.com
Paul Sutoris: Firebuilder Son of Mountain of Many Steps. Paul became a Warrior in the Tribe during 4th session in 1997. His most recent elevation to Firebuilder was 4th session in 1998. He is an Eagle Scout and active member of Troop 338 in Grandview, MO. Paul attends O'Hara High School and enjoys sports such as wrestling and tennis. He also enjoys drawing in his free time. His home page is at http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Oracle/6435/. His e-mail address is cside@swbell.net
Ronald Wages: Firebuilder Midnight Falling Star. Ronald became a Brave in the Tribe during 1st session of 1996 and advanced to the rank of Warrior in 1997. His elevation to Firebuilder occurred 2nd session in 1998. He has camped at Lone Star the past five years. He earned his Eagle Scout in October 1996, and earned his Silver Eagle Palm in July 1998. Ronald held numerous leadership positions including Troop Guide, Troop Scribe, and Senior Patrol Leader while in Troop 173 in Independence, MO. His father, Gary Wages: Warrior Little No Salt, is also a Tribesman. Ronald survived high school, ranking in the top one percent of his class and delivered the speech at graduation to his fellow graduates. He was again honored by the Who's Who Among the American High School Students for the fourth straight year. From high school, Ronnie not only acquired an education but also an odd collection of pets including two chickens, four Rouen ducks, three tan Runner ducks, a Black Chaluga duck, and a White Pekkin duck (like the one from Friends). These were added to his menagiere of three hamsters, two dogs, and a cat. Thank goodness for him, Ronald is now currently attending the UMKC Six-year School of Medicine where he plans on specializing in either emergency medicine or family practice. When Ronnie is not studying, which is not often, he works in his parents' ice cream shop or hangs out with friends. His e-mail address is TrumanGuy@aol.com
Ernie Waldron: Firebuilder Little Silent Carrier. Ernie lives on Lake Louise in the country outside Pine River, MN and is currently serving as a committee member and unofficial assistant scoutmaster with Troop 73 in Pine River. He became a cub scout in 1948 or 1949. He spent my first summer at Camp Osceola in 1953 at Camp Troop 7 in Camp Wigwam. Ernie became a hardway brave in the summer of 1956 and was on the Scoutcraft staff in 1957. He was a junior instructor of pioneering, camping and cooking. The class location was under a dining fly set up near the Camp Sawmill (which did not exist then) water tower. In 1985 while serving as Scoutmaster of Troop 63 in Altoona, IA he began bringing the troop to the Bartle Reservation. He served as a Program Ranger Commissioner or a camper every year between then and 1997. Ernie's father was Honorary Warrior Silent Carrier, John Waldron and his son, Matthew Waldron, is Shaman Young Silent Carrier. Matthew served 5 years on the Program Ranger staff and was quartermaster there his last two years. Ernie's e-mail address is bandewaldrons@tds.net
Christopher Whalen: Firebuilder Little Running Water. Christopher became a Brave in 1978 and a mighty Warrior in 1979. He was elevated to the responsibility of Firebuilder in 1980. He and his father, Warrior Son of Running Water, both took their name from his grandfather, Brave Running Water, who was among the first to be called in 1929. Christopher is a former member of Troop 30 from Christ The King. Currently he is serving in the U.S. Navy on the USS Nimitz CVN-68. Christopher is looking forward to returning to Scouting and the Bartle Reservation after he retires in another year. His e-mail is cwhalen@hot.rr.com
Steven Willsie: Firebuilder Small Running Lighting Bolt. Steven became a Brave in the Tribe in 1991, a Warrior in 1992, and was elevated to Firebuilder in 1993. He camped at Sawmill for six years with Troop 270. Steven became an Eagle Scout in that troop. Currently, he works for the Missouri Division of Youth Services. His e-mail address is Ckwillsie@aol.com
Edwin E. Winfrey: Firebuilder Little Quivering Nighthawk. Edwin was inducted into the Tribe in 1971. His most recent elevation to Firebuilder was in 1973. Edwin camped for six years as a Scout in the late 60's and early 70's with Troop 208 in Buckner, MO. He has been called from every council ring at Bartle--Foxman at Frontier (PA), Brave at Wigwam (Lone Star), Warrior at Sawmill, and Firebuilder at Lone Bear. He has never met another Tribesman who has had that privilege. Edwin has returned to the reservation each year since 1989. He is an Eagle Scout and has earned the coup of the long trail. Currently, Edwin serves as Scoutmaster for Troop 82 in Buckner, MO. His e-mail address is ewinfrey@iland.net

Braves	Hardway and Honorary Warriors	Firebuilders	Tom-Tom Beaters
Runners	Keepers of the Sacred Bundle	Shamans	Tribal Council & Council of Chieftains

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