Event Updates

Hemingway Operations Complex Final Dedication--1 October 2011

Spectacular! The aspen tree colors were at their golden peak on 1 October at OCF's Spring Canyon Conference Center in Colorado for the dedication of the Hemingway Operations Complex.

This wonderful facility offers a whole variety of indoor and outdoor activities and consists of the Hemingway Operations Building, guide quarters, a challenge course, and low-and-high ropes courses.

The entire project was funded by a generous gift to the OCF Growing and Building Campaign in memory of LtCol Tom Hemingway, USMC (Ret.), a former Spring Canyon director.

LtCol Hemingway's wife, Sarah, and some of their family were present along with other guests to dedicate the finished components of the facility.

OCF Executive Director, Brig Gen David Warner, USAF (Ret.), presented Sarah with a coin from Spring Canyon's Rocky Mountain High program and a plaque commemorating the Hemingway family's seventeen years of service at Spring Canyon.

Different components of the entire complex were constructed between 2007 and 2011, with former Spring Canyon employees Mike McKean and Lee Fenzel completing much of the design and construction.

The final prayer of the dedication ceremony recalled the blessings of God and consecrated the new Hemingway Operations Complex to God's work and His glory.

Dean Rizzo
Spring Canyon Conference Center director

Spring Canyon Kick Off Meeting, 20-22 May 2011

The Growing and Building campaign committee for Spring Canyon facility upgrades gathered to meet, pray, and plan for this second phase of OCF's capital campaign. Campaign chairman COL Jim Hougnon, USA (Ret.), reflected on April's milestone completion and dedication of the new Heritage House at White Sulphur Springs, and the need to "maintain energy and focus for the road ahead at Spring Canyon."

While the campaign chairs normally meet by teleconference monthly, it was felt that this was a real break point where we should gather together on site to spend face-to-face time before the Lord as we set out on this next stage of the campaign.

After Jim's introduction, Larry Banning, the first "Keeper of the Spring" (SC director), shared his "mountain man's" perspective about Spring Canyon's early development in the 1960s. His remembrances of those early years included many wonderful reminders of God's past direction and provision through what Larry called VIPs--OCF visionaries, investors, and pioneers.

Larry and his family themselves were prime examples of such VIPs whose personal sacrifices brought Spring Canyon into being through ROACT for OCF use and later ownership, where many families have been rejuvenated and ministry leaders energized by times spent at this special place. 

The committee talked, walked, and prayed over a number of the projects and project sites which include the completed Hemingway Operations Complex, the waste water treatment site, the two new lodge sites, and the Hartley Holmes dining room expansion and new kitchen.

Two new committee members also came on board with this meeting: MG Don Riley USA (Ret.), major gifts, and COL Arnie Ahnfelt, USA (Ret.), campaign events.

The time together in Spring Canyon's inspiring surroundings was truly refreshing and fruitful. We left this mountain top experience with renewed vision for this next phase of the capital campaign and looking forward to God's continued blessing in accomplishing this task.
 
Lt Col Jeff Silliman USAF (Ret.)
Public Relations Chairman  

WSS Heritage House Dedication, April 2011

30 April marked a major milestone for OCF's Growing and Building campaign with the dedication of the new Heritage House at White Sulphur Springs. Over 500 members and friends attended the celebration of this beautiful facility, which more than doubles WSS's capacity. Former WSS Director, CDR Ray Johnson, USN (Ret.), who also served as chairman for the WSS phase of the capital campaign, emceed the event on a sunny spring day, so very fit for such a wonderful occasion declaring "God's power to generations to come."

Among those participating in the ceremonies was keynote speaker Lt Gen Loren Reno, USAF. He underlined the importance of using the Heritage House as a place of restoration and resiliency, of building relationships and creating memories in the kingdom of God-a place where OCF members are equipped to serve Christ and our country with excellence.

Dave Rowland, resource development director, recognized representatives of Heritage House's twelve sponsored rooms as well as the more than 1,800 donors whose generosity brought reality to the vision. He also recognized LTC Joe Orosz, USA (Ret.), whose project management efforts put feet to the building project; Somerset Steel Erectors general manager Jim Cunningham, and architect Brendan Taylor.

Former executive director and tireless capital campaign championer, Lt Gen Bruce Fister, USAF (Ret.) prefaced his dedication prayer by saying, "When I see a midshipman or a cadet, I don't just see them; I see their children and their grandchildren all being raised in the way of the Lord."

Following the ceremony guests enjoyed a reception in the Heritage House dining room.  The Pettijohn Room, a Heritage House multipurpose room, was also dedicated. Brig Gen David Warner, USAF (Ret.), current executive director, presented Lorraine Pettijohn with a replica of the room plaque honoring her late husband, former executive director Paul Pettijohn.

And the ceremonial ribbon was cut amid shouts of joy!

What a day it was! I feel so privileged to stand with my wife, Marty, at the helm of White Sulphur Springs at this key time in OCF's history. What a heritage we have received from the saints of old to pass on to succeeding generations. May we be faithful until He calls or comes.

Clay Thomas
WSS Director