Meramec (Arnold) Elks Lodge Awards $3,200 to Support MMA Cross Country and Track & Field

Missouri Military Academy (MMA) is proud to announce a generous $3,200 contribution from the Meramec (Arnold) Elks Lodge #2372 in Imperial, Mo., to support the Colonels Cross Country and Track & Field programs. The funds will be used to purchase new team uniforms and a custom canopy branded with MMA logos, enhancing both performance and team identity at competitions.

This gift was made possible through the initiative and leadership of Cadet David Woodcock, a MMA high school junior from Eureka, Mo., along with the support of his parents Chad and Carrie Woodcock. Cadet Woodcock took the lead in appealing to the Elks Lodge, advocating for the team’s needs. He began to garner support, member by member, while home on Thanksgiving and winter furlough from MMA, visiting the lodge with his dad, a member of the Elks.

Chad and Carrie Woodcock check in their son, Cadet David Woodcock ’27, for Missouri Military Academy’s Cadre Leadership Camp ahead of the start of the fall 2026 semester.

In a request to the Elks initially made last fall, Cadet Woodcock highlighted the Academy’s long-standing tradition of developing young men of character, emphasized how the values instilled through the MMA experience — integrity, perseverance and teamwork — closely align with those championed by the Elks, and emphasized the team need for the items.

Cadet Woodcock’s appeal came before the organization for a vote in March 2026. When initial discussions and a motion at the Elks meeting proposed a smaller contribution, Chad Woodcock stepped forward to advocate on David’s behalf. With David unable to attend the meeting, she shared his story directly with members, reading his prepared remarks and providing a personal connection that resonated throughout the room.

“When the motion was made to approve the $500 recommended by the committee, it passed quickly—but I wasn’t satisfied,” Chad said. “David had worked too hard for this, and since he wasn’t present to advocate himself, I took action.”

Chad successfully moved to reconsider the original motion and was granted time to address the group. After hearing David’s appeal through his dad, the room responded with strong support. A revised motion for $3,200 was introduced and ultimately approved by a significant majority of members.

Cadet Woodcock presents a check from the Elks to the Missouri Military Academy Athletic Director Brian Meny.

“This contribution will have an immediate and lasting impact, ensuring that Colonels’ cadet-athletes step onto the track and field equipped not only with the new uniforms but with the pride and presence that reflect the strength of the MMA experience,” said MMA Athletic Director Brian Meny. “We thank the Elks and the Woodcock family for making this gift happen.”

The Academy extends its sincere gratitude to the Meramec (Arnold) Elks Lodge #2372 for its investment in MMA cadets and support of MMA’s mission.