Celebrating Service and Commitment: Highlights from the Maryville Lions Club Officer Installation Ceremony at RAM
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
The Maryville Lions Club recently gathered for a special occasion that marked the beginning of a new chapter in their ongoing mission of community service. The 2026-2027 Officer Installation ceremony took place at the Remote Area Medical (RAM) headquarters in Rockford, Tennessee. This event was more than a formal meeting; it was a celebration of dedication, partnership, and the spirit of giving that defines both the Lions Club and RAM.
The ceremony was led by Wayne Garland, the incoming District Governor from Kingsport, who officially installed the new officers. The installation of new officers is a key moment for any Lions Club chapter. It sets the tone for the year ahead and recognizes the commitment of members who will lead the club’s activities. At the Maryville Lions Club ceremony, Wayne Garland brought a sense of enthusiasm and encouragement as he welcomed the incoming officers.
The ceremony included:
Formal swearing-in of the 2026-2027 officers
A reaffirmation of the club’s mission to serve the community
This event marked the beginning of a year filled with opportunities to serve, lead, and make a difference. It was a reminder of the power of community service and the impact that dedicated volunteers can have.
As the new officers take on their roles, they carry forward a tradition of service that reaches far beyond their local community. Their work supports a global effort to serve the needs of those in underserved areas in the spirit of humanitarianism.
A Tour of Remote Area Medical Headquarters
In addition, Lion Mary Brown, Volunteer Manager for RAM, provided an insightful tour of the facility, revealing the deep history and impactful work of RAM. This post explores the highlights of the ceremony, the story behind RAM, and the important role the Lions Club plays in supporting this humanitarian effort. This tour was both educational and inspiring, offering a firsthand look at how RAM operates and supports underserved communities.
Key points from the tour included:
History of RAM: Founded in 1985 by Stan Brock, a former star of the Wild Kingdom TV series, RAM was born out of a personal experience. After suffering a severe injury while working with the Wapishana Indians on a cattle ranch Guyana, Brock realized the urgent need for accessible medical care in remote areas. The nearest hospital was 350 miles away, reachable only by foot or chartered aircraft.
Mission and Reach: RAM delivers free medical, dental, and vision care to people in need, often in remote or underserved locations. Since its founding, RAM has served over one million patients with the help of 246,000 volunteers.
Facility Operations: The headquarters in Rockford serves as the central hub for organizing pop-up clinics worldwide. Volunteers prepare supplies, coordinate logistics, and train for missions that bring care to those who otherwise would have none.
The tour highlighted the scale and complexity of RAM’s work, as well as the dedication of its volunteers.
The Legacy of Stan Brock
Stan Brock’s story is central to understanding RAM’s impact. His experience in Guyana exposed a critical gap in healthcare access that he committed his life to addressing. Over the years, Brock received numerous humanitarian awards recognizing his efforts to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Though he passed away in 2018, his legacy lives on through RAM’s ongoing work. The Maryville Lions Club’s connection to RAM honors this legacy by supporting the organization’s mission and volunteering at clinics.
The Lions Club and RAM Partnership
The Maryville Lions Club has been an integral part of RAM since its inception. Many Lions members volunteer at the headquarters and participate in pop-up clinics around the world. Their work includes:
Assisting with medical, dental, and vision services
Helping with logistics and patient care coordination
Supporting fundraising and awareness efforts
This partnership exemplifies how local organizations can contribute to global health initiatives. The Lions Club’s commitment to service aligns perfectly with RAM’s goal of delivering care to those who need it most.
Continuing the Tradition of Service
For anyone interested in volunteering or supporting these efforts, reaching out to your local Lions Clubs on our website at maryvillelions.org or to RAM on their website at RAMUSA.org can be a meaningful way to get involved. Together, communities can build a stronger network of care and compassion that changes lives.