Pictured - Texas Rangers Heritage Center

Volume 36
December 2015
New Members
6
Annual FTRF gala
7
Cross Ceremonies
8
Texas Iron
12
General Store
13
Ranger Tales
14
Calendar of Events 15
Texas Rangers, Past and Present, gather for the 2015 Annual Gala in San Marcos, TX
The 15th Annual Silver Stars & Six Guns 2015
Gala was a success! The Gathering of Texas Rangers
and Friends was held on October 10th in San Marcos
at the Embassy Suites San Marcos Hotel, Spa &
Conference Center and raised over $215,000!
Our “Very Important Pardner” Party kicked off
the weekend of events. Attended by our volunteers,
members, supporters and Rangers, the group was
able to raise over $34,000 to meet a challenge grant
from Dian Graves Owen Foundation to complete
construction of Phase 1 of the Texas Rangers Heritage
Center. Christian Country Music Artist Clifton
Jansky entertained for the evening and we welcomed
many new members into the Foundation.
Every year, the Foundation gives a $5,000
scholarship to the son or daughter of an active Texas
Ranger. Through the generosity of several individuals,
we were able to give a $5,000 scholarship and a $3,000
scholarship. Ms. Paige Vajdos, daughter of Texas
Ranger Jeff Vajdos, received the Lt. Thomas C. Frost
Memorial Scholarship and is attending Texas A&M
University, majoring in Kinesiology and eventually
becoming a Pediatric Physical Therapist. Ms. Caitlyn
Bond, daughter of Texas Ranger Kenneth Bond,
received the DPS Pilot Bill McCoy Scholarship
and is attending Texas Tech University, majoring in
Biochemistry and joining the Air Force to complete
her medical training. The Foundation has given over
$125,000 to further the education of these deserving
young men and women over the past 15 years.
The Association President, Ranger Lee Young,
had the honor of presenting the 13th Annual FTRA
President’s Award for Distinguished Achievement to
Tom C. Doell of Dallas and Mason. Tom has served
as the Building Committee Chairman of the Texas
Rangers Heritage Center project for the past 3 years.
He had held meetings once a month and negotiated
contracts and funds along with his Committee to
make Phase 1 a reality for all of us. Thank you, Mr.
Doell, for your dedication and support!
Saturday night more than 475 people enjoyed a
delicious ribeye dinner during the evening program,
where Chairman Chad Stary updated the audience of
the progress since last year’s Gala. The Texas Rangers
Heritage Center opened for walking tours and leasing
capabilities in September; our membership has
grown by 100 members; and our LoneStar Academy
educational programming is available to the public.
Changing things up a bit this year, eight-time
Pro Rodeo World Champion Cowboy, Larry Mahan
served as our event Master of Ceremonies and
entertained the crowd with stories of his career. Jeff
Talarico joined us as our auctioneer. Working with
spotters Larry Delaney, Lamar Davis, Clifton Jansky,
Trey Davis, Al Mitchell, Justin Davis and Chad Stary
and the Old West Rangers, he assisted the Foundation
in raising over $75,000 in the Live auction! The Silent
auction and Texas Ranger Outpost brought in over
$20,000 and had items ranging from dresses to quilts
to boots. The evening ended with entertainment by
Asleep at the Wheel! Clifton Jansky wrapped up the
weekend with Cowboy Church, which over 60 people
attended!
The Foundation wants to thank all their volunteers,
supporters and donors for making the Gala a success
every year. Without your generosity, the FTRF would
not be where it is today! Hope you will be able to join
us next year on October 8th!
continued on pg 7
OFFICERS
President
Lee Young
1st Vice President
Gary Henderson
2nd Vice President
President’s Message
Former Texas Rangers Association
Ralph Wadsworth
3rd Vice President
Sr. Capt. H.R. Block
Secretary
Capt. Dan North
Treasurer
Joe B. Davis
Historian
Jody Ginn, PhD
Associate Historian
Mike Cox
Chaplains
Clayton Smith
Lt. Kenny Ray
DIRECTORS
Lee Young
Chairman of the Board
Milton Wright
Vice Chairman
Jerry Clements
Joe B. Davis
Ray Martinez
Jack Morton
Phil Ryan
Capt. Grady Sessums
Capt. Carl Weathers
ADVISORY DIRECTORS
Co. “A”
Kenneth Hammack, Livingston
Haskell Taylor, League City
Capt. L.C. Wilson, The Woodlands
Co. “B”
Tommy Walker, Henderson
Lt. Lane Akin, Decatur
Co. “C”
Bill Gerth, Wichita Falls
Larry Gilbreath, Brownfield
Alvin Schmidt, Canyon
Co. “D”
Doyle Holdridge, Laredo
Kasey King, George West
Oscar Rivera, Sinton
Co. “E”
Jess Malone, Midland
Co. “F”
John Aycock, Flat
Jim Gant, Georgetown
Sr. Capt. C.J. Havrda, San Antonio
Director Emeritus
Bob Dale
Bill Gunn
Rudolfo Rodriguez
Capt. John Wood, deceased
Rev. George Frasier, deceased
Historian Emeritus
Connie Rodriquez
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promoted and supported the Former
Texas Rangers Foundation in
making the Texas Rangers Heritage
Center a reality. He has chaired
monthly meetings and ensured the
construction of the center was up to
FTRF goals.
On October 10th, a board
meeting of the Association was held
in San Marcos. Membership dues
were increased from $25.00 to
As the year 2015 comes to a close, $40.00 per year, and a life
I would like to comment on some membership increased from $400 to
accomplishments of the rear. Our $500, effective June 1, 2016.
Association met in May in
The Association board discussed
Fredericksburg. We had a great
a
possible
conflict with Mother's
turnout for the meeting, and were
pleased at the construction Day weekend on the first Saturday
accomplishments observed at the in May 2016 and the annual
membership meeting.
The
Texas Rangers Heritage Center.
Association board decided to
On September 9th, we held a schedule the annual membership on
FTRA board meeting at the 246 Saturday April 30, 2016.
Ranch near Knox City. The Annual
We encourage all former Texas
GALA took place in San Marcos,
TX on October 10th, and it was a Rangers and descendants of former
fantastic success. I would like to Texas Rangers to join the Former
thank all the FTRF and FTRA Texas Ranger Association. Active
staff that performed an outstanding participation in the Association
job in making the GALA a success. enables us to perpetuate the heritage
and traditions of Texas Rangers.
I would like to thank all the
friends of the Texas Rangers and Hasta la vista,
former Rangers who donated items
to the auction. The generosity of
friends and former Texas Rangers
made the auction a tremendous Lee Young, President
success.
Texas Ranger, Retired
I presented the Associations §©
Distinguished Achievement Award
to Tom C. Doell. Mr. Doell has
Monthly Donation Program
In 2013, the FTRF started a monthly donation program to assist with
operations. Now, anyone can request an amount ($5, $10, $100,
etc.) to be deducted from their bank account monthly by simply
filling out a form available at the FTRF Office.
For more information, contact Erin at
[email protected] or by phone at 1-888-766-4055.
PRESIDENT
President’s Message
Former Texas Rangers Foundation
Joe B. Davis, Texas Rangers, Retired,
Fredericksburg
CHAIRMAN
Chad D. Stary, Kerrville
VICE CHAIRMAN
Lee Young, Texas Rangers, Retired, McKinney
This year has
really gone by and
it seems the older
you get the faster
it goes. It’s been a
very busy year and
a lot has been
accomplished.
We officially
opened Phase I of
the Texas Rangers
Heritage Center
on Labor Day
weekend.
That
weekend we started our chuck wagon dinners
and entertainment. Long time chuck wagon
cook Butch Dohmann cooked a great meal and
Duke Davis and his band, Buckshot, entertained
the crowd with some old western tunes that fit
the occasion. Our chuck wagon dinners and
entertainment run through November 28 and
will begin again in the spring.. Check our
website for specific dates and try to make one or
call the office for reservations. It’s a family affair
that all ages will enjoy.
Since the opening of Phase I, we have a lot of
visitors come in and toured the facilities. Great
comments from all and many are interested in
leasing the pavilion for different occasions. I
encourage all of you to plan a trip to
Fredericksburg and see for yourself what a great
facility Phase I turned out to be. It couldn’t have
happened without your support.
We just celebrated our 15th anniversary
Silver Stars & Six Guns on October 9th & 10th
at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference
Center in San Marcos. I have many reports that
it was one of the best that they attended. Friday
night we raised over $30,000 from those
attending that put us over the $175,000
matching grant challenge from the Dian Graves
Owen Foundation. A special thank you to all of
you that contributed and made this possible. It
was a great night for our many volunteers,
members, and supporters. Clifton Jansky capped
it off entertaining the crowd with some good old
country music.
Saturday night was a huge success with over
500 attending. Larry Mahan, World Champion
Cowboy, was our master of ceremonies. Larry
was celebrating his 50th anniversary of his first
World Championship. We are proud to have
him on our advisory board. A steak dinner was
served to all attending. Chad Stary, Chairman of
the Board, spoke on the Foundation and updated
the crowd on its success this past year. I was
honored to present two Ranger daughters, Elise
Bond and Paige Vajdos, with scholarships. Both
were very deserving and I wish them the best in
their future endeavors. Director Tom Doell was
recognized by the FTRA President, Lee Young,
for the annual President’s Distinguished Award.
Dan North recognized Jim Estelle, Former
Director of the Texas Department of
Corrections, for his service and presented him
with a life membership in the foundation.
Jeff Talerico the auctioneer that night did a
fantastic job with the live auction items. The
highlight of the auction was a Texas Ranger
badge donated by retired Ranger Brantley
Foster. Brantley’s badge brought $10,000 and
was purchased by Bill Colston. Thanks to both
of you for your support and all the others who
donated to the live auction to make it a success.
The auction brought in over $100,000.
A special thanks to those volunteers who
were responsible in getting our silent auction
items. It was one of the best we have had. Thanks
to the Rangers who donated to the Ranger
Outpost with some of their personal items and
made it a huge success.
“Asleep at the Wheel” is always a real crowd
pleaser and they kept the dance floor full.
Everyone seemed to really enjoy their music and
they indicated they would like to return next
year.
Now that Phase I is complete we are turning
all our attention to Phase II which will be the
main building that will house our museum,
library, gift shop and offices. It will be a state of
the art facility with interactive displays. Funding
has already been generated and several large
gifts are being considered by individuals at this
time. We will know more about these by the
beginning of next year. Glen Cosper, our
Director of Development, has been instrumental
in contacting individuals and foundations about
funding of Phase II. As a reminder if you know
anyone that might consider a gift to the Capital
Building Campaign, please contact Glen or our
office. We will be glad to contact them.
Mark your calendar on March 19th next
year, we are planning a big day at the Center
which includes our Grand Opening for Phase I.
It will include guest speakers, entertainment,
and Texas Ranger historical activities. It will
conclude with a concert by one of our big
supporters, Red Steagall. This will become an
annual event during spring break and around
Texas Independence Day. It will be known as
“Celebrate Texas.” It will be what we are all
about. You won’t want to miss it so make plans
to attend.
As this year comes to a close I want to take
this opportunity to thank each of you for your
continued support. You are the ones that make
the vision of the Texas Rangers Heritage Center
a reality. Without you it would not have
happened.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sr. Capt. H.R. Block, Texas Rangers, Retired,
Fredericksburg
F.R. “Dick” Brown, Rowlett
Tom C. Doell, Dallas
Brantley Foster, Texas Rangers, Retired,
Mt. Pleasant
Kurt House, San Antonio
Larry J. Martin, Houston
Ramiro “Ray” Martinez,
Texas Rangers, Retired, New Braunfels
James McCrae, Fredericksburg
A.L. Mitchell, Texas Rangers, Retired, Midland
Walter Pletz, Fredericksburg
Tom Roarick, Fredericksburg
Phil Ryan, Texas Rangers, Retired, Decatur
Capt. Carl Weathers, Texas Rangers, Retired,
Lubbock
Lee Spencer White, Fredericksburg
Milton Wright, Texas Rangers, Retired, Richmond
ADVISORY BOARD
Stewart Armstrong, San Antonio
Tommy Azopardi, Austin
Bill Bailey, Pasadena
Bruce Blakemore, San Antonio
Laurie Brown, Austin
J.P. Bryan, Houston
Capt. Clete Buckaloo, Texas Ranger, Retired,
Kerrville
Jan Bullock, Austin
Sr. Capt. Bruce Casteel, Texas Rangers, Retired,
Helotes
Bill Colston Jr., Riviera
Honorable Joe Dial, Saint Jo
John Eastty, Austin
Homer (Trey) Garrison, III, Austin
Stan Harper, Arlington
Brad Hassack, Austin
Sr. Capt. C.J. Havrda, Texas Rangers, Retired,
San Antonio
H. Joaquin Jackson, Texas Rangers, Retired,
Alpine
Lt. Gen. William Keys, USMC ret., Hartford, CT
E. D. Lester, Houston
Larry Mahan, Sunset
Jess Malone, Texas Rangers, Retired, Midland
Willis Marburger, Houston
B. J. (Red) McCombs, San Antonio
Honorable Doug Miller, New Braunfels
Wayne Musgrove, Mountain Home
J. Kevin Norman, Austin
Capt. Dan H. North, Texas Rangers, Retired,
Houston
T.Michael O’Connor, Victoria
Gregory Pletz, Austin
Billye Proctor Shaw, Abilene
Reese Ryan, Round Rock
Steve Schmidt, Boerne
Chip Schweiger, Houston
Capt. Grady Sessums, Texas Rangers, Retired,
Abilene
John Sturkie, Houston
Ralph Thomas, Houston
Greg Thrower, Houston
Ed Vaughan, Boerne
Honorable Ken Wise, Houston
DIRECTOR EMERITUS
Joe B. Davis, President
Texas Ranger, Retired
Bob Berryman
Griff Carnes
Tom Daniels
Bill Holmes
John B. Meadows
[email protected]
3
FTRF Chairman’s Thoughts
First, let me say
thank you to all that
supported our 15th
Annual FTRF Gala.
To all that attended,
bought items, joined
the Foundation as new
members, to all the
volunteers who worked
so hard and selflessly,
to the office staff who put in weeks and
countless hours of personal times, to those
that gave auction items and to all those that
gave monetary donations -- A HUGE
THANK YOU. We could not have turned
out one of the largest attended galas in our
history without all of you. It all came about
by each of you doing your individual parts,
sacrificing your limited personal time and
giving of your hard earned money. All was
noticed and very much appreciated by the
board and staff.
On a personal note, and I know many of
you feel the same about the gala being more
than just a fundraiser, our galas’ each year
offer a time for all of us to reconnect and
spend valuable time together. It has become
along the lines of a family reunion as the
years go by. We have been able to get to know
each other so well and the relationships grow
stronger each year. We miss those that can’t
make it from year to year. So, a personal
thanks for all those able to make the event.
We had one of our most highly attended
board meetings with many advisory board
members attending our Saturday meeting.
The attendees were briefed on all of our
ongoing projects and activities, as well as our
building progress. We all enjoyed celebrating
Captain Block’s 80th birthday thereafter
and hearing of Ranger Foster’s story of being
put into jail by Captain Block.
To me one of the highlights of the
weekend, other than being on the stage
Saturday night with Mr. Larry Mahan, was
the Friday night appreciation dinner and
celebration for all of our volunteers and
supporters. This year we did something very
different. We had raised $147,000 of the
$175,000 of the Dian Owens matching grant
challenge and were $28,000 short. So on
each table was a paddle and we decided to
start asking for memberships. We started
with the Major at $5,000 to the Private level
of $500 and then on to the donor bricks of
$100. We had a tremendous response and we
raised over $34,000 that night alone and
picked up 18 new members. That is where a
4
group of individuals can bring about results.
So those actions along with many others to
raise the $175,000 brought in $350,000 to the
Foundation that Friday night. Those funds
went to completing Phase 1 of the Texas
Rangers Heritage Center.
Staying with the thought that a group of
individuals brings about huge results, I saw a
story on St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York
City of which we visit every time we are in the
city as it just resonates something in me. I
bring this story to light as after hearing more
about the construction of the Cathedral
brought to mind our collective efforts to build
the Texas Rangers Heritage Center. Core
similarities are the time, money and individual
sacrifices it took to build the Cathedral that
stands today as a leading landmark for the city.
It all started with Irish immigrants who fled
famine and persecution and came to NYC,
and were championed by an Archbishop who
wanted all to know the Irish had arrived and
wanted to make a statement of substantial
significance. It took over 25 years of immigrant
labor to build and today is the center-point of
the American experience as Cardinal
O’Connor states. Each year, the Cathedral is
the center of all ethnic parades as each starts
with a mass and then the parade launch.
It is the group of individuals
that brings about results
I use this comparison as I think it links to us
and our endeavor to build the Texas Rangers
Heritage Center, in that the Cathedral is
what it is today because someone with a vision
saw a need to build something bigger than just
a building something based on much more
than those that were there at that time.
Something that is built on core values and
beliefs that will be a testament to all that will
come in the future.
It also took a long time to build and gather
finances to complete. It took many, many
individuals some with little financial leftovers who contributed what they could- many
with just their own hands for a common cause,
a common crusade, something that all united
in together so deeply that they all felt the need
to have their mark on the cathedral so that
generations to follow would have it to use, and
to continue the faith in. It is exactly what we
must do- all in, each contributing what we can
do. Just as the Irish gave all they could and
they got it built. That is why I am so proud of
all the levels of support so that all can give and
be part of a Texas Legacy, and so that one day
our kids and those to follow will know the
Texas Rangers Heritage Center is a reality and
it is living to tell the true Texas History, teach
the Character traits and core values that made
Texas great. It is going to take every one of us
doing our part to raise the money and gather
support to complete the legacy. Each day we
gather more support and get closer to the
vision coming to pass. We have made stellar
progress over this past year with more great
news to come.
FOUNDATION BUSINESS UPDATES:
• The new website will open Jan. 1, 2016
www.TRHC.org
• Membership in the Foundation stands at 1,458 members
• Consider shopping at the Ranger store for Christmas gifts as we can ship by Dec. 18th to guarantee Christmas delivery
• Let us know if you have friends or family members that are in need of a year-end tax donation
Respects,
Chad Stary
Chad D. Stary
Foundation Chairman
Development Resource Report
on the outcomes and allowing nonprofits the
flexibility to do our jobs, because at the end,
what really should matter is how good the
cake is and whether the gluten-free veterans
are happy with it. This allows the bakery
to thrive and to focus on making more and
better cakes. For us, unrestricted funds have
rescued more than a few great programs that
restricted funds would have unintentionally
helped destroy.
I know that when
you read my column
or see me in person,
I am always talking
about funding the
Capital
Campaign
and that is important,
believe you me. But
another
important
need are unrestricted
funds.
Without these funds we would not
have monies to operate the Texas Rangers
Heritage Center, the Gift Shop, the
Administration Office or even buy the
stamps and pencils. Now, do you see the
need for unrestricted gifts?
I think we can all agree that general
operating funds are awesome. General
operating funds are flexible, adaptable,
and that’s why operating funds gets stuff
done. Imagine with me for a moment,
what if a bakery ran with the same funding
restrictions as a nonprofit: “I need a cake
for some gluten-free veterans. I can pay you
only 20% of the cost of the cake, and you
can only spend my money on eggs, but not
butter, and certainly not for the electricity;
you have to find someone else to pay for the
oven’s electricity. Also, you need to get an
accounting firm to figure out where you’re
spending my money, but you can’t use my
money to pay for that service.” “Nonprofit
funding: Ordering a cake and restricting it
too“
Nonprofits like the Former Texas Rangers
Foundation know how crucial flexible
funding is today. Luckily, a few people and
foundation’s get the importance of focusing
I encourage each FTRF member to make
a gift to the Capital Campaign, but make an
extra gift to ensure the foundation will be
here tomorrow through monthly or annual
gifts. Every gift counts, no matter how
small. When you are considering a gift
thank how far your unrestricted gift will go.
How can you do this? Think of honoring
Brandi Johnson, Erin Hall, Leigh Ann Baker,
Leonard Bucsanyi and Joe B. Davis with your
gift. These men and women along with some
of the best dedicated part-timers I have ever
worked with deserve the support we can give
them monthly or annually.
Think about the electricity for the current
office and now the additional electricity
necessary for the Texas Rangers Heritage
Center. Remember the telephones, stationary,
computers, pens and pencils, software and
marketing materials, etc.
Sometimes, we are unintentionally our own
worst enemy. Sometimes we say and do things
that perpetuate that overhead is bad. We
can only ask you to support administrative
expenses at the same time we also ask you to
consider a Capital Gift. We must own our part
of running the Admin Office and becoming
a donor to our Capital Campaign too. This is
called Integrated fundraising brought together
under the Capital Campaign umbrella—the
need to support the Education Program
through an Endowment Program and the
Operational support through membership
and general support of the foundation.
Call or email me today, or simply send a
note or make a telephone call and tell the
Office that I WANT TO SUPPORT YOUR
WORK!!!! We thank all of you who were
able to attend the Annual FTRF Gala in San
Marcos earlier in October. If you were not
able to attend, you need to put it on your
calendar for next year. Your attendance will
make it all the more special.
And lastly, thank you for helping the
Former Texas Rangers Foundation meet
the Challenge Grant issued by the Diane
Graves Owen Foundation. We raised
$175,000 in 104 days and now we will
receive a matching gift of $175,000 from
the foundation.
Have a great Thanksgiving, Christmas and
New Years’ celebrations with your family
and friends.
See you next year.
If you would like more information,
please contact me at:
[email protected],
or call me at 1-254-760-6334
(Fredericksburg office 1-888-766-4055)
Your friend,
Glen Cosper
Glen Cosper
Director of Development
SITE PROGRESS REPORT:
5
Happy Trails
Bob Dale
7/23/1927 - 7/27/2015
Retired Ranger Bobby Grubbs
6/18/1945 - 9/3/2015
Co. E, 1984-2003
Longtime friend of the Former
Texas Rangers Association
Herman W. Mueschke, Jr.
1/26/1926 - 9/17/2015
Longtime friend of the Former
Texas Rangers Association
Retired Ranger Pete Montemayor
6/29/1929 - 8/26/2015
Co. D, 1971-1973 / Co. E, 1973-1984
MONEY MATTERS
Well, you’ve done it. The Texas
Rangers Heritage Center’s Phase
One is open and 99.99% complete.
Our name plaques, for the Ring of
Honor should be installed by the
time your reading this article. The
full size ranger sculpture is being
built and should be completed and
installed in the spring of 2016.
The site is absolutely gorgeous.
We owe this to all of our donors
and volunteers.
I also want to thank everybody
who gave generously to the
Matching Grant. We were
challenged to raise $175,000.00
in a six month period, and
completed our part in only three
months. This was wonderful, and
with these funds we can add some
enhancements, such as a Audio
Visual system, Security cameras,
Kitchen equipment, tables, chairs
etc. All of this is great news, and
because of you, our Building Fund
for Phase One is in good shape.
6
Now, as I had mentioned before
in previous articles, our Operating
Fund is the life blood of the Texas
Rangers Heritage Center, and in
order keep our doors open, we need
to put our emphasis on increasing
our operating funds. Costs increased
about 21% over past expenses, as a
result of opening the center. These
increases include salaries, lawn
maintenance, water, electricity etc.
Joe and others have done a good
job in scheduling events at the
facility, and we even have some
rentals scheduled in 2016. However
opening in the fall, with the weather
not so favorable, the turnout has not
been what we anticipated. The good
news is that those people, who have
attended the events, are spreading
the word about what a great facility
we have to offer.
As a result of increased expenses,
we need every Member, Director
and Volunteer out seeking new
members, and donations. I thank
Retired Ranger Jack Morton
3/10/1936 - 8/29/2015
Co. B, 1980-1985
everybody that has made either
an annual donation, or a monthly
pledge to help increase our
operating account. For those
who haven’ t, but wish to make
a donation, you can contact
Erin, at the office, and set up a
monthly pledge from your bank
account, or make a pledge for an
annual donation. We are a 501 c3
foundation, and the pledges are
tax deductible. And, this is a great
time of year to do so, for those
wishing to make a donation prior
to year-end, and save on your tax
bill. Please consider this.
Thanks again for all of your past,
present, and future support.
Tom Roarick
Tom Roarick
FTRF Treasurer
Christian Country Music
FTRF Chairman Chad Stary
Association’s Vocalist, Entertainer
presenting the Lieutenant
& Songwriter of the year; Clifton
Thomas C. Frost Memorial
Janskey singing the National Anthem Scholarship to Ms. Paige Vajdos
FTRF Chairman Chad Stary with this years
emcee and World Champion Cowboy Larry
Mahan
FTRF Chairman Chad Stary
presenting the DPS Pilot Bill
McCoy Memorial Scholarship
to Ms. Elise Bond
FTRA President Lee Young
presenting the FTRA President’s
Award to Chad Stary on behalf of
Tom Doell
A few members of the Old West Rangers Pose, Gretchen and Ed Yeo view auction items with
posing with some of the evenings guests
the assistance of Foundation staff member
Leonard Bucsanyi
W.J. “Jim” Estelle receives Lifetime Roy Henry displaying a Henry Retired Ranger Brantley Foster of Retired Ranger Haskell Taylor of
Memberships in the FTRA/FTRF
lever action rifle that was
Co. B donated his Ranger Badge Co. A and his lovely wife Jean pose
for his decades of service from
donated by the Henry Repeating that was won by Bill Colston, Jr.
with Jim Estelle in front of T.J.
retired Capt. Dan North of Co. A
Arms Company
Yancey’s 1904 Oldsmobile
Legendary Texas swing band Asleep at the
Wheel preformed all their hits for a very eager
crowd
A new auctioner for the Annual Gala,
Jeff Talarico did a great job keeping the
crowd excited and the bids flying
FTRF member Wayne Walker
and FTRA member Neal Watt
7
Texas Rangers Memorial Cross Ceremonies
Pvt. George Brodbeck
1826-1897
Brodbeck Cemetery
Luckenbach, Gillespie Co., TX
August 1, 2015
Pvt. William A. Taylor
1897-1950
Glendale Cemetery
Goliad, Goliad Co., TX
September 26, 2015
Pvt. Friedrich A. Wilke
1829-1913
Wilke Cemetery
Albert, Gillespie Co., TX
September 19, 2015
Pvt. Henry G. Thurman
1855-1928
Wallace Mountain Cemetery
Dripping Springs, Travis Co., TX
October 3, 2015
Since colonizer Stephen F. Austin proposed hiring ten rangers “for
the common defense” in 1823, the Texas Rangers have protected the Lone
Star State from its enemies with dedication and fortitude. All across Texas
are places where Rangers made history. From the Alamo to nearly forgotten
graves and battle sites, important landmarks in the story of these legendary lawmen lie in every corner of the state. Historian and author Mike Cox
reveals history hiding in plain sight and true tall tales of the world-famous
Texas Rangers.
•
The book includes some never before published photos, including the
1823 document by Texas colonizer Stephen F. Austin that is considered
the “Magna Carta” of the Texas Rangers.
•
Organized by region, county and city, the book lists some 600 historical
sites, ranging from places where battles with Indians, Mexican soldiers
and outlaws were fought (with even a few surviving still-visible bullet
holes) and geologic features tosurviving buildings and homes to graves
and monuments.
Now available in the Foundation General Store!
8
The recently introduced LoneStar Ranger youth education program is in
large measure the result of a gift made some six years ago. Back then, FTRF Director
Emeritus Joe Dial told one of his friends, Graham Weston, about an outreach education
program that FTRF was developing. Mr. Weston, president of the world leading data
management company Rack Space, made a decision to get behind the effort by making
a generous donation. As with most acts of philanthropy, there is a cause and effect, but
in this case, few would have guessed Mr. Weston’s gift would result in the development
of a world-class youth education program known as the LoneStar Ranger Academy.
Today, LoneStar Ranger Academy educational offerings include:
LoneStar Lessons is a cross-curricular Texas history and character education based curriculum enhancement program
consisting of five lesson plans and video modules aligned with 4th and 7th grade Social Studies Texas Essential Knowledge
and Skills (TEKS). This classroom teacher instructed program is supported with consumable posters, workbooks, DVDs
and other ancillary materials for educators.
LoneStar Ranger Program is an adult supervised independent course of study, which provides a series of chronological
anecdotes from the history of the Texas Rangers exemplifying the virtuous character trait, Courage, Determination,
Dedication, Respect and Integrity. LoneStar Ranger candidates are encouraged to learn these character traits and then
attempt to recognize actions and behaviors that are representative of those traits. Program graduates receive a certificate of
completion, a unique LoneStar Ranger badge and free admission to the Texas Rangers Heritage Center.
Texas Ranger Campfire Stories are told in a variety of settings such as school classrooms, summer camps, youth
organization meeting and at the specially constructed amphitheater of the Texas Rangers Heritage Center. Texas Ranger
Campfire Stories are where children learn those valuable lessons of character and good citizenship while hearing about the
role that Texas Rangers played in the history of Texas. The Texas Ranger Campfire Stories are designed to provide children
with a life changing to opportunity learn about values they can use in their own lives. And what better role model could a
young person have than a Texas Ranger!
So, thank you Graham Weston for helping us get the LoneStar Ranger
Academy started. Now its future is up to the rest of us who support and contribute to
the projects of the Former Texas Rangers. After all, the LoneStar Ranger Academy
is about instilling Texas history and Texas values in our youth and we all know there
is a need for more of both.
Jim McCrae
FTRF Director
Colt Collector s A ssociation, Inc. 2015 Annual Meeting
The Colt Collectors Association, Inc. saluted the Texas
Rangers at their annual show and exhibit in Frisco,TX in
October. According to CCA Historian Don Jones, “the history
of the Texas Rangers continues to be a lightning rod, attracting
both our imagination and our collecting interest. From Colt’s
Paterson model to their latest automatic, the Rangers have
always had an affinity for Colt handguns in any form.”
“Our thanks to CCA Life Member and FTRF
Director Kurt House for arranging a place for us as a show
exhibitor to get the word out on Foundation and Association
activities and progress to date on the exciting Texas Rangers
Heritage Center.”- FTRF President and Former Ranger Joe (L-R) FTRF Staff Leonard Bucsanyi, FTRF Director Kurt
House, FTRF President Ranger Joe Davis, FTRF Director
B. Davis
Ranger Brantley Foster, FTRF Director Sr. Capt. H.R. Block,
& FTRF Director Wayne Musgrove (Not Pictured: Bob Bailey)
9
Major John B. Jones
Masonic Rangering Company
Our Historic Rangers who were Masons:
Capt. John Coffee “Jack” Hays
John Coffee ( Jack) Hays (Alamo #44), Texas Ranger extraordinary and Mexican War officer, was born at Little Cedar Lick, Wilson
County, Tennessee, on January 28, 1817. His father, of Scots-Irish descent, fought with Andrew Jackson (St. Tammany #1) and Sam Houston
(Cumberland #8) in the War of 1812. Hays became the prototypical Texas Ranger officer, and he and his cohorts­John S. “RIP” Ford (Red
Land #3) and Ben McCulloch (Guadalupe #9) established the ranger tradition.
Hays joined the Texas Rangers in the formative years of their role as citizen soldiers. His rangers gained a reputation as mounted troops
with revolvers and individually styled uniforms, who marched and fought with a noticeable lack of military discipline. This rough-and-ready
image of an irregular force left its imprint on the chronicles of ranger history.
In 1836 Hays traveled to New Orleans and entered Texas at Nacogdoches in time to join the troops under Thomas J. Rusk (Milam #40)
and bury the remains of victims of the Goliad Massacre. I was here that he was advised to join the Rangers. In the three-way struggle of
Anglo colonists, Hispanic settlers, and Indians, Hays proved to be an able leader and fearless fighter (called “Devil Yack”), who gained the
respect of the rank and file of the Texas Rangers.
Later in life, Hays moved to California, where he was elected sheriff of San Francisco County in 1850, appointed United States surveyor
general for California in 1853, became one of the founders of the city of Oakland. Though he was neutral during the Civil War, he was
prominent in Democratic politics in California; he was a delegate to the Democratic national convention in 1876. He married Susan Calvert
in 1847, and they had three daughters and three sons. Hays died on April 21, 1883, and is buried in California. Hays County, Texas, is named
in his honor.
Don’t forget: You can honor your Masonic Lodge by purchasing a paving stone engraved with the Lodge Name and Number - contact
the Foundation office at: (830) 990-1192 *If you are a Mason and would like to join our group, or to get more information about the Masonic
Fraternity in Texas, please contact Dick Brown at: [email protected]
Respectfully,
Dick Brown
Chairman of the Major John B. Jones Masonic Rangering Company
FTRF Membership & Events Update
It has been a busy year for everyone, most certainly for our office staff and volunteers. We appreciate our dedicated members
and your continued support of our projects and events. The Former Texas Rangers Foundation has gained 127 new members
due to your support and we hope to end the year with a big membership push.
Our Marketing efforts have focused on developing materials to support our activities, to make it easier for all of us to present
the who, what, when and where about our Foundation and our programs. We have developed and placed ads to promote Phase
one and the fact we are open, in addition we developed rack cards, ads and posters to support our chuck wagon activities.
Our membership activities are critical to our continued success and growth in membership, to that end we have established
membership sub-committee’s in Houston with Co Chairman Greg Thrower and Charles “Chip” Schweiger. We are working to
establish a membership sub-committee for San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth and Greg Pletz is working on his team for Austin.
I will be working with these sub-committees, developing plans for membership events for 2016. Their new ideas on how to
accomplish membership goals will be important as we consider how to grow our membership. All of these efforts are a part of
our public relations by expanding the awareness of the FORMER TEXAS RANGERS FOUNDATION. Please contact me at
214 587 2205 or at [email protected] if you are interested in participating with one of these sub committees.
10
Walter Pletz
Chairman, Committee for Membership,
Marketing and Public Relations
UNIQUE FUND RAISING OPPORTUNITY
Polaris Emergency Responder Bikes
Polaris EV-505
Polaris/Evantage electric bikes are going to make a donation to the Former Texas Rangers Foundation on all bikes sold
in Texas that the Foundation members help facilitate a meeting for a demonstration and presentation to law enforcement, security
related entities, parks and wildlife, fire and emergency first responders for City, County and State agencies.
These bike go from 0 to 20 MPH in 5 second and are in use by Harvard University, The university of Georgia and MIT.
Special gearing, suspension and with unique motor and gear technology make these bikes ideal for patrol in downtown areas, parks,
special events and university and college campuses. What our foundation needs is for members, especially those connected to law
enforcement or security to contact: FTRF Director Walter Pletz at (215)-587-2205 or [email protected] for more
information.
FTRA / FTRF Member Information Update
The Former Texas Rangers office will soon be implementing a new database system that will streamline data entry for all
our membership information. We are asking all members to use the form to the right to ensure that the information we have on
file is accurate and up to date.
We are also offering members the ability to join the Former Texas Rangers email list that will keep them notified of
events, cross ceremonies and even receive the StraightTalk newsletter in pdf form by email, which will increase distribution and
decrease costs imposed by mass mail-outs. If you are interested in this new feature, please email the current contact information
from below to your coresponding organization.
FTRA Members: [email protected]
FTRF Members: [email protected]
Former Texas Rangers
PO Box 3195
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Organization:_____________________________
Name:_____________________________________________
Address:_________________________________
City:_____________________ State:______ Zip:_________
Primary Phone:___________________________
Spouse:____________________________________________
Email:________________________________________________________________________________________
Honored Ranger (If applicable):___________________________________________________________________
11
Texas Iron
Guns of the Texas Rangers
By Bob Moser, Capt. USA (retired)
FTRA Weapons Historian
Not long ago I was contacted
by a writer for a national gun
magazine. He was writing an
article on the back up guns used
by the frontier Rangers. Our
FTRF staff had referenced me as
the weapons historian so I
shared what knowledge I had on
the subject. It is my opinion
that very few early Rangers
carried back up small arms.
Unlike the series Paladin who
carried a Remington .41 caliber
rim fire derringer, tucked in his
gun belt, most Rangers did not
have this luxury. Most frontier
Rangers were fortune enough to
posses one good six gun. In my
opinion an early Ranger back
up gun was a second six shooter
tucked in his saddle bags. It
was the fortunate Ranger who
had a second hand gun.
In the late 1880’s a series of
cheaply made .32 and.38 caliber
revolvers flooded the commercial
market. Due to their lack of
quality these guns were referred
to as “Saturday Night Specials”
or “Gambler Guns”. Many were
carried during a wild weekend
and later thrown away with no
great financial loss. Smith &
Wesson made a number of
quality small caliber flip open
revolvers.
One hammerless
version was known as a “lemon
squeezer” due to it appearing
like a household utensil used
for that purpose.
It was at the time a
revolutionary
development
providing concealment without
the hammer hanging on ones
clothing. This event with the
hammer hanging on clothing
was the reason John Wesley
Hardin was captured in Florida
in 1877. Due to the common
availability of these small caliber
hand guns, many were so called
“policed up” or collected by turn
of the century Rangers. Some
12
were retained as a last resort
weapon but I would not consider
them true backups.
After the appearance of the
motor vehicle and subsequently
the issue of these to the Ranger
force, a backup arsenal was to
be found in their automobile
trunks. A good shot gun, long
rifle and spare pistol with
adequate ammunition were only
a few items to be found. Later
Rangers filled their trunk space
with such items as first aid kits,
two way radios, portable lighting
to name only a few. There is a
well published photo of Ranger
Joe B. Davis standing next to a
1970’s vintage Plymouth with a
vast assortment of DPS issued
items laid out for viewing.
Co. F Ranger Johnnie Aycock
kept his Winchester Model 94
carbine in 30/30 caliber close at
hand. He carried this carbine
during his service in isolated
Mills County. It was in Mills
County in 1995 where Ranger
Aycock received his second and
well deserved DPS Medal of
Valor. He is the only Ranger to
be twice awarded this honor.
Joaquin Jackson was also
known to keep a 30/30 carbine
handy and is pictured holding
one of his favorites on the cover
of his book “One Ranger”.
As on numerous occasions a
Texas Ranger would live out of
their cars for days at a time. It
became their home away from
home. These police pursuit
vehicles were powerful highly
road worthy for their time. Capt.
A. Y, Aylee who liked to “ride the
wind” was summoned to Austin
on an urgent matter by DPS
Director, Homer Garrison Jr.
He was asked how long it took
him to come from D Company
headquarters in south Texas.
Captain Aylee said “About two
cigars”. He was not a man to
drag his feet.
Today’s modern era Rangers
have an ever growing field of
high tech weapons. A constant
training program of utilization
and fire arm capabilities of these
commercially available weapons
is ongoing. DPS Director Homer
Garrison, Jr. had an interesting
perspective on the changing
weaponry of his Rangers. He
said the weapons may change,
but not the Ranger. In the early
1960‘s he further referred to the
character of his Rangers, that
they were the same breed of
men that served Mc Cullough.
The equipment will change of
course. No one can foresee the
change in weapons, the technical
advances in criminal detection,
the change and means of
transportation, even clothing
styles. But one thing is certain;
the individual will be the same.
Who knows what technical
advances await just over the
horizon and what challenges
they will present?
But that’s another story...
GENERAL STORE
New Men’s and Women’s
New FTRF GameGuard
FTRF GameGuard S/S Shirts
Fleece Pullover
50.00
$
50.00
$
Each
CLEARANCE L/S Shirts
$
Each
25.00
Each
Available Colors:
Available Colors:
Available Colors:
green/white checkered
maroon/white checkered
blue/white checkered
solid colors: maroon, blue,
orange and light blue
gunmetal & mesquite
Please contact the FTRF office to check
available logos, sizes and colors.
Available Sizes:
Available Sizes:
Available Sizes:
Small - 2XL
Small - 2XL
IN STOCK ONLY
Members receive a 10% discount anytime and NEW members receive a
20% discount if they order within 30 days of their new memberships
SPECIAL Offers apply to IN STOCK items only, Hurry while supplies last!
*Most logo items available with the
Association logo, the Foundation
logo, or the Masonic logo.
Please specify when ordering.
For additional items
go to
www.FormerTexasRangers.org
Call 1-888-766-4055 or
[email protected]
to place orders or for size inquiries.
All prices are applicable to tax and shipping.
Please allow two weeks for delivery.
Thank you for your continued support.
13
Texas Rangers tales
by Mike Cox
FTRA Associate Historian
Newly arrived in Austin from
Bosque County, 61-year-old former
Texas Ranger Buck Barry took a
sheet of House of Representatives
stationery and began scratching out
a letter to his 12-year-old son.
Elected to the House in 1882,
in January 1883 Barry traveled
to Austin to serve in the 12th
Legislature. In the largely ceremonial
early days of the session, he had
been presented what he called “the
finest gun that could be bought” in
recognition of his Ranger service
along the frontier during the Civil
War.
Once the two chambers finally got
down to business, Barry proved to
be as good a lawmaker as he had
been an Indian fighter. The North
Carolina native, who had come
to Texas in 1845 as a young man
of 24, had a way with words even
if he couldn’t spell those words all
that well. Nor did he seem to have
awareness of what a period is used
for in composition, his missive
essentially only two giant run-on
sentences. Even so, it was a meaty
letter.
I came by a copy of the letter in
1999. My late mother, much better
at deciphering old-style handwriting
than me, graciously transcribed
Barry’s missive into a digital file.
Organizing my papers, I recently
came across a copy of her efforts
and realized I had never written
about it. At least until now.
Texas’s 1850s-vintage limestone
Capitol had been gutted by fire in
November 1881 and the Legislature
was conducting its business in
a hastily built temporary brick
state house at 11th and Congress.
Meanwhile, a permanent red granite
Capitol slowly took shape across the
street, construction having begun
in February 1882. Reading between
the lines, Barry likely wrote his letter
while sitting in the House chamber.
“Dear son,” he began, “I hardly
14
know what to write you unless
I knew what would please you
most…. After that, the old ranger
dispensed with any “I’m fine, how
are you?” sentiments and went
right to the most interesting thing
he could think of, the recent death
of former Gov. E.J. Davis.
“[H]e died 7th Feb of something
like Pneumonia Called pleurisy[.]
Yesterday the 9th he was buried in
the state Cemetery[.] The weather
was bad and there was not [a] great
many that turned out maybe five
hundred with the Colored folks,” he
wrote. Barry said Davis had lain in
state in the House for four hours.
“His face was left bare that all
who wanted to could see him[.]
He looked very natural though his
beard was much whiter than when
I last saw him,” Barry wrote. “He
was a man that all rebels hated very
much, but the Legislature bothe the
House and Senate were all rebels…
paid a great tribute of respect to him
when he died, as [his] History…will
constitute a part of the great state of
Texas history and consequently the
tribute of respect paid to him after
his death by his political enemies
will also be a matter of history.”
Davis had served as a Union
officer during the Civil War, and as
the state’s chief executive during
Reconstruction had been seen
as a near-despot by most of his
constituents. The respect Barry
described likely masked near elation
at his passing on the part of many
Texans.
But now, nearly 18 years since
the war ended, Texas faced new
problems. The invention of barbed
wire, and its growing popularity in
the state, pitted large landowners
(ranchers) against small land
owners (mostly farmers.) Those
opposed to the fencing of what for
years had been free range land took
every opportunity to cut wire fences,
often in the dead of night. Fence
cutting had led to violence, and
Barry’s successors in the Rangers
had been saddled with stopping the
costly practice.
“Johnny,”
the
freshman
representative from Bosque County
continued, “I am trying now to get a
law passed to indict [indiscernible]
and all others who do not put pole
or rail on their wire fence so that
we will not have so many horses
to doctor for worms.” (The result of
parasites entering wounds caused
by barbed wire.)
But Barry was having trouble
with the measure.
“The stock men on the Rio Grande
and the Panhandle Country oppose
me[.] They have 20 to 40 miles [of]
wire fence without pole and do all
they can against me as they don’t
want to pay money for [poles] and
they have no poles out there,” the
ranger-turned-lawmaker wrote.
While Davis’s death and the
barbed wire problem had been the
main topics of his letter, Barry did
dispense a bit of fatherly advice to
his son:
“You must try to write well which
you do very well for a boy of your
age,” the elder Barry said. “You
must not forget it no boy or man can
get a position in any Department of
state unless he writes a smooth,
clear…hand.”
His election to “a position” in the
Legislature didn’t happen because
of his penmanship, but Barry
practiced what he preached. His
script was readable (at least by those
familiar with the handwriting of the
day) and with no scratch-outs.
Barry would live to be an old man,
dying on his 85th birthday on Dec.
16, 1906. But even in his early 60s,
he seems to have had a sense of
posterity.
“When you read this [letter] and
all the rest,” he enjoined his son,
“file it [away] with your old papers
as rellicks.” CALENDAR OF EVENTS
March 12, 2016
12:00pm - 5:00pm
Texas Ranger Day - Burton, TX
March 19, 2016
10:00am - 4:00pm
Concert: 7:00pm
Texas Rangers Heritage Center - Fredericksburg, TX
April 22-24, 2016
Texas History Days - Ft. Martin Scott - Fredericksburg, TX
22th - 10:00am - 2:00pm
23th - 9:00am - 4:00pm
24th - 11:00am - 2:00pm
April 30, 2016
10:00am - 2:00pm
Spring 2016
TBD
- A day of activities including reenactments, food & vendor booths, chili cookoff and much more! Please visit burtonheritagesociety.org for more information
- You are invited to join us as we celebrate the Grand Opening of Phase I of the
TRHC. We will have live music, food, Ranger reenactors in period clothing,
walking tours and much more. An evening concert featuring Red Steagall & the
Bunkhouse Boys will be available by ticket purchase only. Please visit trhc.org
for more information
- This is the 4th Annual Texas History Days event, co-produced by the Former
Texas Rangers Foundation and the Friends of Ft. Martin Scott. This compelling
presentation represents Texas History during the entire 19th century through
military, Ranger and civilian living history interpretations. Period arts, crafts,
music and storytelling with real Texas Rangers, cowboys and Native Americans.
Please visit ftmartinscott.org for more information
FTRA Annual Membership Meeting - Fredericksburg, TX
- This years meeting will be held at the Texas Rangers Heritage Center Pavillion.
Order tickets and make hotel reservations soon! Please visit trhc.org for more
information or call 1-888-766-4055 for ticket reservations
Book release and signing at the Alamo - San Antonio, TX
- You are invited to attend the release of the new book: Texas Ranger: The
Epic Life of Frank Hamer, the Man Who Killed Bonnie and Clyde by John
Boessenecker.
*We have implemented a new volunteer training program to insure that we
all have the most up to date & accurate information to provide to our visitors
and perspective members. If you are a current volunteer or a member looking
to find out how you can be a part of this great program, please contact Leigh
Ann at 830-990-1192 to find out when the next training date will be.*
Follow us on Facebook for upcoming
events and Cross Ceremonies on the
FTRA / FTRF facebook page at:
www.facebook.com/formertexasrangers
15
Volume 36
December 2015
1897 - 2015
118 years strong!