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Rangers,
Reporting on the Annual Ranger Muster 2006 Branson, Missouri, 15-18 June 2006 - an unqualified success.
Rangers, and guests, in attendance converged on Branson from 14 states (Georgia, Missouri, Virginia, New Mexico, Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, North Carolina, Maryland, Washington, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas) and 1 other country (Canada).
The capstone of the ARM was the Banquet Friday evening and speaker Ranger Dana Bowman - an internationally acclaimed inspirational and motivational speaker - who with his own military contacts was able to give the audience in real-time (through his cell phone and email communications earlier in the day) of what our Rangers and military personnel were accomplishing (all unclassified) in the Terrorism War in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The audience, to a person, hung on every word and tidbit of information as to what our Rangers, servicemen and servicewomen were doing in the war overseas and hearing how well America was being represented by our military personnel.
As MC, I related how, while driving the 40 miles between the Springfield/Branson Regional Airport and Branson, after meeting Dana's flight on Thursday, I personally heard how he "worked" his cell phone, making and receiving calls, to assist and mentor a recently returned young soldier (hailing from Alabama), double-amputee, from Iraq, in making the readjustment to life, rehabilitation, and a productive life with Dana's motto being the goal: "It's not the Disability, It's the Ability!"
Ranger John Senor's email, in part, received today: "BTW, spent 3 hours in the Airport with Dana Bowman. Talk about the real deal. He got at least 6 calls from injured vets he was helping, all between 5 and 8 AM! I am humbled just knowing him. What a fing roll model. And, just a regular guy. I can't believe he looks up to us guys. But, he does. Unbelievable."
Ranger Samuel Hernandez (at the request of the MC), provided the expertise in giving the "on-the-spot" command of the color guard from the Missouri Army National Guard (several Terrorism War veterans having served in Iraq), who came from Springfield, Missouri, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and Fayetteville, Arkansas, in the posting and retiring of the Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag.
Ranger Gregg Orth (former All Army and Chicago Bears tackle/linebacker) led us in both the Invocation and before closing and retiring of the Colors, the Benediction.
Ranger Steve Maguire, presiding and President of the U.S. Army Ranger Association, gave his report on the importance of USARA steadfast, sundry and varied support of the Rangers, the RTB, the RR and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Ranger Battalions throughout the past year, and the pledge that newly elected administration would continue the positive and productive policies that his administration initiated.
Known as the "littlest Ranger", Rosalie Beach, who spent 32 years in the RTB, shared some of her memories and fascinating experiences working with Rangers over the years, which will eventually be published in a book that she is now writing.
A special presentation was made to Ranger Maguire by Emory Dockery, Executive Director, of The Darby Foundation, with headquarters in Fort Smith, Arkansas, birthplace of Ranger (BG) William O. Darby.
Special acknowledgement and appreciation was made by the undersigned to Ranger Frank Casey, Ranger Mike Ranger and Ranger Pete Rothrock for their valued assistance, and sharing of responsibility to assure a successful ARM2006BRANSON.
Ranger Maguire then passed the "Ranger baton" to incoming President, U.S. Army Ranger Association, Ranger Linc German. Ranger German announced that the growth and strength of the U. S. Army Ranger Association would continue under his leadership, and that his goal is to be responsive to the needs and aspirations of Rangers and their organizations.
The Radisson Hotel at Branson, served as a perfect venue for our Muster, maintaining its well-earned reputation of being pro-military and professional in hosting military conventions. Special recognition and thanks from the U. S. Army Ranger Association goes to Kristie Blakley (Sales Manager), Roger Tedder (Catering Manager) and Jerry McCoy (Banquet Manager).
The next Ranger event will be the Ranger Hall of Fame (28-30 June 06) at Fort Benning, Georgia. USARA members Ranger (MG) John Singlaub, Ranger Mike Ranger, and Ranger Clark Welch will be inducted into the RHOF. Each of them has always set the highest standard for all Rangers. Ranger Jim Gardner, Medal of Honor recipient, posthumously, for his heroic courage in Vietnam will be inducted into the RHOF and his heroism again recognized and again remember for his devoted service to the United States of America.
Rangers, without your support and teamwork, such Ranger successes would not occur. Always take the time and make the effort to support Rangers and our Armed Forces. Rangers who "walk this walk" include Ranger Maguire, Ranger Bowman and Ranger German, who all visit Walter Reed Army Hospital, and other military hospitals, to provide encouragement, concern, fellowship and help to our returning wounded American veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. These Rangers are leading the way in the best way possible, and for that every Ranger thanks them.
In closing, thank you for supporting ARM2006BRANSON, watch for news and info on the upcoming Ranger Hall of Fame 2006 Induction, plan now to attend ARM2007FORTBENNING, and take some "action" to support our American Military Veterans of the Terrorism War.
Hang tough Guys!
Best regards,
RLTW
Tim
20 June 2006
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