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RANGER CHECKPOINT
March 2025
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A Message from the Chairman
Fellow Rangers –
The foundation hopes this message finds you well. Spring is upon us and that means Infantry Week at Fort Benning is approaching. We hope to see many of you there for Infantry Week, which will culminate with the Annual Best Ranger Competition. Also, this year the National Infantry Association is hosting an “Infantry Retreat” at Inouye Field followed by an Infantry Social on April 11.
Thanks to your support, the foundation was able to donate to the placement of a bronze statue of Colonel Ralph Puckett, to be placed at Hurley Hill overlooking Victory Pond, where all graduate the Ranger Course. We expect the dedication of that statue to occur in the fall.
Most importantly, your foundation’s leadership has been hard at work at restoring the Ranger Memorial to its original condition. I want to specifically thank our Executive Director, Blair Brown, for his tireless efforts in engaging both the legislative and executive branches of our government. We are making progress.
Thank you all for your unwavering service and dedication to our Ranger community!
Rangers Lead the Way!
Larry Burris
Brigadier General, US Army (Retired)
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If you'd like to assist with our pledged donation for the Colonel Ralph Puckett statue at Hurley Hill, please donate below. Your generosity helps preserve the legacy of a true American hero.
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SPOTLIGHT ON OUR NEWEST SPONSORS
Many thanks to the sponsors below for generously supporting the NRMF in its mission to honor and preserve the legacy of our Nation's Rangers!
For sponsorship opportunities and packages, please contact Mr. Blair Brown @ Blair@RangerMemorial.org
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We proudly congratulate Ranger Abraham Gonzalez, the Distinguished Honor Graduate of Ranger Graduation Class 03-25. In recognition of his outstanding achievement, the National Ranger Memorial Foundation is honored to dedicate a stone at the Ranger Memorial, commemorating his excellence and commitment.
| | L-R: Ranger Bill Block, Ranger Abraham Gonzalez, Ranger Gerry Klein-Leading the Way! | | It's not too soon to begin thinking about a Father's Day gift! We'll be engraving soon, so get yours ordered in time for dad's special day. Click below to place your order. | | From Around Our Ranger & Army Communities: | | |
Published since 2009, the newest Firearms Guide 15th PRO Edition is the world’s largest searchable:
1. Reference Guide that presents over 82,000 antique and modern firearms, air guns, and ammunition with Tech Specs, Hi-Res Color Pictures, Features, Ballistics, and Prices from 1,770 manufacturers from 62 countries
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4. Gun Make Codes, Marks, Crests, Stamps, Proofs, and Trademarks Graphic Guide for easier antique and modern firearms identification
To get a 30% discount use coupon code RANGER in the coupon box of these pages:
Firearms Guide 15th PRO Edition – 1 Year: https://www.firearmsguide.com/membership1
Firearms Guide 15th PRO Edition – 2 Years:
https://www.firearmsguide.com/membership2
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Team RangeOars Row Completes Intense Training and a
Landmark Journey
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Team RangeOars Row has been on an extraordinary journey, preparing for their upcoming challenge with both physical and mental training. Recently, the team spent four intense days working with Dr. Veera Gupta and Optimum Health Chiropractic in Manasquan, NJ. The team was joined by a variety of health professionals who focused on nurturing the mind, body, and soul of each rower, ensuring they are in peak condition for the challenges ahead.
After this vital preparation, the team traveled to Fernandina Beach, Florida, where they embarked on a remarkable offshore adventure. Over the course of 60 hours, the team rowed a staggering 110 miles, testing their endurance and teamwork as they ventured through the open waters. This event was not just about physical strength, but also about cultivating resilience and unity.
The journey culminated with a unique honor: the team rolled their boat through the Savannah, GA Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. This festive celebration brought a sense of accomplishment and joy, as the team showcased their hard work to the public, gaining support and admiration from the crowd.
For more details about the team's transformative work with Dr. Veera Gupta in Manasquan, NJ, read the full article in Ocean Star: https://chiropractors-help-ready-veterans-to-row
For more information on the team and their mission, and to donate to the cause, visit them at https://www.rangeoarsrow.org/
| | From the 75th Ranger Regiment Education Outreach: | |
Thomas Allie Bragg Obituary
Thomas Allie Bragg Sr., aged 86, of Blackshear Georgia, went to be with Jesus on Feb 27, 2025. Born to Thomas H. Bragg and Inez Pittman Bragg on Dec 12, 1938, he is survived by his wife of 36 years Majorie Darwin Bragg, son, Thomas Allie Bragg Jr., Daughter Tammy Bragg Jones and her husband Ron Jones, brothers Jimmy and Bernard Bragg and his sisters Blair Wallace and Mona Lisa Brinkley. He is the grandfather of Brittany Lovins, Allison Cunnington, and Thomas Lovins. He is the great grandfather of Elayna and DJ Lovins.
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Mr. Bragg served in the Army for 24 years, serving two tours in Vietnam. He was awarded the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Vietnam Gallantry Military Ribbon, Vietnam Service Ribbon, National Defense Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Bronze Star. He is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame and the Recruiter’s Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the Elite Ranger Brigade.
A giant member of the community, he was a Sunday school teacher, President of the Rotary Club, and the 2016 Citizen of the Year for Blackshear. He served as the Chaplin for the Echo Charlie Rangers in his veteran community. When younger, he served as a Royal Ranger Commander in Illinois and Florida. His impact on young men for Jesus is only one of his many lasting legacies. An engaging, funny, loving man who touched us all and will be sorely missed.
Rangers Lead The Way, Sir!
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Our mission at the National Ranger Memorial Foundation is clear – to honor and support Rangers and their families. Through the establishment and preservation of the National Ranger Monument, we aim to provide a tangible testament to the Rangers’ sacrifices and contributions. And our commitment extends beyond the monument itself; we strive to support Rangers and their families in other ways, including scholarships and other initiatives. It is through this mission that we hope to preserve the legacy of our Nation’s Rangers, ensuring their bravery and dedication are not forgotten. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today:
Ranger Memorial Scholarship and Preservation Fund
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