Vol.18 No.2 Summer 2011 - U.S. Army Ranger Association

RANGER REGISTER
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY
RANGER ASSOCIATION, INC. DEDICATED TO THE IDEALS AND
PRICIPLES OF THE AMERICAN MILITARY RANGER
Volume XVIII, Number 2
Summer 2011
IN THIS ISSUE
PAGE
Presidents Message
1
Annual Ranger Muster 2011 Update
1
USARA ARM 2011 Raffle
1
USARA Election 2011
2
USARA Region Realignment
2
USARA Legacy Scholarship Awards
3
Army Ranger Awarded Medal of Honor
4
Medal of Honor Recipient Inducted
into the Pentagon “Hall of Heroes
5
The 19th Annual (2011) Ranger Hall of
Fame Inductions
6
75th Ranger Regiment History
7
75
th
Ranger Regiment Mission
8
United States Army Ranger School
9
Ranger School Graduation Dates
11
The Founder of the Merrill’s
Marauders Association Passes
11
USARA Awards a Posthumous Life
Membership
12
75th Ranger Regiment 2011 Soldier
and NCO of the Year and Col. Ralph
Puckett Leadership Award
13
Ranger Training Brigade Soldiers
Sweep 2011 Combined Arms Center
Competition
13
USARA Website – Members-only
Features
Logging on to the USARA Website
14
USARA Member Survey
14
USARA Membership Status
14
USARA Officers, Directors and
Committees
15
INSERTS
1. USARA Election 2011 Packet with return
envelope
2. Raffle Tickets (sheet of eight [8])
3. ARM 2011 Registration Form
4. Ranger Store Order Form
Cover photo courtesy of DOD
U.S. Army Ranger aims his M4A1
carbine, fitted with a M203 40mm
grenade launcher. Note the double
magazine on the M4, with a spare
magazine taped to the one loaded.
This arrangement allows for rapid reloading.
Ranger Register
Summer 2011
Presidents Message
We are on schedule with our plans for
2011. Our membership continues to
grow at a healthy pace. The website
along with our new Facebook and
Twitter pages are enhancing our
capability to grow the organization.
With this growth, we plan to increase
activities at the Regional and Ranger
Base levels.
We continue to participate at Fort Benning with the
Ranger Assessment and Selection Program, 75 th Ranger
Regiment; the Ranger School Graduations and Rangers
in Action Demonstration. We have been able to
participate in most if not all the functions.
The 2011 Ranger Hall of Fame selection has been
completed with the inductions scheduled during the
Ranger Rendezvous/USARA Homecoming the week of 25
July in Columbus, GA.
We will have a large group of Rangers and guests
attending USARA Homecoming 2011 which will be based
out of the DoubleTree Hotel in Columbus. There will be
many new faces at the event. See the details on the
web site.
The first Robert Haywood Scholarship student graduated
this year. This award was initiated by our past president,
Linc German. Because of his personal efforts, Anthony
Collazos son of retired CSM Mark Collazos graduated
from Georgia Southern University.
In addition, we have presented our first annual USARA
Legacy Scholarship Program awards to four students.
Congratulations to Katherine Helmick, James Donavan,
Dorathy-Ann Harris and Jeffry Law (details on page 3).
We have approved several new members to our new
Membership, Activities, Scholarship Selection and
Election Nominating Committee. These committees will
become operating groups before the end of this year.
In summary, the Association is doing well. Hope to see
many of you at the USARA Homecoming and ARM 2011
in Savannah. Stay tuned to our website for further
announcements.
Annual Ranger Muster 2011 Update
Registrations and hotel bookings for ARM 2011 in
Savannah are coming along very nicely. USARA has met
the minimum contract commitment for hotel rooms at
the ARM hotel, the Hilton DeSoto Savannah Hotel. That
ensures USARA will not have to pay for any unused
room nights, which is a good indicator of membership
interest in the ARM. We are working to increase our
room block with the hotel.
There is a very important date coming up in three weeks
that everyone needs to know about. 8 August is the last
day for USARA members, sponsors, and others
attending the ARM to book hotel room nights at the very
favorable USARA room rate. If the hotel sells out the
entire block of ARM rooms reserved for USARA, or if you
wait until after 8 August to book your room, you will pay
the much higher market rates.
We encourage everyone considering attending ARM
2011 to book your hotel rooms now. Information on
how to do so is also on the USARA website at
www.ranger.org. Be sure to use the special USARA rate
code found there.
We also encourage members to register for the ARM on
the USARA website. A mail-in ARM 2011 Registration
Form is included as an insert to this issue. We have
more good news - The Friday night Reception at the
Telfair Art Museum is a "go" so be sure to mark that
event on your registration. Pack a blazer to attend this
"coat / no tie" special event that you will remember. If
you have already registered for the ARM but did not
select this event, being unsure if it would be held, please
go back and mark this event on your registration. We
need accurate attendance information.
If you have any questions about the ARM or if you
experience any problems making hotel reservations
contact:
Wade Lnenicka at (770) 432-8406 or email:
[email protected] or
Bob Deale at (770) 431-1925 or email:
[email protected]
Rangers Lead the Way!
We look forward to seeing you in September at the ARM
2011 in Savannah!
Butch Nery
USARA ARM 2011 Raffle
The following valuable prizes are in this year’s raffle.
1st Prize Mossberg Model 935 12 gauge Shotgun
2nd Prize: Taurus Judge Revolver 410/.45
3rd Prize: Glock pistol [model picked by winner]
4th Prize: Glock pistol [model picked by winner]
5th Prize: ISSC Austria MSR Mk22 Rifle
6th Prize: EK Fairbairn-Sykes MkII Knife
7th Prize: Suunto Core High-Speed Low-Drag Watch
8th Prize: Suunto Core High-Speed Low-Drag Watch
Drawing: Saturday September 10, 2011
Donation: $5.00
Eight (8) Raffle tickets have been included in this
Ranger Register issue. Fill out the ticket stubs and
mail with payment along with your Election 2011 Ballot
in the addressed envelope provided.
If you have
questions contact Wade or Bob.
Volume XVIII, Number 2
1
Ranger Register
Summer 2011
USARA Election 2011
USARA Region Realignment
USARA election of Association Officers is an Annual
Event, with ½ of the Officer holders being elected each
year. The election is held in the month prior to the
Annual Ranger Muster (ARM), with the results of the
election being announced at the ARM and the newly
elected officers being installed at that time. This year‟s
ARM will be held in Savannah, Georgia in September
making the election month August.
The USARA Board of Directors unanimously approved
a Bylaws Resolution on March 23, 2011 to implement a
realignment of Ranger Regions to better accommodate
future regional events and schedule changes of the
Annual Ranger Musters (ARM) to better adjust for the
poor economy. We will place greater focus on planning
and scheduling activities at the local and regional levels
to adapt to our growing membership; provide more
cost-effective options; and to increase member
participation. This change will give us better Command
and Control, providing increased communication with
those we serve, but who have been unable to attend
USARA events as our regions were previously aligned.
The realignment became effective April, 1, 2011.
It is the responsibility of each Association member to
insure that his contact information is up to date, and
that his Association dues are current (members cannot
vote if dues are not current).
The following positions are up for election this year:

Executive Vice President

Vice President Personnel

National Secretary

Southern Region Director

Southwest Region Director
Election 2011 Ballot
The ballot and candidate statements are included with
this issue of the Ranger Register. A separate mailing to
members will not occur. As the Ranger Register is
mailed to all members in all categories; all members
received the Election 2011 packet.
If the interim realignment period is declared successful;
changes to Article V, Section 1 of the USARA
Constitution will be required; and USARA bylaws
changes would be made and the three additional
Regional Directors will be added to the Elected Officials
List in accordance with the USARA Constitution and
Bylaws; any and all final changes affected by the Ranger
Regional realignment will follow the provisions Article IX
including a vote by general membership.
The following shows a map of the new Ranger
Regions, and a list of States included in each:
Voting Instructions:
1. ONLY REGULAR MEMBERS CAN VOTE (If you
are an Affiliate; Associate or Honorary Member
you cannot vote; disregard this ballot; do not
return to USARA).
2. Read the candidate statements.
3. Vote for the candidate of your choice by placing
a check mark or “X” in the (
) after the
candidate‟s name on the ballot.
4. You can only vote for the Regional Directors, IF
YOU RESIDE IN THOSE REGIONS (States in
those regions are listed on the ballot).
5. Be sure to PRINT AND SIGN your name and
provide your MEMBERSHIP NUMBER and REGION
then place your ballot in the self-addressed
envelope provided. If you do not know the
USARA Region of which you are a member, you
will find that information provided under your
name on the Ranger Register address label.
Ballot Return Instructions:
Mail the completed Ballot in the envelope provided so as
to have it arrive at the National Headquarters NLT 31
August 2011. Ballots received after that date will not be
counted.
We encourage all regular members to vote. Southwest
Region has two candidates running.
Show your support - VOTE!
Refer to the USARA Election 2011 insert.
Volume XVIII, Number 2
Northeast Region (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont,
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey)
Mid-Atlantic Region (District of Columbia, Maryland,
Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia)
Southeast Region (Kentucky, Tennessee, North
Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia,
Florida)
Midwest Region (North Dakota, South Dakota,
Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana,
Michigan)
South-Central Region (Colorado, Kansas, Missouri,
New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas)
Northwest Region (Alaska, Washington, Oregon,
Montana, Idaho, Wyoming)
Southwest Region (California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona,
Hawaii)
International Region (no compositional change)
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Ranger Register
Summer 2011
USARA Legacy Scholarship Awards
Katherine Helmick
Congratulations to this year’s awardees (each is
shown at the right side of this page).
The USARA Legacy Scholarship Program is a memorial
to selfless service and contributions made to our country
by USARA members. These awards are given in their
honor. The program provides an opportunity to provide
financial assistance to qualified dependents of USARA
members in furthering their education. See information
at www.ranger.org for program details.
This year‟s applicants were required to submit specific
academic information:

A copy of certification or letter of acceptance and
enrollment in the College, University, or
Vocational School the applicant plans to attend;
or is attending.

A copy of the most recent transcripts (high
school or college/university/vocational school).

A copy of the official SAT/ACT scores.

Two letters of recommendation (one from a
member of the community and one from an
academic source [teacher, advisor, counselor, or
other school official].
In addition, each applicant was required to describe:

His/her educational and professional goals and
objectives;

His/her membership/involvement in school clubs
or activities (include leadership positions);

Athletic /band/cheerleading/ROTC, etc.
participation; and,

His/her membership/involvement in community,
church, or volunteer activities.
Finally, each applicant was required to write a 500 word
essay to describe how parts/words of the Ranger Creed
have applied or will apply to his/her personal
development and future. They were to include how the
values/ideals of the USARA member (their father,
grandfather, or great-grandfather) contributed to his/her
personal growth (a copy of the Ranger Creed was
provided).
Final scholarship award selection was based on the final,
weighted scores and order of merit of all applicants; and
the amount of funds available this year.
The scholarship program is supported by voluntary
donations from USARA members and public donations.
The number of scholarships to be awarded annually will
vary; however, award amounts will be no less than
$1,000.
Burke, Virginia
USARA Legacy Scholarship
$2,000
Parents:
High School:
College/University:
Degree/Major:
USARA Legacy:
James Donovan
Monongahela, PA
USARA Legacy Scholarship
$1,000
Parents:
High School:
College/University:
Degree/Major:
USARA Legacy:
Volume XVIII, Number 2
James and Karen Donovan
Ringgold High School,
Monongahela, PA
University of Pittsburgh,
Pittsburgh, PA
BS: Chemistry / Biology
John Donovan (Grandfather)
Dorathy-Ann Harris
Stanwood, WA
USARA Legacy Scholarship
$1,000
Parents:
High School:
College/University:
Degree/Major:
USARA Legacy:
James and Brenda Harris
Archbishop Thomas J. Murphy
High school
University of Washington, Seattle,
WA
BS, Biochemistry
James Harris (Father)
Jeffrey Law
Syracuse, NY
If you would like to contribute financially to the USARA
Legacy Scholarship Program you may do so securely at
our website online, or send a donation to:
USARA Legacy Scholarship Fund
U. S. Army Ranger Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 52126
Fort Benning, GA 31995-2126
www.ranger.org
Mike and Gina Helmick
Thomas Jefferson High School for
Science and Technology,
Alexandria, VA
Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI
BA: International Studies in
Business & Foreign Language,
Spanish, and Art
Mike Helmick (Father)
USARA Legacy Scholarship
$1,000
Parents:
High School:
College/University:
Degree/Major:
USARA Legacy:
Peter Law and Mary Law
N/A (second year college)
Union College, Schenectady, NY
BS, Economics
Charles Law (Grandfather)
3
Ranger Register
Army Ranger Awarded Medal of Honor
Summer 2011
it back. What compels such courage that leads a
person to risk everything so that others might live?"
Petry shook hands with the president today using a
robotic hand, which replaced the one he lost when
the grenade detonated as Petry released it.
The day of the incident even the loss of his hand
failed to fluster him, though. Obama marveled that
the war hero applied a tourniquet himself and then
radioed for help.
"The service of Leroy Petry speaks to the very
essence of America -- that spirit that says, no matter
how hard the journey, no matter how steep the
climb, we don‟t quit," Obama said.
U.S. President Barack H. Obama awards the Medal of honor to US Army
Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Petry, 75th Ranger Regiment, for his
valor in Afghanistan at the White House, Washington D.C. on July 12,
2011. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. David M. Sharp, AMVID)
WASHINGTON (Army News Service) - Sgt. 1st Class
Leroy A. Petry received the Medal of Honor from
President Barack Obama during a historic ceremony
in the East Room of the White House July 12.
Petry is only the second active-duty service member
since Vietnam to live to accept the nation‟s highest
military honor. The first Soldier, Staff Sgt. Salvatore
Giunta, was seated in the audience that included Vice
President Joe Biden, Army senior leaders, several
rows of decorated Army Rangers, and more than 100
of Petry‟s family and friends, including his wife,
mother, father, grandparents, brothers and four
children.
"This could not be happening to a nicer guy or a more
inspiring family," the president said. “Leroy, the
Medal of Honor reflects the deepest gratitude of our
entire nation.”
Obama took the audience back to May 26, 2008, to
Pakyta, Afghanistan. It was the day Petry‟s act of
conspicuous gallantry saved the lives of Sgt. Daniel
Higgins and Pfc. Lucas Robinson.
The president explained how Petry and members of
his Co. D, 2nd Bn., 75th Ranger Regiment, took on a
rare daylight raid on an insurgent compound to
pursue a top al-Qaida commander sequestered
inside, and how the mission left Petry and two of his
comrades within feet of a live enemy grenade.
Petry‟s calm handling of a highly dangerous mission
allowed other Rangers to kill enemy fighters. Spc.
Christopher Gathercole gave his life in the battle.
Gathercole‟s brother, sister and grandmother stood
as the audience gave them a thunderous round of
applause in his honor.
Obama shared that in an earlier meeting in the Oval
Office, Petry displayed a plaque he has mounted on
his mechanical hand that bears the names of
Gathercole and other Soldiers the regiment has lost.
Higgins and Robinson were able to celebrate with
Petry at the White House.
"This is the stuff of which heroes are made," Obama
said. "This is the strength, the devotion that makes
our troops the pride of every American. And this is
the reason that - like a Soldier named Leroy Petry America doesn‟t simply endure, we emerge from our
trials stronger, more confident, with our eyes fixed on
the future."
Petry continues his work to help wounded warriors.
After re-enlisting, he even returned to Afghanistan for
an eighth combat tour last year.
"Today we honor a singular act of gallantry," Obama
said in closing, "yet as we near the 10th anniversary
of the attacks that thrust our nation into war, this is
also an occasion to pay tribute to a Soldier and a
generation that has borne the burden of our security
during a hard decade of sacrifice."
Petry was already shot through both legs, but with no
regard for his life, still took action to save comrades
Higgins and Robinson from certain death.
"Every human impulse would tell someone to turn
away. Every Soldier is trained to seek cover. That‟s
what Sergeant Leroy Petry could have done," Obama
said. "Instead, this wounded Ranger, this 28-year-old
man who had his whole life ahead of him, this
husband and father of four did something
extraordinary -- he lunged forward toward the live
grenade. He picked it up. He cocked his arm to throw
Volume XVIII, Number 2
4
Ranger Register
Medal of Honor Recipient Inducted into
the Pentagon “Hall of Heroes
Summer 2011
“Admiral Olson I can't tell you how important they've
been to our ability to take on the mission that we've
been assigned, particularly to dismantle, disrupt, and
ultimately defeat al-Qaida. It was a special forces
team that we employed on that attack on the
compound that held [Osama] bin Laden,” he said.
Panetta led the group of senior military officials in
welcoming Petry into the Hall of Heroes during a the
unveiling of his name on a plaque.
“Today, Leroy Petry's name joins the hallowed ranks
of other Medal of Honor recipients listed on this wall.
He is truly a representative of a new generation of
Americans who have answered the call during almost
a decade of war,” Panetta said.
Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry receives a plaque
inducting him into the Hall of Heroes from Secretary of the Army John
McHugh as Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Sgt. Petry's wife, Ashley,
applaud during a ceremony at the Pentagon, July 13, 2011. Defense .
(DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey, U.S. Air Force)
“In paying tribute to him,” Panetta said, “we also
celebrate a generation that is fighting for a better life,
a better America, and a better world.”
Petry expressed his gratitude as he stood before
some of his fellow Rangers, four other Medal of Honor
recipients and a slew of senior military leadership.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Courtesy of Army News Service,
July 14, 2011) - The second living recipient of the
Medal of Honor from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
was inducted into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon
July 13.
“I‟m humbled by this ceremony, your words, and
your presence. I particularly want to thank my wife,
Ashley, [and] our children; it was their love and
support that kept me going on this journey,” Petry
said.
Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry, who was awarded the
Medal of Honor yesterday by President Barack
Obama, was inducted into the Hall of Heroes during a
ceremony hosted by Defense Secretary Leon E.
Panetta.
“And I would like to thank my fellow Rangers. The
75th Ranger Regiment has been continuously
deployed over 3,500 days since the start of the war
on terrorism. During that time, 55 of my fellow
Ranger brothers have been killed in both Afghanistan
and Iraq,” he said.
“This is really a great privilege for me, as one of my
first acts as Secretary of Defense, to be able to honor
a great American hero,” Panetta said. “I've had a
long career in this town. I've worked in a number of
capacities, but I can't tell you what a great honor it is
for me personally to honor someone like Sergeant
Petry, an Army Ranger, whose historic actions saved
the lives of other Soldiers.”
“I often say that the greatest test of life is whether
you make a difference,” he continued. “Someone who
saves the lives of others makes a difference, and
that's what you did.”
The defense secretary talked about Petry‟s heroic
efforts and commended Navy Adm. Eric T. Olson,
commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, for
the ongoing efforts of his troops.
“Most Americans can't imagine the kind of life [and]
death decisions Sergeant Petry had to face that day
in Paktika [province]. These are the burdens that
confront the men and women in uniform serving in
harm's way every day,” Panetta said.
“A member of the U.S. Army's storied 75th Ranger
Regiment, Sergeant Petry's actions speak to the
extraordinary accomplishments of the special
operations forces that have been at the center of the
fight this past decade,” Panetta continued.
Volume XVIII, Number 2
Petry passionately implored the nation to remember
his fellow service members who gave their lives for
their country.
“As you have recognized me today, I
continue to pay tribute and never
Rangers and all other men and women
services that have made the ultimate
said.
ask that you
forget those
of the armed
sacrifice,” he
“Please keep their families in your thoughts and
prayers. It has been my honor to serve shoulder-toshoulder with all service members, defending our
nation for almost 12 years. And I look forward to my
continued service with you,” Petry said. “Thank you
and Rangers lead the way.”
Other senior military leaders spoke during
induction, praising Petry for his selfless actions.
the
“Sergeant Petry joins a small, elite group of American
warriors who hold our nation‟s highest military honor.
Thank you so much for being here and your
continued service as well,” Army Secretary John
McHugh said.
Army Chief of Staff General Martin E. Dempsey
described the Petry family as “all-Americans” as he
spoke of Petry‟s service.
5
Ranger Register
“This is an all-American family. They are tight. They
love each other. They are supportive of each other,
[and] they could not be more polite and courteous,”
he said.
“When I think about the Hall of Heroes, I‟m struck by
how fortunate we are as a country to have generation
after generation [of] men and women like Sergeant
First Class Petry,” Dempsey said. “He represents the
best of our nation and today we honor his valor,
unbending.”
Olson, the SOCOM commander, spoke directly to
Petry, on behalf of the Special Forces community to
which they both belong.
“Leroy, you epitomize the spirit and ethos of our
nation‟s most intrepid warriors,” he said. “On behalf
of a grateful and respectful special operations
community, I salute you.”
Summer 2011
The 19th Annual (2011) Ranger Hall of
Fame (RHOF) Inductions
The Ranger Hall of Fame was
formed to honor and preserve the
spirit
and
contributions
of
America's
most
extraordinary
Rangers. The members of the
Ranger Hall of Fame Selection
Board take particular care to
ensure
that
only
the
most
extraordinary Rangers are inducted, a difficult mission
given the high caliber of all nominees. Their precepts are
impartiality, fairness, and scrutiny. Inductees were
selected impartially from Ranger units and associations
representing each era or Ranger history. Each nominee
was subjected to the scrutiny of the Selection Board to
ensure the most extraordinary contributions are
acknowledged.
The selection criterion is as unique as our Ranger
history. To be eligible for selection to the Hall of Fame, a
person must be deceased or have been separated, or
retired from active military service for at least three
years at the time of nomination. He must have served in
a Ranger unit in combat or be a successful graduate of
the U.S. Army Ranger School. A Ranger unit is defined
as those Army units recognized in Ranger lineage or
history. Achievement or service may be considered for
individuals in a position in state or national government
after the Ranger has departed the Armed Forces.
Honorary induction may be conferred on individuals who
have made extraordinary contributions to Ranger units,
the Ranger foundation, or the Ranger community in
general, but who do not meet the normal criteria of
combat service with a Ranger unit or graduation from
the U.S. Army Ranger School.
Each inductee is presented with an engraved, specially
cast bronze Ranger Hall of Fame medallion (shown
above), suspended from a red, white and blue ribbon.
The medal signifies selfless service, excellence and
remarkable accomplishment in the defense of the nation
and to the highest ideals of service.
The 19th Annual (2011) Ranger Hall of Fame (RHOF)
Ceremony was held July 27, 2011 at the Bill Heard
Theatre in Columbus, Georgia. The 2011 inductees:
MG(R) Eldon A. Bargewell
LTC (R) Donald C. Bowman
LTC (R) Gary E. Dolan
CSM(R) Steven R. England
1SG (R) Sean T. Kelly
COL(R) Paul R. Longgrear
COL(R) Keith M. Nightingale
CSM(R) Luis C. Palacios
CSM(R) Jim R. Pickering
1SG(R) Bonifacio M. Romo
SGM(R) Robert E. Spencer
LTC(R) Stanley Wawrzyniak
Go to www.ranger.org to read a complete list of RHOF
members in alphabetical order.
RHOF Inductees biographical information and citations
can be seen at the RTB Ranger Hall of Fame site.
Volume XVIII, Number 2
6
Ranger Register
75th Ranger Regiment History
Summer 2011
Tunisian Campaign. The 1st, 3rd, and 4th Battalions
formed the Ranger Force. They began the tradition of
wearing the scroll shoulder sleeve insignia, which has
been officially adopted for today‟s Ranger battalions.
The 2nd and 5th Ranger Battalions participated in the
June 6, 1944, D-Day landings at Omaha Beach,
Normandy. It was during the bitter fighting along the
beaches that the Rangers gained their motto, “Rangers,
lead the way!” They conducted daring missions to
include scaling the cliffs of Pointe Du Hoc, overlooking
Omaha Beach, to destroy German gun emplacements
trained on the beachhead.
Ranger history predates the Revolutionary War. In the
mid 1700‟s, Capt. Benjamin Church and Maj. Robert
Rogers both formed Ranger units to fight during the
King Phillips War and the French and Indian War. Maj.
Robert Rogers wrote the 19 standing orders that are still
in use today.
The Continental Congress formed eight companies of
expert riflemen in 1775 to fight in the Revolutionary
War. In 1777, this force of hardy frontiersmen
commanded by Dan Morgan was known as The Corps of
Rangers. Francis Marion, “The Swamp Fox”, organized
another famous Revolutionary War Ranger element
known as Marion‟s Partisans.
During the War of 1812, companies of United States
Rangers were raised from among the frontier settlers as
part of the regular army. Throughout the war, they
patrolled the frontier from Ohio to Western Ill. on
horseback and by boat. They participated in many
skirmishes and battles with the British and their Indian
allies. Many famous men belonged to Ranger units
during the 18th and 19th centuries to include Daniel
Boone and Abraham Lincoln.
The Civil War included Rangers such as John Singleton
Mosby who was the most famous Confederate Ranger
during the Civil War. His raids on Union camps and
bases were so effective; part of North-Central Virginia
soon became known as Mosby‟s Confederacy. The Union
had such notable Rangers as CPT Samuel C. Means; the
first Captain of the Loudoun County Rangers. In one
instance, CPT Means Rangers captured Confederate
General Longstreet's ammunition train and engaged and
captured a portion of COL Mosby's Force.
After the Civil War, more than half a century passed
without military Ranger units in America. However,
during World War II (1941-1945), the United States,
using British Commando standards, activated six Ranger
infantry battalions.
Major (later Brigadier General) William O. Darby
organized and activated the 1st Ranger Battalion on
June 19, 1942, at Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland. The
1st Ranger Battalion participated in the North African
landing at Arzew, Algeria, the Tunisian Battles, and the
critical Battle of El Guettar.
The 3rd and 4th Ranger Battalions were activated and
trained by Col. Darby in Africa near the end of the
Volume XVIII, Number 2
The 6th Ranger Battalion operated in the Philippines and
formed the rescue force that liberated American
Prisoners Of War from a Japanese POW camp at
Cabanatuan in Jan. 1945. The 6th Battalion destroyed
the Japanese POW camp and evacuated more than 500
prisoners.
The 5307th Composite Unit, which would later contribute
to the lineage of the 75th Infantry Regiment, was first
organized in the China-Burma-India Theater on Oct. 3,
1943 as Task Force Galahad. It was during the
campaigns in the China-Burma-India Theater that the
regiment became known as Merrill‟s Marauders after its
commander, Maj. Gen. Frank D. Merrill. The Ranger
Battalions were deactivated at the close of WWII.
The outbreak of hostilities in Korea in June 1950 again
signaled the need for Rangers. Fifteen Ranger
Companies were formed during the Korean War. The
Rangers went to battle throughout the winter of 1950
and the spring of 1951. They were nomadic warriors,
attached first to one regiment and then to another. They
performed “out front” work – scouting, patrolling, raids,
ambushes, spearheading assaults, and as counterattack
forces to regain lost positions.
Rangers were again called to serve their country during
the Vietnam War. The 75th Infantry was reorganized
once more on Jan. 1, 1969, as a parent regiment under
the Combat Arms Regimental System. Fifteen separate
Ranger
companies
were
formed
from
this
reorganization. Thirteen served proudly in Vietnam until
inactivation on Aug. 15, 1972.
In Jan. 1974, Gen. Creighton Abrams, Army Chief of
Staff, directed the formation of a Ranger battalion. The
1st Battalion (Ranger), 75th Infantry, was activated and
parachuted into Fort Stewart, Ga. on July 1, 1974. The
2nd Battalion (Ranger), 75th Infantry followed with
activation on Oct. 1, 1974. The 3rd Battalion, 75th
Infantry (Ranger), and Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 75th Infantry (Ranger), received their colors
on Oct. 3, 1984, at Fort Benning, Ga. The 75th Ranger
Regiment was designated in Feb. 1986.
The modern Ranger battalions were first called upon in
1980. Elements of 1st Battalion, 75th Infantry (Ranger)
participated in the Iranian hostage rescue attempts.
In Oct. 1983, 1st and 2nd Ranger Battalions
spearheaded Operation Urgent Fury by conducting a
daring low-level parachute assault to seize Point Salines
Airfield and rescue American citizens at True Blue
Medical Campus.
The
entire
75th
Ranger
Regiment
participated
in
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Ranger Register
Operation Just Cause. Rangers spearheaded the action
by conducting two important operations. Simultaneous
parachute
assaults
were
conducted
onto
Torrijos/Tocumen International Airport and Rio Hato
Airfield, with a subsequent assault of General Manuel
Noriega‟s beach house to neutralize Panamanian
Defense Forces. The Rangers captured 1,014 Enemy
Prisoners of War (EPW), and over 18,000 arms of
various types.
Elements of Company B, and 1st Platoon Company A,
1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment deployed to Saudi
Arabia from February 12, 1991 to April 15, 1991, in
support of Operation Desert Storm.
In August 1993, elements of 3rd Battalion, and 75th
Ranger Regiment, deployed to Somalia to assist United
Nations forces in bringing order to a desperately chaotic
and starving nation. On October 3, 1993, the Rangers
conducted a daring daylight raid. For nearly 18 hours,
the Rangers were engaged in the fiercest ground combat
since Vietnam.
On 24 November 2000, the 75th Ranger Regiment
deployed Regimental Reconnaissance Detachment (RRD)
Team 2 and a command and control element to Kosovo
in support of TF Falcon.
After the events of September 11, 2001, Rangers were
called upon to lead the way in the Global War on
Terrorism. On 19 October 2001, 75th Ranger Regiment
spearheaded ground forces by conducting an airborne
assault to seize Objective Rhino in Afghanistan in
support of Operation Enduring Freedom and in March of
2002, elements of the 75th Ranger Regiment participated
in Operation Anaconda at the Battle of Robert's Ridge on
Takur Ghar Mountain in the Paktia Province of
Afghanistan.
Summer 2011
thousands of special operations raids to capture or kill
enemy insurgents throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. The
75th Ranger Regiment has contributed greatly to the
Global War on Terrorism, helping to bring stability to the
countries of Afghanistan and Iraq.
Today, the 75th Ranger Regiment is a lethal, agile and
flexible force, capable of conducting many complex, joint
special operations missions. Today's Ranger Regiment is
the Army's premier direct-action raid force. Each of the
four geographically dispersed Ranger battalions is
always combat ready, mentally and physically tough,
and prepared to fight our country's adversaries. Their
capabilities include conducting airborne and air assault
operations, seizing key terrain such as airfields,
destroying strategic facilities, and capturing or killing
enemies of the nation. Rangers are capable of
conducting squad through regimental size operations
and are resourced to maintain exceptional proficiency,
experience and readiness. The 75 th Ranger Regiment
remains an all-volunteer force with an intensive
screening and selection process followed by combatfocused training.
From the arduous training to the continuous and
demanding worldwide deployments, the Ranger of the
75th Ranger Regiment continues to demonstrate their
motto, "Rangers Lead the Way!"
75th Ranger Regiment Mission
A lethal, Highly Trained, Experienced Force
On 28 March 2003, 75th Ranger Regiment executed the
first airborne assault in Iraq to seize Objective Serpent
in order to spearhead the initial invasion in support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom. In April 2003, elements of the
75th Ranger Regiment were among the first coalition
forces to enter Baghdad, Iraq.
On 16 October 2007, The Regimental Special Troops
Battalion was officially activated as a response to the
demands of the Global War on Terrorism and the
changing nature of Ranger Operations. RSTB provides
the Ranger Regiment and Special Operations Forces with
increased operational capabilities to sustained combat
operations. RSTB conducts communications, computers,
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance functions in
support of the Regiment and other special operations
task forces to enable the execution of joint special
operations anywhere in the world. RSTB also provides
qualified, trained and ready Rangers in order to sustain
the Ranger Force. Along with the stand up of the RSTB,
the Regiment stood up a fourth Ranger Rifle Company in
each Ranger Battalion in order to provide the nation with
additional Ranger combat power.
The 75th Ranger Regiment has been in continuous
combat since 19 October 2001. With over one-third of
the 75th Ranger Regiment deployed at any given time,
the 75th Ranger Regiment has dismantled and destroyed
countless terrorist networks through the execution of
Volume XVIII, Number 2
Our national defense requires the 75th Ranger Regiment
to execute any special operations or light infantry
mission requiring a mature, competent, highly
disciplined, and lethal force to ensure the precise
application of combat power in politically sensitive
environments. To achieve this, the Regiment must be
extremely proficient in complex operations during both
day and night, in all weather conditions and across all
terrain. The Ranger Regiment is also the world‟s premier
light infantry fighting force, specializing in raids and
assault missions deep inside enemy held territory. An
expert in short-notice combat deployments, the Ranger
Regiment is a rapidly deployable strike force and is the
largest special operations combat element in the U.S.
Army. The Regiment uses specialized equipment,
operational techniques, and multiple modes of
infiltration to capture or destroy hostile forces
History (July 2011) and photos provided courtesy of the
75th Ranger Regiment. –Ed
8
Ranger Register
United States Army Ranger School
The United States Army Ranger School is an extremely
intense, 61+ days, combat leadership course, oriented
to small-unit tactics at Fort Benning, Georgia, U.S.A.,
(the woodland terrain, 'Benning Phase'), at Camp Rogers
and Camp Darby, Georgia; 'the Mountain Phase' at
Camp Merrill, near Dahlonega, Georgia and the Florida
Phase at Camp Rudder, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
Ranger School was formed in 1950, during the Korean
War, in order to train soldiers in Ranger tactics. Ranger
training at Fort Benning, Georgia began in September
1950 during the Korean War with the formation and
training of 17 Airborne Ranger companies by the Ranger
Training Command. In October 1951 the Commandant
of the US Army Infantry School established the Ranger
Department and extended Ranger training to all combat
units in the Army. The first Ranger Class for individual
candidates graduated on 1 March 1952. On 1 November
1987, the Ranger Department expanded into the Ranger
Training Brigade, and established four Ranger Training
Battalions.
The purpose of the course is learning to soldier as a
combat leader while enduring the great mental and
psychological stresses and physical fatigue of combat;
the Ranger Instructors (RI) create and cultivate such a
physical and mental environment. Field craft instruction
comprises most of the coursework; students plan and
execute daily patrolling, perform reconnaissance,
ambushes, and raids against dispersed targets, followed
by stealthy movement to a new patrol base to plan the
next mission. Ranger students conduct about 20 hours
of training per day, while consuming two or fewer meals
daily totaling about 2,200, with an average of 3.5 hours
of sleep a day. Students sleep more before a parachute
jump for safety considerations. Ranger students typically
wear and carry some 65–90 pounds (29–41 kg) of
weapons, equipment, and training ammunition while
patrolling more than 200 miles (320 km) throughout the
course.
Ranger School is recognized as the Army's premier
leadership course and it is impossible to attain a
leadership position in the 75th Ranger Regiment without
it. Lower enlisted soldiers (E1 - E5) with the goal of
becoming a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment will
first complete the Ranger Assessment and Selection
Program, Phase I (RASP I) and then be assigned to the
Ranger Regiment. Once the Chain of Command feels
confident the soldier will pass Ranger School, usually
within 6 months, the soldier is sent to the Ranger
Regiment's Pre-Ranger Course. Only after successful
completion of the Pre-Ranger Course is the soldier sent
to Ranger School. If a member of the Ranger Regiment
fails to complete Ranger School he will oftentimes be
dismissed from the Ranger Regiment, at the discretion
of his chain of command. If he is fortunate he will be
afforded the opportunity to go back at a later date, case
by case dependent. It is expected mid-and-senior grade
NCOs and all officers will become Ranger Qualified if not
already once they are assigned to the 75th Ranger
Regiment, and if they fail to do so, their tour at the unit
may be shortened.
Volume XVIII, Number 2
Summer 2011
A significant portion of Ranger students come from the
75th Ranger Regiment, where completing and passing
Ranger School is required for any leadership position
and continued assignment to the Ranger Regiment. The
Army also allocates a select number of training slots
each year to other US Military Service Branches,
including their Reserve Components, as well as Foreign
Military Services. These highly valued school slots are
often competed for and used to augment the training of
specialized combat career fields that directly support US
Army units. Upon completion of the course, all soldiers
return to the units that sent them and are referred to as
being "Ranger Qualified". Since the 1950s, students
have received a copy of Rangers Standing Orders, a
version of the guidance Major Robert Rogers composed
for his unit, Rogers' Rangers.
Benning Phase (4th Ranger Training Battalion)
The Benning Phase of Ranger School is designed to
assess a Soldier‟s physical stamina, mental toughness,
leadership abilities, and establishes the tactical
fundamentals required for follow-on phases of Ranger
School. During this twenty-one day phase, Ranger
Instructors coach, teach, and mentor each student to
sustain himself, his subordinates, maintain his mission
essential equipment, and accomplish the mission under
difficult field training conditions. Each soldier that
volunteers for Ranger training has proven themselves as
a leader in their sending unit and arrives in top physical
condition. However, only fifty percent of Ranger
students will complete this first phase.
The Benning Phase is conducted in two parts: The
Ranger Assessment Phase commonly referred to as “RAP
week”, and the Patrolling Phase commonly referred to as
“Darby Phase.” Conducted at Camp Rogers in the
Harmony Church area of Fort Benning, RAP week begins
with the Ranger Physical Fitness Test (RPFT) requiring
49 push-ups, 59 sit-ups, 5-mile run in 40:00 minutes or
better, and six chin-ups. Following the RPFT students
conduct the Combat Water Survival Assessment at
Victory Pond, land navigation refresher training, and
finish the day with hands on instruction in Modern Army
Combatives. Day two begins at 0330 hours with the
night and day land navigation test. Following land
navigation, Rangers are tested on common Soldier skills
such as weapons and communication training. Day two
finishes with a three mile two-man buddy run in ACUs,
9
Ranger Register
combat boots, FLC, and weapon. The buddy run
culminates on Malvesti Confidence Course which
contains the infamous “worm pit”. The third and final
day of RAP week consists of instruction on proper
assembly and security of equipment, and culminates
with the 15.03 mile foot march to Camp Darby with each
student carrying an average load of 60 pounds.
After RAP week only two-thirds of the class will continue
to the patrol phase. This phase begins with fast paced
instruction on troop leading procedures, principles of
patrolling, demolitions, field craft, and basic battle drills
focused towards squad ambush and reconnaissance
missions. Before students begin practical application on
what they have learned, they will negotiate the Darby
Queen Obstacle course consisting of 20 obstacles
stretched over one mile of uneven hilly terrain. Upon
completion of the Darby Queen, students conduct three
days of non-graded squad level patrols, one of which is
entirely cadre led. After the last non-graded patrol day,
students conduct two days of graded patrols, one
airborne operation, and four more days of graded
patrols before moving on to the Mountain Phase of
Ranger School. Not all will continue forward to the
Mountain Phase. In order to move forward each student
must demonstrate their ability to plan, prepare for,
resource, and execute a combat patrol as a squad leader
or team leader. Students must prove this to the Ranger
Instructors and more importantly to their peers as the
final hurdle to moving forward is the peer evaluation.
Only Soldiers who give 100% of themselves to their
peers and squad will be likely candidates to continue
forward to the Mountain Phase, and ultimately earn their
Ranger Tab.
Mountain Phase (5th Ranger Training Battalion)
Summer 2011
encounters afford him the opportunity to gauge his own
capabilities and limitations as well as that of his "Ranger
Buddies".
Ranger students receive four days of training on military
mountaineering. During the first two days at the Lower
Mountaineering Area on Camp Merrill, Ranger students
learn about knots, belays, anchor points, rope
management and the basic fundamentals of climbing
and rappelling. Mountaineering training culminates with
a two day exercise at Yonah Mountain applying the skills
learned during Lower Mountaineering. Students conduct
one day of climbing and rappelling over exposed high
angle terrain. The second day squads perform mobility
training to move their personnel, equipment, and
simulated casualties through severely restrictive terrain
using fixed ropes and hauling systems. Following
mountaineering, students conduct four days of combat
techniques training. During this training students receive
classes and perform practical exercises on Movement to
Contact, Patrol Base, Troop Leading Procedures,
Operations Orders, Combatives, Ambush, and Raid.
Students then perform ten days of patrolling during two
field training exercises. Combat patrol missions are
directed against a conventionally equipped threat force
in a low intensity conflict scenario. These patrol missions
are conducted both day and night and include Air
Assault Operations and extensive cross country
movements through mountainous terrain. The Ranger
students execute patrol missions requiring the use of
their mountaineering skills. Platoon missions include
movements to contact, vehicle and personnel ambushes,
and raids on communication and mortar sites. Students
also conduct river crossings and scale steeply sloped
mountain. The stamina and commitment of the Ranger
student is stressed to the maximum. At any time, he
may be selected to lead tired, hungry, physically
expended students to accomplish yet another combat
patrol mission.
At the conclusion of the Mountain Phase, students move
by bus or parachute assault into the third and final
Phase of Ranger training, conducted at Camp Rudder,
near Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
Florida Phase (6th Ranger Training Battalion)
During the Mountain Phase at Camp Frank D. Merrill in
the North Georgia Mountains near Dahlonega, students
receive instruction on military mountaineering tasks,
mobility training, as well as techniques for employing a
platoon for continuous combat patrol operations in a
mountainous environment. They further develop their
ability to command and control platoon size patrols
through planning, preparing, and executing a variety of
combat patrol missions. The Ranger student continues
to learn how to sustain himself and his subordinates in
the adverse conditions of the mountains. The rugged
terrain, severe weather, hunger, mental and physical
fatigue, and the emotional stress that the student
Volume XVIII, Number 2
Camp James E. Rudder, located on Eglin Air Force Base
10
Ranger Register
Summer 2011
in northwest Florida, serves as the home of the third and
final phase of Ranger School. This phase focuses on the
continued development of the Ranger Student's combat
arms functional skills. Students receive instruction on
waterborne operations, small boat movements, and
stream crossings upon arrival. Practical exercises in
extended platoon level operations executed in a coastal
swamp environment test the Students‟ ability to operate
effectively under conditions of extreme mental and
physical stress. This training further develops the
Students' ability to plan and lead small units during
independent and coordinated airborne, air assault, small
boat, and dismounted combat patrol operations in a low
intensity combat environment against a well trained,
sophisticated enemy.
The Florida Phase continues small unit leadership
training through a progressive, realistic contemporary
operating environment. Students conduct ten days of
patrolling during two field training exercises. The FTXs
are fast paced, highly stressful, challenging exercises in
which the Students are evaluated on their ability to
apply small unit tactics and techniques during the
execution of raids, ambushes, movements to contact,
and urban assaults to accomplish their assigned
missions.
Information and photos provided courtesy of the Ranger
Training Brigade. The next issue of the Ranger Register
will include up-to-date requirements for joining the 75 th
Ranger Regiment. -Ed
Ranger School Graduation Dates
Ranger Course graduations are conducted at the Hurley
Hill Training Area (map/directions below); the ceremony
begins at 1100 and lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Family members are invited to the Rangers in Action
demonstration that starts at 1000 on the day of
graduation; seating begins at 0930.
Spectator seating for both the graduation and
demonstration are aluminum stadium bleachers open to
the elements, so please dress appropriately for the
expected weather conditions!
Remaining Graduation dates for this Fiscal Year:
CLASS #
GRAD DATE
07-11
05 AUG 2011
08-11
26 AUG 2011
09-11
23 SEP 2011
10-11
21 OCT 2011
11-11
11 NOV 2011
Information concerning the status of a Ranger Student
will only be released to Brigade level Operations
Sergeants Major, Brigade Command Teams, and Division
level Schools NCO‟s. This policy will be strictly enforced
to alleviate the amount of phone calls and email
received during a typical RAP Week concerning Ranger
Student Status. Status can be obtained by emailing RTB
SR TAC at [email protected] .
Requests from individuals other than those previously
mentioned will not be answered.
Volume XVIII, Number 2
The Founder of the Merrill's Marauders
Association Passes.
Phil Piazza died Sunday May 29, 2011
at 4:30 pm at the age of 94. As
member
of
the
famed
Merrill's
Marauders he was one of the three
hundred or so survivors of the original
3,000 members of that elite volunteer
unit.
He
founded
the
Merrill's
Marauders Association and served as
its President for several years.
On Thursday, June 2, 2011 he was buries with full
military honors at the M. J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans
Cemetery in Anderson, SC. An Honor Guard from
various Special Operations Units was on hand to Honor
this respected veteran, including the 75 th Ranger
Regiment; the Ranger Training Brigade; and many
representatives from the 101st Airborne and 82nd
Airborne Divisions, and Special Forces. Several of his
fellow Ranger Hall of Fame members were also present.
President Butch Nery and Thomas Unger represented
the U.S. Army Ranger Association in paying its respects.
Born in Bridgeport, CT, he graduated from Bridgeport
High School in 1935 and in March 1941 enlisted in the
U.S. Army. In 1942 Philip entered Officer‟s Candidate
School and upon completion was commissioned a 2nd Lt
and was sent to Trinidad, British West Indies where he
taught at the Jungle Warfare School.
In 1943 he volunteered for “A Dangerous
and Hazardous Mission,” which would
become the famed Merrill‟s Marauders
(5307th Composite Unit Provisional). He
saw continuous combat in the ChinaBurma-India Theater as the heavy
weapons commander of the Second
Battalion Blue Combat Team. He was
wounded in action at Inkangahtawng, Burma. He
suffered a wound that required he be evacuated from
the field, a risky maneuver in the dense jungle. His
mother received three telegrams about his status; in the
first, he was reported killed in action, in the second he
was only missing, and the third got it right. He was
awarded two purple hearts, a Bronze Star and a Unit
Citation. He spent 18 months in the hospital and
returned to active duty as an Instructor at Camp
Blanding in Stark, FL, where he was told to “find the
highest mountain in Florida and build a Japanese
Village” to teach the soldiers infiltration techniques. In
1945 he separated from with the rank of Captain.
He married his wife of 63 years, Emma Jane Aitcheson
Fraser, in 1948 and lived in Devon, CT where he opened
his own retail/wholesale business. In 1956 he moved his
home and business to Stratford, CT. He was active in
the YMCA, American Legion, Disabled American
Veterans, Barnum Festival Committee and Stratford
Rotary Club. He retired to Clemson in 1981 and became
an active member of the US Army Ranger Hall of Fame
Committee (inducted in 1995), the US Army Ranger
Monument Committee, Patriots Hall, Retired Military
Officers Association, Clemson Corps, Oconee County
Veterans Council, DAV, American Legion and Clemson
Rotary Club. See funeral photos on www.ranger.org.
11
Ranger Register
USARA Awards a Posthumous Life
Membership
After being passed through several individuals, January
14, 2011 USARA President Butch Nery was forwarded an
email message originally addressed to MG Robert B.
Brown, Commanding General, U.S. Army Maneuver
Center of Excellence, Fort Benning, GA. The message
originated from Mr. Allen Hoe, the father of U.S. Army
1st Lt. Nainoa K. Hoe who was killed in action January
22, 2005 in Mosul, Iraq. Mr. Hoe‟s message to MG
Brown included:
…in looking through Nainoa's ranger school
documents, I came across his filled out application
for life membership in the Ranger Assn., which he
never had an opportunity to submit, (I am sure it
was lost in the shuffle of his getting out to 1/25
asap in April of 04), I would love to have that
application approved and have his name as a "life"
member as he did live it to the highest Ranger
Creed.
After contacting Mr. Hoe for additional information, the
following was received by Butch Nery:
…thank you for your kind efforts in this special
matter. I have attached the forms in jpeg format.
I will mail the originals to you today. when I
attended the [Ranger] graduation ceremony on
March 14, 2004; I was never so proud in my
whole life to see my son accomplish something so
important to him and our family, his standing so
tall and so proud as I pinned on his Tab, that was
simply awesome. As an ole combat medic who
served with the one of the original 196th INF
Battalion LRRP Teams in 1967/68, he knew what
it meant for me to be there with him.
The original USARA Application for Life Membership
was received; it clearly showed that it had been
filled-in by 1st Lt. Hoe (he was given the application
the day he graduated from Ranger School). With
that evidence and based on other information, The
USARA Board of Directors approved award of a
posthumous Life Membership to 1st Lt. Hoe. The
membership packet was ultimately sent to his father.
There is much written about the short life of Nainoa K.
Hoe and the tributes and memorials that followed his
death.
We recommend readers „Google‟ his name to read more
in depth information. The following is a summary.
Nainoa Keali'ihokuhelelani Hoe was born on August 28,
1977 in Hawaii. Upon graduation from Kamehameha
School with the class of 1995, he enrolled at the
University of Hawaii from where he earned a BBA
Degree. While in school, he entered the U.S. Army
Reserves at Ft. Shafter, serving with the 9th Regional
Support Command and United States Forces Korea as an
enlisted man. When asked by his father why he chose to
start as an enlisted man as opposed to seeking a
commission, his response was “because you did dad.
When I become an officer I want my record to show that
I was once an enlisted man and that I had the stuff it
takes to do the job”.
Volume XVIII, Number 2
Summer 2011
He earned the US Army 9th Regional Support Command,
Soldier of the Year award in 2001; the US Army Pacific
Command, Reserve Component Soldier of the Year
award, and was runner up in the US Army Reserve
Component Soldier of the Year, nationally.
He earned his MBA Degree from
the University of Hawaii and his
commission in May 2003. After
completion of IOBC and Jump
School, he started and graduated
from Ranger School with class
04-04) on March 11, 2004.
He reported for duty to Ft. Lewis that same month and
was assigned as 2nd Platoon Leader for Charlie
Company 3/21.
He married Emily Mai Vo, on June 24, 2004 in a private
ceremony at the “Bayer Estate” with his dad conducting
the ceremony at sunset.
Hoe was killed at age 27 of wounds received when he
was attacked by enemy forces using small-arms fire.
He is buried at Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in
Kaneohe, Hawaii – Sec 199-A Site
The greatest tribute an infantry platoon leader can
receive is that that comes from his soldiers or NCOs;
such a tribute was provided to USARA specifically for
this article.
Lt. Hoe was and still is one
of the best combat leaders
I have worked with in my
18 years of service. He
always set the example of
what a Ranger Platoon
Leader should be. Lt. Hoe
lived the Ranger Creed, he
just
didn’t
know
the
words, and he understood
what they meant and how
to use them to make him
a great Ranger Leader.
Nainoa had to show he
was up to the Ranger Challenge as soon as he walked in
the door of the platoon CP. He had 3 Ranger qualified
NCO’s all from 2nd Bn 75th Ranger Regt (1SG Corey
Myers, SFC Steve Siglock and SFC Vic Birdseye) then
SFC and 2 SSG’s, now assigned to 3rd Bn 21st IN (SBCT).
These NCO’s were ready to eat him up at the first
chance, but Lt. Hoe showed he was up to the challenge
of what it takes to be a Ranger Leader. Nianoa always
led from the front weather it was PT, training or combat,
Nainoa was in the front in harm’s way the day he was
taken from us. Nainoa had what it takes to be a Ranger,
the energy, the smarts and understanding of what his
men could do. He was a great listener, when it came to
training and combat. Lt. Hoe is a great example for
future Ranger Leaders to look up to.
Submitted by:
1sg Corey G. Myers
2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment Nov 93 – Oct 02
Ranger Instructor 4th RTB Jan06-Jul 09
Ranger Class 8-95
12
Ranger Register
75th Ranger Regiment 2011 Soldier and
NCO of the Year and Col. Ralph Puckett
Leadership Award
Summer 2011
direct-fire combat
Afghanistan.
engagement
in
Farah
Province,
“I dedicated my performance to Sgt. Joel Clarkson and
competed in his honor,” Liermann said. “I‟m excited
about representing Regiment at the U.S. Army Special
Operations Command competition.”
Liermann also took first place in the 2011 U.S. Army
Special Operations Command Soldier of the Year
Competition at Fort Bragg, N.C., and will compete in the
All Army competition in the fall.
The recipient of the fourth annual 75th Ranger Regiment
2011 Colonel Ralph Puckett Leadership Award is Capt.
Todd Elrod from 2nd Battalion.
Five junior officers, representing three of the regiment‟s
four battalions, participated in the competition. Tasks
included the Army Physical Fitness Test, qualify on an M4, stress shoot, common task testing, land navigation,
five mile run, combatives, leaders reaction course, urban
orienteering, written exam, essay and board.
The 2011 75th Ranger Regiment Soldier and NCO of the
Year and Col. Ralph Puckett Leadership Awards
Ceremony was held July at the Ranger Memorial. Spc.
Zachary Liermann (left) received the regiment‟s Soldier
of the Year Award while Sgt. Christian Henry (middle)
took home the top NCO honor. USARA presented Ek
Knives to each winner. Cpt. Todd Elrod (right) was
presented the Ralph Puckett Leadership Award.
The 2011 NCO of the Year is Sgt. Christian Henry, a unit
supply specialist, and the Soldier of the Year is Spc.
Zachary Liermann, an Infantryman. Henry is assigned
to the Regimental Special Troops Battalion at Fort
Benning and Liermann is assigned to 2nd Battalion at
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. The NCO and Soldier
of the Year Competition is designed to select the Soldier
and NCO who represents the best of the best, based on
performance, potential and professional knowledge.
“Conducting these types of competitions keeps our
Rangers competitive and represents their men,” said the
regimental command sergeant major Command Sgt.
Maj. Rick Merritt, the guest speaker for the ceremony.
“We use these competitions to maintain our
professionalism, tradition and legacy.”
The Soldiers competed in Army Physical Fitness Test, M4 qualification, stress shoot, common task testing, land
navigation, a five mile run, combatives, leaders reaction
course, urban orienteering, written exam, essay, and a
board.
Each event had a points value assigned and the NCO
and Soldier with the most points at the end of the
competition earned the respective titles.
“The best part of the competition was the learning
experience,” Henry said. “The leaders reaction course
was a good tool to assess leaders on new situations that
are not only stressful but physically and mentally
challenging.”
For Liermann, the competition meant honoring his team
leader, who died on March 16, 2010, as a result of
wounds received three days earlier during a fierce
Volume XVIII, Number 2
Ranger Training Brigade Soldiers Sweep
2011 Combined Arms Center Competition
Fort Benning‟s top warriors turned in
another stellar performance at the
2011 Combined Arms Center (CAC)
event.
Spc. Blaise Corbin captured the
Soldier of the Year title, while the
NCO honor went to Staff Sgt.
Raymond
Santiago.
Both
are
assigned to the Ranger Training
Brigade‟s
4th
Ranger
Training
Battalion. The competition was held
June 13-17 at Fort Leavenworth, KS. Corbin and
Santiago now advance to the U.S. Army Training and
Doctrine Command stage, set for Aug. 13-18 at Fort
Eustis, Va. At stake there are spots in the Army‟s Best
Warrior Competition Oct. 2-8 on Fort Lee, Va.
“They both are outstanding Soldiers
and Rangers, as are all the Rangers
and leaders in the RTB,” said Ranger
Training Brigade Command Sgt. Maj.
Dennis Smith. “They live the Ranger
Creed every day by setting the
example for others to follow, and
they are quiet professionals who
demonstrate their expertise with
actions, not words.
“I am extremely proud that we at the RTB have won the
CAC NCO and Soldier of the Year, and I think they have
a great shot at getting to the Army board and winning
it.”At Fort Leavenworth, Santiago and Corbin competed
against Soldiers from 10 installations, schools and
support activities within CAC.
They were put through physical and mental tests of their
Army aptitude, warrior skills, fitness and ability to
conduct battle drills relevant to today‟s operating
environment.
13
Ranger Register
Summer 2011
USARA Website- Members-Only
Features
USARA Member Survey
If you are USARA member and have not yet
logged in to the site you are missing the
following features. USARA Members -Only area
provides
exclusive
access
to
valuable
information not available to the general public.
The Member-Only page currently includes the
following (more to come):
Over the years we have speculated as to what
members think or want; but really have had no way
of knowing. To resolved that we have purchased use
of a professional survey application, and are currently
preparing a member survey.
Member Profile Self-Service
Edit you profile information including email address;
contact information and service information. This helps
us ensure your information is current.
You can upgrade your membership; pay dues; and
register for scheduled events. You can pay securely by
credit card.
Member Directory
Find/search for a group of members or a single member.
From there you can view a member's profile and send
messages to members with registered email addresses.
This information cannot be seen by the public; it is for
members only. In addition; you can limit data viewable
to members by editing your personal profile.
Member Photo Albums
Members can add photos for all other members to see.
Member Forums
A set of forums has been established to provide a
method by which information can be exchanged among
members. Members can create new topics/threads in
each forum; and can enter comment to a specific topic;
or reply to another member‟s comment. You can
subscribe to any individual forum or topic to receive
updates
by
email
without
logging
in.
You
may unsubscribe anytime.
Ranger Register
The most recent version of the Ranger Register will be
posted here; only past issues will be made available for
public viewing.
It has been delayed; but it is still coming…
Very soon all members will be sent an invitation to
participate in our survey which will ask specific and
direct questions about USARA, our direction and our
future. For the first time, you will have the
opportunity to tell us how you feel; what we need to
do differently.
There will be multiple questions with answer
selections; we will collect some demographic pieces
of information we have not been able in the past;
there will be “ranking” type questions; and a couple
of fill-in where you can contribute your ideas.
The goal is to have 100% participation. After the
survey is complete, we will compile reports and
graphs for all to see. And. The President and Board of
Directors will use the results to make changes with
our association where needed, and to shape our
future.
You will be notified by email when the survey is
ready; and be provided with a link to the survey. The
application allows a member to complete the survey
only once. All answers are confidential; no one knows
who answered “what” or “how”. We only know if you
completed a survey or opted-out (did not want to
take the survey).
We hope you all take advantage of the opportunity to
be counted!
USARA Membership Status
Document Library
To better inform membership, relevant documents
related to USARA operations are being made available to
members. We will continue to add new items; and
update information on a regular basis. You will see
individual web pages for Legal/Policy/Procedures; Board
Meeting Minutes; Financial Information; and Other
Information.
Logging on to the USARA Website
Logging on is simple. Enter your email address;
and enter a password. If you have not setup a
password; click on “Forgot password”. An email
message will be sent with instructions.
Contact the Administrator if you need help.
Volume XVIII, Number 2
14
Ranger Register
Summer 2011
US Army Ranger Association
Officers, Directors and Committees
NATIONAL OFFICERS
REGIONAL DIRECTORS
COMMITTEES/SPECIAL
PRESIDENT
Butch Nery
(706) 580-8489
[email protected]
NORTHEAST REGION
Joe Mattison
(585) 593-4107
[email protected]
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
New (Vacant)
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Mike Ranger
(660) 563-5591
[email protected]
MID-ATLANTIC REGION
Rick Yost
(703) 261-9678
[email protected]
ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
Frank Casey, Chairman
(706) 565-8199
[email protected]
VICE PRESIDENT, PERSONNEL
Art Silsby
(478) 628-2406
[email protected]
SOUTHEAST REGION
Wade Lnenicka
(770) 432-8406
[email protected]
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Bill Biser, Chairman
(603) 472-3399
[email protected]
VICE PRESIDENT, LOGISTICS
Craig Vanek
(253) 964-8436
[email protected]
MIDWEST REGION
Travis West
(608) 469-8915
[email protected]
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
(Vacant) , Chairman
SECRETARY
Mark Pelphrey
(614) 499-4089
[email protected]
SOUTH-CENTRAL REGION
Karl Monger
(316) 633-4599
[email protected]
AWARDS COMMITTEE
Frank Casey, Chairman
(706) 565-8199
[email protected]
TREASURER
Bob Kvederas
(860) 537-1998
[email protected]
NORTHWEST REGION
Vacant
(XXX) XXX-XXX
No email address
SYSTEMS ADMINSTRATOR
Mike Ranger
(660) 563-5591
[email protected]
CHAPLAIN
David Brock
(303) 997-9704
[email protected]
SOUTHWEST REGION
Rafe Delli-Bovi
(310) 397-1720
[email protected]
ALT SYSTEMS ADMIN
Hal Marshall
(479) 571-4041
hmarshall@hmarshall .net
SERGEANT-AT-ARMS
Joe Casteel
(412) 262-2986
[email protected]
INTERNATIONAL REGION
Bob Copeland
(780) 962-0114
[email protected]
MARKETING MANAGER
Craig Vanek
(253) 964-8436
[email protected]
LEGAL ADVISOR
Earle Lasseter
(706) 323-2831
[email protected]
RANGER REGISTER EDITOR
Sherry Klein
(612) 578-8673
[email protected]
INSPECTOR GENERAL
Steve Jaeger
(601) 255-7109
[email protected]
HISTORIAN
Under consideration
MEMBER ASSISTANCE OFFICER
New (Vacant)
Volume XVIII, Number 2
15
FROM:
U.S. ARMY RANGER ASSOCIATION, INC.
PO BOX 52126
FORT BENNING, GA 31995-2126
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
TO: