Since the very beginning of DeMolay, we have relied upon Masons and the Masonic Fraternity for guidance, direction, and strength. (1).jpg)
As DeMolay was creating the Legion of Honor, to be composed of senior DeMolays, “Dad” Charles Boyce suggested to “Dad” Land that in addition to an active Legion of Honor, there should be an honorary Legion of Honor composed of Master Masons.
Today, the Honorary Legion of Honor consists of Master Masons at least 30 years or older, who manifest outstanding service to humanity, or excellence in their professional field, service in fraternal life, and personify the ideals of DeMolay.
The nomination process for the Legion of Honor takes many steps, starting with the drafting of a nomination. Then a thorough review of the nomination by the Executive Officer, a review by the Honors and Awards Committee of DeMolay International, and finally the unanimous vote of all of the Class 1 Active Members of DeMolay International at the annual Supreme Council Session. This process is highly confidential with significant penalties for breaches of confidentiality.
Each of them, as Master Masons, have many titles. In Masonry, we know the greatest and best title a man can have is to be called “Brother.” Here in DeMolay the honorific we use is “Dad” as it denotes mentorship and friendship to youth. Owing to the size of our great state some of the names may not be familiar to you.
We want to give you a taste of the work of our honorees and have provided a brief description. These vignettes do not do justice to the outstanding class of honorees but give you a flavor for their outstanding service. Each of them we can proudly point to as being an example of the way to live one’s life.
“Dad” Robert Blow: In addition to being a tremendous supporter of Masonic Youth groups for the better part of forty years and an active member of a number of Masonic Organizations, “Dad” Blow has been a volunteer with a number of programs teaching youth sailing including Bytown Brigantine and the Excalibur program. These programs provided youth with skills, confidence, and leadership skills making the world a better place.
“Dad” John B. Haslam Sr.: “Dad” Haslam served as a dedicated DeMoly advisor for many years. The dedication and service he showed then he has translated into his service to Freemasonry. He currently serves the Grand Lodge of New York as Grand Marshal. In this role, “Dad” Haslam provides strategic leadership and guidance to every event New York Freemasonry does. He has been tremendously supportive of Rainbow Triangle, and DeMolay and helps to make the world a better place.
“Dad” Robert Hawley Sr.: “Dad” Hawley is a man of many passions, chiefly among them is Music. An incredibly talented emcee and disc jockey, “Dad” Hawley and his team have helped to make the hallmark moments of people’s lives that much more special. “Dad” Hawley and his team have been incredibly generous to the young men of DeMolay in the donation of time, talent and resources for various social events and activities. In addition to supporting DeMolay, he freely gives of his time, talent, and resources for a number of other non-profit organizations.
“Dad” Steven Adam Rubin: “Dad” Rubin is a builder. He sees how the world could be and helps to build and make it better. A reputation he has held since his time as an undergraduate at the University at Albany, SUNY to his time as a law school student at Albany Law School, and now in his private practice as an attorney. In addition to his professional work, “Dad” Rubin has served the Grand Lodge of New York in a number of different roles including proctor, Grand Treasurer, and currently the Deputy Grand Master of Masons.
“Dad” David F. Schneeweiss: “Dad” Schneeweiss empowers medical discoveries to happen in his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Masonic Medical Research Institute. In this role, “Dad” Schneeweiss keeps the board focused on increasing resources and impact of the medical research being done. His leadership of MMRI’s directors has empowered a world class research staff to make life saving discoveries and have an impact on the human condition.
“Dad” Steven Stefanakos: “Dad” Stefanakos is a member of New York’s finest and has been keeping the people of New York City safe and secure for over thirty years. “Dad” Stefanakos has spent a bulk of his career in the Emergency Service Unit. He was at the World Trade Center the Morning of September 11th and helped with the response and rescue. “Dad” Stefanakos has gone on to provide training and education to other law enforcement organizations.
“Dad” Peter C. Stein: “Dad” Stein’s professional career is focused on serving others. Br. Stein served America via the United States Air Force. After his service to our nation, he returned home to Western New York where he served the people of Western New York through the fire service. Holding multiple EMT and medical certifications, he eventually rose to be the Assistant Chief of Tactical Operations. In this role he provided key emergency response and guidance. He has a long standing record of service to the Masonic Fraternity and currently serves the Grand Lodge of New York as the Junior Grand Warden.
“Dad” Adam N. Tager: In the domestic crises of our nation, “Dad” Tager responds. “Dad” Tager helps Americans prepare, respond, and recover from emergencies. In his varied public and private sector roles, “Dad” Tager has been intensely focused on preserving human life and property. In his free time, “Dad” Tager has helped a number of different non-profit and charitable organizations.
“Dad” Bruce L. Van Buren: “Dad” Van Buren is the Chapter Chairman of Elias Light Chapter in Oneonta, NY. “Dad” Van Buren has worked hard to grow DeMolay in Ostego an Delaware Counties. Always going the extra mile to help the members of his chapter. “Dad” Van Buren is super involved in a number of different Masonic bodies and organizations across New York State.
J. Frederick Velott Jr.: “Dad” Velott is a past Advisor of Ridge Council Chapter. Having served for decades in helping to grow and prosper DeMolay in Western, NY. He has helped to guide many young men into adulthood and continue to mentor them into adulthood and the Masonic Fraternity.