Berdj Djamdjian Named 2010 `Exemplary Homenetmen Member’
Friday, May 21st, 2010
by Asbarez
EAGLE ROCK – Every year, the Homenetmen Western United States Regional
Executive bestows the title of `Exemplary Homenetmen Member’ upon one
individual in the organization who demonstrates a primary example for
others to follow. This year, Berdj Djamdjian, notable in the community
for his active involvement in scouting life, has deservedly been
endowed with this esteemed title.
The opportunity to meet with the title recipient and obtain further
insight into his background and organizational activities offered a
true testament as to why he is indeed worthy of such an honor.
Born in June of 1946 in Cairo, Egypt, Berdj Djamdjian received his
elementary education from the Kaloustian School, where he also
actively engaged in the scouting movement. After also attending the
local Mekhitarian Fathers School for two years, he relocated to
Lebanon in 1960 and continued to pursue his education at the
Mekhitarian Fathers School in Hazmieh.
In 1963, Djamdjian moved to the United States, settling in Los
Angeles, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from
the California State University. He was considered a model student
and, upon graduation, selected by Security Pacific Bank to specialize
in IBM computers. His professional life, until today, continues to be
dedicated to the computer sciences and his specialty is computer
programming.
Berdj Djamdjian married and started a family with Norma, whom he met
in 1968. The couple has two children, Monique and Armen, as well as
two grandchildren.
The details Djamdjian shared regarding his organizational life and
activities provide indication of his great interest and commitment to
scouting and Homenetmen, in general. He has spent a great deal of time
as a member of the Boy Scouts of America, assuming positions of unit
leader and instructor.
After becoming a member of the Homenetmen Los Angeles Chapter in 1985,
Djamdjian wholeheartedly became involved with the scouting division
and served as an Assistant Scout Troop Leader, Troop Leader, and
`Avak’ Leader, respectively. His commitment to Homenetmen is apparent
through his history of involvement as a member of the Los Angeles
chapter’s Scouting Council, a chapter executive member, and a
three-term member of Homenetmen’s Regional Scouting Council.
To this day, Djamdjian is the representative to the Boy Scouts of
America on behalf of Homenetmen’s religious program. He has applied
his vast knowledge to providing input in the development of the
Western Prelacy’s St. Mesrob Emblem and has also received the
International Wood Badge. Djamdjian continues to provide invaluable
assistance to the community’s scouting divisions and in particular,
the Los Angeles chapter.
Currently, he is a member of the Homenetmen Camp Tecuya committee and
represents Homenetmen in the National Armenian Committee on Scouting.
Alongside his professional and organizational work, Djamdjian takes
great interest in photography and dedicates his time taking photos of
Homenetmen events and activities. For twelve years, he operated a
Craft Shop and Wood Crafts establishment. He enjoys nature and retains
his own Nature Study Collections and Props, which he presents to
Homenetmen and various schools. As a hobby, Djamdjian also enjoys
beekeeping.
Concluding the meeting, Jamjian expressed his heartfelt thanks and
appreciation to the Homenetmen Regional Executive for awarding him
with the `Exemplary Homenetmen Member’ title. He reflected that he has
great regard for Homenetmen, through which he has developed close
friendships, and confidently assured he would continue serving the
organization with great vigor.