RANGER CHECKPOINT

February 2026

A Message from the Chairman:


Rangers and Supporters of the Ranger Community –

 

First, thank you for supporting your National Ranger Memorial Foundation. Know that we are greatly appreciative of the support we receive from the community, especially our sponsors. Your support enables us to properly care for the memorial, maintaining the legacy of all Rangers, and provide scholarship opportunities to Rangers and their immediate family members. You can see from some of the videos we post on our social media just how much these scholarship opportunities mean to current and future students.

 

A lot is going on with your foundation and within the Ranger community. Here are a few reminders for your consideration:


  • The 42d annual LTG David E. Grange Best Ranger Competition will be at Fort Benning from 11-14 April 2026. It would be great to see you there.


  • The 2026 National Ranger Memorial Foundation Kenneth C. Leuer/Joseph S. Stringham Scholarship application closing date is quickly approaching. March 1, 2026, is the last day to submit applications.


  • Our next memorial stone engraving window is nearing. Now is a great time to purchase your own memorial stone or one for your favorite Ranger.

 

Again, thanks for all you’ve done for the community and our nation. Look forward to seeing you next month at Fort Benning.


Rangers Lead The Way!


Larry Burris

Brigadier General, US Army (Retired)



The National Ranger Memorial Foundation immensely appreciates the years-long support from Tim and Barbara Leadbeater. Won't you help us grow in our mission to preserve the iconic Ranger Memorial and provide educational scholarships to Rangers and eligible family members? Please contact Mr. Blair Brown at Blair@RangerMemorial.org for information on sponsorship packages. 

See the impact of your donations in this video from Ranger Dalton Stahl:

Thank you to Son Tay Raid Association President Terry Buckler for presenting the National Ranger Memorial Foundation with this certificate of appreciation for our sponsorship and support of the 55th and final Son Tay Raid Association Reunion, which took place last November at Ft. Benning, GA. We are grateful for having taken part in honoring the brave men who participated in that complex and heroic mission.

The Story Behind the Stone: Thomas O. Nichols

 

Thomas Nichols was born on August 18, 1946, in Washington, DC. Following his graduation from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967, completing Basic Infantry School at Fort Polk, LA, and subsequently attending U.S. Army Ranger School. After graduation, Ranger Nichols served as a Ranger Instructor with the Ranger Department at Fort Benning, where he remained until the conclusion of his active-duty service. Notably, while on active duty, Tom appeared as an extra in the film The Green Berets, where he portrayed a Vietcong soldier.

 

After completing his service in the Army, Tom pursued a successful career as an interior designer and artist, gaining recognition for his exceptional skills in photography. He specialized in capturing images of classic cars and Route 66, earning distinction for his poster designs. Additionally, Tom created The Ranger Rally Point and developed the Ranger Hall of Fame Medallion. Demonstrating his versatility, he also excelled as a jewelry designer, creating exclusive pieces he donated to support various Ranger initiatives.

 

After bravely fighting cancer, Ranger Thomas Nichols died in January 2024 and was laid to rest at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery in Alabama. It is a privilege to share a small part of his story and celebrate his patriotism, remarkable artistry skills, and generous spirit. Rangers Lead The Way!


What's the story behind YOUR stone? Email us @ Blair@RangerMemorial.org or Molly@RangerMemorial.org

New and Revamped Ranger Merchandise Line Now Available!


Take a few minutes to see what's new - from apparel to collectibles - and find something for yourself, family member, or fellow Ranger.

 

Our next engraving period will be this spring. Order a stone by 31 March for yourself, family member, or Ranger buddy by clicking below.

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

Commemorative Framed Stone and/or Desktop Stone Replica.

From Around Our Ranger & Army Communities:

Restoration begins at D-Day site Pointe du Hoc

Monument to famed Ranger assault to remain open

Full story at https://www.stripes.com/2026-02-18/pointe-du-hoc

https://foldsofhonor.org/scholarships/military-scholarships/

April 26, 2026 @ 0700. Visit https://ranger.org/events/ for additional details.

https://specialops.org/honoring-americas-finest-their-service-sacrifice-and-legacy-2026/

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 a future 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 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 projects 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

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