RANGER CHECKPOINT

September 2025

A Message from the President:

Barry D. Todd, CPT, USA (Ret.)

Fellow Rangers and Friends,

I pray this message finds you and your families strong in spirit and encouraged by the blessings we enjoy as Americans. I thank Almighty God daily for His hand upon our nation, for the freedoms we cherish, and for the brotherhood we share as Rangers. These are not easy days, but I believe with all my heart that God is at work in our country and that together we are moving in the right direction.

In the months ahead, we have powerful opportunities to remember our past and invest in our future:

• Son Tay Raiders Reunion – From November 19–21, 2025, at Fort Benning, Georgia, we will gather for the 55th and final reunion of the Son Tay Raiders. Only nineteen of these extraordinary men remain with us. This will not only be historic — it will be sacred, as we honor their courage, their sacrifice, and their enduring example of what it means to lead from the front.

• Foundation Raffles – Our Bourbon Raffle is underway now, with the drawing on November 1. Beginning October 1, we will also launch a raffle for an M4 rifle signed by the Son Tay Raiders, generously donated by Battle Tested Equipment. That drawing will be held on December 2. Every ticket purchased strengthens the mission of this Foundation.

• State of the Rangers Breakfast Forum – On October 14, 2025, at 7:00 a.m., we will gather at the Marriot Courtyard in Washington, D.C. This is more than breakfast — it is a time to speak openly, to strengthen bonds, and to chart the future of our Ranger community.

At the heart of all this is a new challenge I am issuing to every Ranger and every Ranger family: stand with us by committing just $19 a month to the National Ranger Memorial Foundation. It is a small amount, but when multiplied across our community, it becomes a lifeline that ensures we can maintain the Memorial, provide scholarships, and carry the Ranger legacy forward. This is our charge, our duty — to make sure the names and stories of our fallen are never forgotten.

I am deeply grateful to those who have already stepped up — and to our corporate partners who have joined us in this mission. Your generosity is not just making a difference, it is shaping lives and futures for young men and women who might not otherwise have the chance to pursue their dreams.

As Christmas approaches, I encourage you to consider giving a lasting gift — a memorial stone in honor of a Ranger. It is more than a holiday present; it is a permanent tribute that will stand as a testimony of love, sacrifice, and faithfulness for generations to come.

Brothers and sisters, this Foundation is not just about preserving a monument. It is about carrying forward the spirit of every Ranger who ever led the way. With your prayers, your support, and your action, we will keep that spirit alive.

Rangers Lead the Way!

John 3:16

Barry D. Todd

Captain, U.S. Army (Retired)

President, National Ranger Memorial Foundation

The National Ranger Memorial Foundation is thrilled to welcome WBS Charity Foundation as our newest Gold sponsor!

We want to thank all our valued ongoing sponsors. Their support, along with the unwavering dedication of the Ranger community, is vital to our mission. We deeply appreciate your continued support.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining our efforts, please contact Blair Brown at (706) 687-0906 or blair@rangermemorial.org

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

We'll begin a new engraving and stone placement in the Fall. If you'd like to recognize a special Ranger, past or present, click below to place your order.

Already have a stone at the Ranger Memorial? Check out our

Commemorative Framed Stone/Coin/Ranger Memorial Picture &

Desktop Stone Replica

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER-VERY LIMITED SEATING

Details coming soon!

WBS Charity Foundation's Raffle

From Around Our Ranger & Army Communities:

Secretary of War Hegseth hosted 2025's Best Ranger Competition winners earlier this month. Read more at https://www.war.gov/News/

Make those last-minute donations! runrangerrun25.com

Register by going to florabama.com/tickets

T-shirts for the event can be pre-ordered at threerangersfoundation.org

Jonnie Clasen, beloved mother and friend to many in the Ranger community, died September 7, 2025, following an automobile accident in Columbus, Georgia.

Jonnie and her father Vincent Melillo did living history presentations throughout the country, including FDR’s Little White House, the National Infantry Museum, the Atlanta History Center and WW II Heritage Days, and schools and churches. Jonnie's father was an original Merrill's Marauder and a Korean War 5th Regimental Combat Team veteran. He was inducted into both the Army Ranger Hall of Fame and Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame. Jonnie was also an honorary inductee into the Ranger Hall of Fame for her work and served as the Merrill's Marauder's Liaison Officer and director of the Rosie the Riveter's organization. A journalist, writer, photographer, and artist through age 79, she worked on various projects actively up until her death. She is survived by a son and many nieces and nephews. Her presence in and contributions to the Ranger community will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life was held on September 19^th in Columbus, and Jonnie was transported to the Atlanta area for burial next to her beloved mother and father. A gofundme account has been set up to assist family with the expense of her burial. https://gofund.me/Jonnie

Anything going on in your area that you'd like to share? Send details to Blair@RangerMemorial.org or Molly@RangerMemorial.org, and we'll do our best to announce it in next the Ranger Checkpoint.

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 aim to support Rangers and their families in other ways, including scholarships and other projects. 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

Editor: Molly Stringham