Awards and Proclamations

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January 23, 2012

Certificate of Appreciation from Seniors against Stalking Support Group

Dr. Thomas and Ms. McCutchen were presented certificates of appreciation from Barbara J. Newby Givens, founder and leader of the Bladensburg-based Seniors against Stalking Support Group, for outstanding service on behalf of stalking victims.

October 21, 2011

Certificate of Appreciation from St. Mary's County Department of Aging

Dr. Thomas was presented a certificate of appreciation from St. Mary's County Department of Aging for participating in its annual health fair held on October 21 at the Volunteer Fire Department Hall in Hollywood, Maryland. It reads as follows:

Certificate of Appreciation
This certificate is awarded to Dr. Clifford L. Thomas in recognition of valuable contributions to St. Mary's County Department of Aging Health Fair "The Way to Wellness"
(signed by) Lori Jennings-Harris and Jennifer M. Hunt

May 15, 2010

Plaque Presentation to Dr. Thomas by Shihan Steve Tolson

Dr. Thomas was presented a special plaque from Shihan Tolson for his outstanding support as master of ceremonies and mediator in the 2009 Kombat Klassic tournament. It reads as follows:

Special Recognition presented to Dr. Clifford Thomas
I would like to Express My Sincere Thanks and Appreciation for Your Dedicated Support of the Kombat Klassic Martial Arts Tournament held on October 24, 2009.
Thank You
(signed by) Shihan Steve Tolson

August 22, 2009

2nd Annual Pioneer Black Tie Awards Banquet

Dr. Thomas was awarded the blackbelt Sampson Award and S. McCutchen the underbelt Competitor of the Year Award at the 2nd Annual Pioneer Black Tie Awards hosted by Grandmasters Furman Marshall and Reginald Jackson. The grandmasters give these awards to honor those who "make a difference in this world because of their outstanding teaching and exemplary professional community service." They state that the premise for this award is: "At the heart of every successful martial arts school, workshop, tournament, educational program, and any other event are caring and dedicated instructors, students, and parents who believe in the ethical values of martial arts. These men, women, and children approach the teaching and learning process with a remarkable sense of responsibility and dedication. Their commitment is guided in their actions by the deep-seated conviction that every student is important, and every instructor is responsible for providing students with the tools and skills to become a strong leader, not only as a martial artist, but also as a citizen."

December 20, 2008

Monetary Award from Bladensburg Town Council

On behalf of the Town of Bladensburg, Mayor Walter James presented Dr. Thomas and his Tae Kwon Do Ramblers with a $200 check in support of the organization and its ongoing work. The mayor expressed his appreciation for the Ramblers' noteworthy community involvement and indicated that he and the Bladensburg Town Council look forward to a strong partnership with the organization in 2009.

November 8, 2008

Special Recognition for Dr. Thomas from Shihan Steve Tolson

Dr. Thomas received a beautiful plaque from Shihan Tolson for his organizational and mediator role in the 2008 Kombat Klassic tournament. It reads as follows:

Special Recognition presented to Dr. Clifford Thomas
I would like to Express My Sincere Thanks and Appreciation for Your Hard Work in making this event a great succcess.
Kombat Klassic Martial Arts Tournament held on October 25, 2008
Thank You
Shihan Steve Tolson

October 13, 2008

Proclamation from the Mayor and Town Council, Bladensburg, Maryland

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Town Council of Bladensburg, Maryland, wishes to recognize Dr.Clifford Thomas, a highly dedicated and talented Servant Leader who has honorably served the citizens and residents of Bladensburg, Maryland and surrounding areas; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Thomas is commended for his efforts to improve the quality of life for families in our town; and for his vision which is geared toward the uplifting of family principles and values in our community; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Thomas has fought to promote positive life skills, respect, loyalty and personal responsibility, as well as moral standards that reflect acceptance and respect for others; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Thomas has worked diligently throughout his lifetime and is applauded for devoting his time and expertise to educating and empowering our community; and through his Save the Seniors Program and martial arts classes he offers to the community at large;

WHEREAS, Dr. Thomas has received numerous awards for his outstanding work ethic and commitment to the building of the whole person.

NOW, THEREFORE, WE, THE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BLADENSBURG, on this 13th day of October, 2008 do hereby recognize the commitment and dedication of Dr. Thomas and his staff of professionals; you are leading by example.

(signed by Mayor Walter James)

September 13, 2008

Golden Pioneer Award

Dr. Thomas received a Hall of Fame Golden Pioneer Award, which reads as follows:

Be it known by these greetings and presents that Dr. Clifford L. Thomas, in testament of his distinguished lifelong career and contributions to the Martial Arts and humanity has this day been formally and ceremoniously recognized as a Golden Pioneer [Award].

This honorable and most distinguished individual has unselfishly dedicated over 35 years of his life to teaching and preserving the ancient Martial Ways for prosperity.

Be it known by all men that the above mentioned has steadfastly upheld the virtues, traditions and honor that embodies the spirit of the ancient ways of the fist. His loyalty and many years of training have touched hundreds of thousands of people's lives over the past almost half century.

This organized body further recognizes his illustrious career as a global humanitarian that has--through proven testimony--benefited mankind both far and wide. It is with great privilege that we honor the great deeds of a life dedicated to promoting and proliferating the Martial Arts. With that said, we place our hand and seal that no man may disavow these findings.

September 11, 2008

2008 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service Nomination

Dr. Thomas received a letter from Joe DeMattos, Jr., AARP Maryland State Director, indicating that he had been nominated as a recipient for the 2008 Andrus Award for Community Service. Mr. DeMattos continued by saying "your nomination for the award is a clear recognition of your remarkable service in the volunteer role you have chosen." He added that "it also reflects the impact that you have had on the lives of others and on your communty." The Ramblers family and the Bladensburg Community Center staff congratulate him on his well-deserved nomination for this prestigious award.

July 19, 2008

Maryland Congratulatory Citation for Dr. Clifford Thomas, Bladensburg Community Center, Bladensburg, MD

On Saturday, July 19, Dr. Thomas was presented with a Maryland congratulatory citation by Senator David Harrington at Bladensburg Community Center at a break during regular class time. Bladensburg Council Members Cris Mendoza and Walter Ficklin, always supportive of the Ramblers and other community activities, also honored him on this auspicious occasion. Dr. Thomas not unexpectedly chose to share this honor with his students and their parents because, as he noted when he thanked the senator, the Tae Kwon Do Ramblers organization is a family, and an award given to him belongs to his family, just as a trophy won by a student in a tournament belongs to the organization. The citation was given to Dr. Thomas "in recognition of your tireless efforts to improve the quality of life and safety for residents in Prince George's County through education and empowering our community through your physical and spiritual teachings of martial arts and self defense." Senator Harrington addressed the audience and spoke about Dr. Thomas' longstanding and dedicated service to the community. He pointed out that just as people regard well-known and outstanding figures in the government or in the entertainment or sports fields as individuals they admire and would like to meet, people should reflect about outstanding citizens such as Dr. Thomas who reside in and contribute to the community.

March 25, 2008

AARP Penn Branch Chapter #3473, Self-Defense Demonstration, Washington, DC

On Tuesday, March 25, Dr. Thomas was awarded a certificate of appreciation for his sharing of knowledge to help seniors learn practical methods of self-defense.

March 22, 2008

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Self-Defense Demonstration, Silver Spring, Maryland

On Saturday, March 22, Dr. Thomas was awarded a handsomely framed "Certificate of Special Recognition, Community Service Award presented to Clifford Thomas PhD by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Theta Omega Omega Chapter." He very much appreciated receiving this recognition.

August 7, 2007

National Night Out, Coffield Community Center, Silver Spring, Maryland

On Tuesday, August 7, Dr. Thomas received a certificate of appreciation from the Lyttonsville, Rosemary Hills, and Rock Creek communities of Silver Spring on the occasion of their National Night Out at Coffield Community Center. It reads as follows:

On behalf of the Rosemary Hills, Lyttonsville, and Rock Creek communities of Silver Spring, Maryland, thank you for the special touch you added to our National Night Out celebration on this Seventh Day of August in the year of Two Thousand and Seven. This yearly crime-free program is also known as Let's Give Crime a Going Away Party and you have made this an enjoyable evening to celebrate the absence of crime and the simple rules of safety for our protection and well being.

Your contribution to this program is a visible sign to us of your interest and concern in helping our communities, our law enforcement agencies, and county government agencies accent the importance of crime-free neighborhoods that build strong healthy families and thereby help produce good neighborhoods and quality leaders for the future.

Signed by Patricia A. Tyson, Program Coordinator

MPKA Award

Award from the Maryland Professional Karate Association, Maryland

Dr. Clifford Thomas received an award from Professor David Grosscup of the Maryland Professional Karate A ssociation (MPKA). MPKA welcomes affiliate members whose values are "closely matched" to their own. Accordingly, the Tae Kwon Do Ramblers is one of these schools that has "demonstrated their desire to join together and set aside past discriminations and grievances between styles for the betterment of the martial arts under one banner in Maryland." Dr. Thomas and other individuals who received an award are shown in the photos below.

December 10, 2006

City Hall's Holiday Open House, Baltimore, Maryland

On Sunday, December 10, Martin O'Malley, outgoing mayor of Baltimore and Maryland's governor-elect, co-hosted the annual Baltimore City Hall's Holiday Open House with City Council president and incoming mayor Sheila Dixon. Dr. Joe Parrish, Dr. Clifford Thomas, and Master Joe Cooper of the United States Head Of Family Martial Arts Association (USHOFMAA) were invited as Mr. O'Malley's special guests at this meet-and-greet occasion. For the organization's hard work, efforts, and contributions to the City of Baltimore, USHOFMAA received the prestigious Golden Dragon Award.

November 28, 2006

Proclamation from the County Executive, Prince George's County, Maryland

A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the Office of the County Executive for Prince George's County, Maryland, wishes to recognize the hard work and accomplishments of Dr. Clifford L. Thomas, a highly dedicated and talented professional who has honorably served the citizens and residents of Prince George's County and surrounding areas; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Thomas is commended for his tireless efforts to improve the quality of life and safety for residents in our county. He is the Founder and CEO of Tae Kown Do Ramblers Self-Defense Systems: We Lead by Example, which offers programs focused on different needs and age groups; and

WHEREAS, their mission to develop confident, successful leaders by promoting personal safety and security, as well as to build high moral standards that reflect acceptance and respect for all cultures is applaudable; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Thomas has worked diligently throughout his career and is applauded for devoting his time and expertise to educating and empowering our community through various programs and lessons. The Rambler Program focuses on preparing successful futures for children, youth and adults through teaching both, the physical and spiritual aspects, of martial arts and self-defense; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Thomas has a long history of involvement as an active member in our community where he has taught and volunteered for many years. He has received many awards including rank under the General Chai of Korea and the World Korean Martial Arts Union. His excellence in Martial Arts has earned him black belts in five different Martial Arts styles.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JACK B. JOHNSON, COUNTY EXECUTIVE FOR PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MARYLAND, do hereby recognize Tae Kwon Do Ramblers Self-Defense Systems: We Lead by Example and the dedicated leadership of Dr. Clifford L. Thomas. FURTHER, I extend best wishes to Dr. Thomas in all of his future endeavors.

(signed by the County Executive)

November 18, 2006

2006 USHOFMAA International Hall of Honor - Hall of Champions, Hanover, Maryland

The United States Head Of Family Martial Arts Association (USHOFMAA) held its second International Hall of Honor - Hall of Champions awards ceremony and dinner on Saturday, November 18. Earlier in the afternoon, several of the internationally known martial artists who traveled to the grand event to receive their awards demonstrated their impressive skills and those of their students by graciously holding seminars for the public in Toyama Ryu Japanese sword (Dr. Kevin Hufford), professional refereeing (Sr. Master Joseph Cooper), tae pyung forms seminar (Grandmaster Sy Cheatham), Chinese art of push hands (Sifu Abdulmuhsiy Abjurrahman), cane techniques (Grandmaster Mark Shuey), and introduction to Bilalian Ryu Jujitsu (Dr. Abdul Hakim Bilal). Martial arts vendors displayed their wares at a trade show, selling items ranging from martial arts publications to statues, swords, and other martial arts equipment to natural herbs/herbal medicines.

In the evening, the lion dance (Wong's School of Chinese Boxing) and Korean drummers opened the awards ceremony, followed by the International Hall of Champions - Hall of Honor induction ceremonies hosted by USHOFMAA's Dr. Joe Parrish, President, and Dr. Clifford Thomas, Executive Vice President. The fact that the importance of the organization's work in the wider community has not gone unnoticed was underscored by the announcement that Mr. Martin O'Malley, Baltimore's outgoing mayor and Maryland's governor-elect, had proclaimed Saturday, November 18, in honor of the United States Head Of Family Martial Arts Association, and that the USHOFMAA would receive a proclamation at a Maryland government ceremony in January 2007. The star-studded event included the most elite martial artists from the area and other locations, including Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad Tobago, several of whom presented awards from their organizations to Dr. Parrish. A special guest of honor was former heavyweight contender Randall "Tex" Cobb, a noted actor in such well-known movies as Raising Arizona, Uncommon Valor, Blind Fury, and The Golden Child, to name only a few, who was honored for his notable work in martial arts. The legendary Grandmaster Jack Stern was honored at this event as well, which also marked the illustrious return of Grandmaster Conde to the Washington-Baltimore area. These were just a few of the outstanding martial artists who were honored.

At least 300 people, including the awardees and their guests, enjoyed the award presentations and the banquet. In addition to the Tae Kwon Do Ramblers Self-Defense Systems, some of the schools represented included the Avengers, Bantu, Bilalian Ryu, Little Tiger Ryu, M.A. Unity, NTF, and Simba Do Jang. Dr. Thomas and several members of the Ramblers received awards at the banquet. Dr. Thomas received the Elite Grandmaster of Honor and Legion of Honor awards, and adult students Gregory Clement, Cedric Davis, Susan McCutchen, and Clara Simpson received the Executive Martial Arts Award of Dedication, while Patricia Wilson received the Martial Arts Support and Dedication Award. His students and other Rambler family members humbly thank Dr. Thomas for nominating them for the USHOFMAA awards, which they were pleased and honored to receive at this prestigious event, particularly in the presence of such noteworthy international martial artists.