RANGER CHECKPOINT AUGUST 2026

A Message from the Executive Director:

Rangers and Supporters of the Ranger Community –

Every month I get to see something most people never do: the direct line between your support and the lives it changes. This month, that line runs straight through 101 families.

$180,000 to 101 Scholarship Recipients



The Board has voted to distribute $180,000 in college scholarships to 101 deserving recipients for 2026 — Rangers and their family members, chosen through the Kenneth C. Leuer/Joseph S. Stringham NRMF Scholarship Endowment. That brings our total to $1.1 million awarded since 1994. Every recipient is listed by name in this newsletter, because these aren't statistics. They're your community — sons, daughters, spouses, and Rangers themselves, pursuing an education because you made it possible.

We're also sharing thank-you videos from this year's recipients on our social media channels each week. If you want to see exactly who your generosity is reaching, follow along. Their words say it better than mine ever could. Meet one of this year's recipients below:



Sophia

32 Years of YOUR Memorial

August 25 marks 32 years since the National Ranger Memorial was dedicated in 1994. I want to say something plainly: this is your Memorial. It was built by Rangers, for Rangers. The more than 7,000 names engraved in its stones belong to the men who walked point, who jumped into the dark, who led the way when it cost them everything. Our job at the Foundation is simply to keep faith with them — to maintain, preserve, and improve what you built. When you walk beneath that arch at Fort Benning, you're not visiting our Memorial. You're coming home to yours.

Stone Engravings — Order by September 30

We're now in our fourth engraving phase of the year, and orders are open through September 30 for the October engraving period. If you've been meaning to secure a stone for yourself, a Ranger buddy, or one no longer with us, now is the time. There is no more permanent way to say a name belongs among the Rangers.

Thank you for all you do. None of this happens without you.

Rangers Lead the Way!



Blair Brown

Executive Director

National Ranger Memorial Foundation

blair@rangermemorial.org | rangermemorial.org 

The National Ranger Memorial Foundation is sustained by the generosity of individuals and companies who believe in our mission to preserve the iconic Ranger Memorial and support educational opportunities for Rangers and their family members through the Kenneth C. Leuer/Joseph S. Stringham NRMF Scholarship Endowment. Your support helps us continue this legacy for future generations.

To learn more about sponsorship packages, contact Blair Brown at Blair@RangerMemorial.org.

Team NRMF is taking on Run Ranger Run for the first time, and we'd love to have you join us!

From 1 September through 3 October, you can support Rangers simply by getting active. Run, walk, bike, wheel, swim, hit the gym, or even chase the kids around the yard... it all counts!

Our goal is to reach 565 miles in honor of Ranger Corporal Cory Smith, who ran, walked, and biked 565 miles in 2012 to raise awareness of the challenges Veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. We're proud to buddy up with GallantFew for this outstanding event, which has raised more than $1 million to provide connections, coaching, and counseling to Rangers, Veterans, and their families.

✅ FREE registration (we’ll send you a code!)

✅ Participate from anywhere

✅ Donations are welcome (and appreciated!)

✅ Participation and donations support both GallantFew and the NRMF

✅ Earn a cool Run Ranger Run t-shirt and sticker

If you'd like to be part of our team, email Molly@RangerMemorial.org for your free registration code and step-by-step sign-up instructions. Then grab some friends, log some miles, and help us make a difference!

Can't participate this year? Support the mission with a donation by clicking this link: https://charity.pledgeit.org/runrangerrun26.

Once there, select "Give Credit to a Fundraiser or Team," and find the National Ranger Memorial Foundation on the dropdown. Every dollar counts! 

PRESERVE YOUR RANGER LEGACY!

Honor your or a Ranger’s service with a personalized engraved stone at the National Ranger Memorial at Fort Benning, GA. We will be engraving again in the fall.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

Six Soldiers Complete Grueling Annual Darby 40-miler in Italy

Read more at Stars & Stripes

Rangers from 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment Assess Bumblebee V2 Counter-drone System

Read more at Army.mil/bumblebee

Fielding Blast Overpressure Solutions Now

By the 75th Ranger Regiment Brain Protection Task Force

Read more at Army.mil/BOP

From Around Our Ranger & Army Communities:

If you haven't checked out the Three Rangers Foundation (TRF) YouTube channel, it's worth taking a look. The channel is packed with transition resources created specifically for Rangers. Through the Mentor Advice series, hosted by CSM (Ret.) Mike Hall, you'll be introduced to mentors from a wide range of industries who share their experiences, career advice, and insights to help Rangers navigate their next chapter. In Transition Tuesday, Tony Mayne showcases TRF's network of partners and organizations that provide valuable tools, opportunities, and support throughout the transition process. The channel also features a growing library of mentor-created webinars covering career development, networking, and other topics designed to help Rangers successfully move from military service into the civilian workforce. Click here to subscribe: youtube.com/@threerangersfoundation

Members of the Hardrock Charlie Foundation joined Rangers from the 75th Ranger Regiment on July 25th to honor the memory of PFC Maxwell B. Hale, who died during a training event earlier in July. Known to family and friends as Max, he was assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.

Before joining the Army, Max was a standout athlete in the El Segundo High School water polo program. A four-year varsity letterman, he earned multiple team and league honors before continuing his career at El Camino College. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he was proudly assigned to the Ranger Regiment. Your legacy of service and dedication will never be forgotten, Max. Rangers Lead The Way.

Photo Credit: Hardrock Charlie Foundation

Anything going on in your area that you'd like us to share? Send details of the event to RangerMemorial.org/contact-us, and we'll do our best to announce it in a future Ranger Checkpoint newsletter.

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 Memorial, we aim to provide a tangible testament to the Rangers’ sacrifices and contributions. And our commitment extends beyond the monument itself - we support Rangers and their families in other ways, including scholarships and various initiatives throughout our Ranger communities. 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, Molly@RangerMemorial.org