Installation Navigation Made Easy
Are you planning your next visit to a military installation and are intimidated about finding your way around? Have no fear. One fearless military spouse invested to make sure you can navigate with ease. The Guide On Military App solves this issue and provides an invaluable service. Some communities have more locations and services loaded but additional content is being added each day.
Download the Guide On Military App and look at Fort Moore as an example. You will find:
Important Resources - emergency, gates, weather, hospital, housing
Religious Support - social groups, worship services
Ceremonies and Graduations - turning blue, turning green, BCT, OSUT, Ranger
Unit Information
Highly Recommended Assets
Our favorite part is being able to search by key words and having the ability to easily navgiate between communities. I recently used the app to navigate to a building on Fort Moore and it worked with perfection. This is a tool to have in your tool belt forany installation visit.
Download the app, give them a wink (donations are always welcome), and let them know you are active. This is how the resource grows. We are thankful to Katie and the Guide On team for providing this invaluable resource.
#millifesimplified
Quanta Services is a Veteran-Ready Organization
Quanta Services is an American corporation that provides infrastructure services for electric power, pipeline, industrial and communications industries. Capabilities include the planning, design, installation, program management, maintenance and repair of most types of network infrastructure.
Quanta is committed to hiring Veterans and providing them with the tools they need to transition toa successful civilian career. In this role, Veterans continue to serve their country in a different way - by connecting people and power across North America and beyond. As a part of their commitment, they encourage companies within their industry to hire America’s heroes.
Quanta H.E.R.O.E.S.—Hiring, Educating, and Retaining Our Exceptional Service Men and Women—is a comprehensive initiative to expand on their long-standing support for the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces by giving them the skills they need to join our team.
You can reach out to us if you would like more information about their program and we will connect you with the exact right person so you can take the next step.
2024 BRC Youth Gladiator Award
We are always trying new things and accepting partnerships that support the communities we serve. This year, MCOE hosted a BRC Youth Gladiator competition using the mid field and same equipment our Best Ranger Competition competitors used.
The National Ranger Association was excited to support these local JROTC and ROTC standouts with something that is “Ranger Cool” that serves to commemorate their dedication and experience at the Best Ranger Competition 2024. It is a privilege to support the next generation who are inspired to practice the character traits exemplified by Rangers—courage, determination, integrity, dedication, intestinal fortitude, and respect, thereby perpetuating the Ranger legacy as a unique way of life for all citizens.
I Had to Mourn the Loss of My Younger Self
Originally posted in The Havok Journal
by Shane Jernigan
After an amazing four days on ketamine two years ago, I started to have emotions I’ve rarely had in life. Growing up in violence and dysfunction rewires the brain; to say I was hardened to the world is an understatement. But this was a necessity for me, if I had allowed emotions to guide me when I was young, I would’ve ended up dead. All I knew in life was getting kicked down and getting back up. So, I always kept moving forward in life because allowing emotions to guide my direction was a waste of time and I didn’t have anything or anyone to fall back on.
Fast forward 32 years of more pain, trauma and misery and getting back up, over and over. This was despite decades of pain, surgeries, near death incidents and more surgeries and pain than I thought a human could manage. My goal was always to return to some semblance of my former self. I predicted to my wife that my 50s were gonna be my golden years. She laughed; I wasn’t joking.
Fast forward another 16 years and I am now doing things that the medical world can’t comprehend. Doctors are now asking for my secrets to healing and recovery. I spend much of my time cataloguing and documenting medical, physical, and psychological effects of my training so I can help other disabled veterans. Then, recently I saw an old childhood friend for the first time in decades and one of the first things she said was, “You’ve had such a hard life it makes me sad.”
It was kind of a reality gut punch. I fancy myself a pretty chipper dude, but the reality that someone else is saddened by my miserable life, gave me pause. I had been so hardened by having a, let’s say “rough life” since pretty much birth, that it never occurred to me to feel sad because feeling sorry for myself would be pathetic and weak. That’s when the emotions started to arrive, emotions I’d never felt; well, not for myself at least. I’ve had a lot of loss in life and have mourned for the loss of those close to me on many occasions, including my baby brother.
I tried to harden myself but those four days of meditating on ketamine had awakened something inside me. It’s was at this point that my logical mind tried to reason with this new emotional side, but in the end, it was my reasonable side that erred on the side of emotions. I went back to that day, now 30 years ago, when my life changed forever. I didn’t know on July 22nd 1994, that it would be the last day I would ever not be in conscious pain. I fell from the sky the following night on a combat training mission.
I fell over 120 feet after my parachute had a low altitude malfunction. I had six spinal fractures, a blown knee, broken shoulder, detached bicep and a plethora of other injuries that would take, in total, nearly 20 years to find and 30 years to understand. I wrote the book on pain management, almost literally. Okay, I wrote a very long published article on the subject, but I was now having these feelings of loss.
That’s when it hit me. I wish I could go back to July 22nd, 1994 so I could give 22-year-old Shane Jernigan a hug. It’s hard to look back 30 years to that day, realizing what that young man was about to go through for the rest of his life. It made me sad, too. So, I allowed myself to cry for 22-years-old Shane, not present-day Shane. What was in the stars for 100% Shane? We will never know, and that makes me sad. It was cathartic to say the very least.
What happened next was a surprise; I smiled, for present-day me. The fact is, I’ve defied the odds. I’ve defied the naysayers, and there were many. I’ve defied the doctors and the American medical community as a whole. I’ve given a middle finger to the VA medical system that was fine with me dying a slow painful miserable death. Only two doctors gave me a chance, then I rebuilt me. Now, every doctor wants to meet me and I am a poster boy for Ohio State Military Medicine, literally.
I have been teaching, coaching and mentoring disabled athletes, veterans and even disabled children now, for four years. I have founded my own nonprofit to continue to push the limits of human endeavor and provide free training, adaptive sports, and wellness to my fellow disabled Americans. I was skiing with able-bodied ski instructors recently and only two could keep up with me. At the bottom of the run, we were all stoked because of an awesome run and the lead instructor said, “Dude, you aren’t disabled!” This, when seven years ago I was nearing catastrophic health failure and death.
There were many times over the last 30 years that I wished that I’d died when I crashed into the earth at 100mph on July 23rd, 1994…many times. Have I suffered, yep. But in the end, I have risen like the Phoenix and have changed the story of my life and how it is going to be. I live on my own terms. So, as I celebrate the things I am now able to do, and the fact I am “able” enough to help, teach and coach fellow disabled people, I still give myself permission to feel “sad” for young Shane Jernigan; occasionally!
Shane was a former elite athlete (football & wrestling) who left college after getting hurt to pursue his dreams of being in U.S. Special Operations as a Ranger in the 75th Ranger Regiment. He spent 13 years in the military before being medically retired in 2005/2008. He served in 1st Ranger Battalion, the 173rd and as a Ranger Instructor and Combat Diver at 6th Ranger Training Bn. Since retirement, Shane spent the last 19 years as a tech entrepreneur while enduring a grueling full body rebuild to include multiple artificial joints and amputations. He’s been training and competing in para-sport and adaptive sports since 3 weeks after his initial amputation and now teaches, coaches & mentors disabled children, adults, veterans and Rangers.
Most recently, Shane started an adaptive sports & wellness program for members of the 75th Ranger Regiment in partnership with over a dozen national Adaptive Sports Organizations. In his spare time, he is still involved in LED & renewable technologies, writing and curing PTSD with psychedelics. He also competes for U.S. Special Operations Command on Team SOCOM.
Time Together is Unmatched
More than 300 Rangers, friends, and family members convened to celebrate the 2024 Ranger Hall of Fame inductees. The Ranger spirit was alive and well in the room as we told old stories, intently listened to our history, and shared dreams for the future. We are a brotherhood…
“I am what I am… because of who we all are." We belong to a greater whole—a brotherhood. This means recognizing that our identities and actions are interconnected. Our shared experience as Rangers unites us with those from generations past and those that come after us. Many in society view themselves as isolated individuals, but we, as Rangers, know we are connected. What we do can and does impact the entire world. The Butterfly Effect in Chaos Theory shows how a small event in one part of the globe can significantly impact elsewhere.
Are you living the creed in your daily life? Our nation and our world are better places for us and our children because of those who have earned the coveted Ranger tab and scroll. See you all next week at Ranger Rendevous! Rangers lead the way. #RLTW
Ranger Hall of Fame 2024 Inductees
It is a great honor to share the stories and photos of the valiant and legendary men of Ranger Hall of Fame class 2024. These men live the Ranger creed and embody the highest ideals of service, valor, and sacrifice. Their stories stand out among the countless heroes who serve and have served.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2024 RANGER HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES:
MG (R) Leroy N. Suddath, Jr.
COL (R) James A. Pfaff, MD
COL (R) John Louis Jensen
COL (R) John R. Reitzell
MAJ (R) Gilbert K. Jenkins
MAJ (R) Anthony Mayne
MAJ (R) Willie Merkerson JR
CSM (R) Victor Alex Ballesteros
CSM (R) John Brady
CSM (R) Brunk Wesley Conley
CSM (R) Frank Grippe
CSM (R) Randall K. Inman
CSM (R) Glenn Legg
CSM (R) Harry L. Wimbrough
SGT Terry Roderick
HON: Mr. Richard Dean Eckburg
Also in attendance were GEN(R) Joe Votel and GEN(R) Tony Thomas, who were unable to attend their 2023 RHoF induction.
The 2024 Ranger Hall of Fame Ceremony took place, June 26, at 1:00 p.m., in Marshall Auditorium, McGinnis-Wickham Hall, Fort Moore, Georgia. Link here to 2024 inductee citations.
Rangers Lead the Way!
One of the Most Selfish Things a Soldier Can Do
As mentioned by one of the finishing teams this year, training for the Best Ranger Competition can be one of the most selfish things a soldier can do. It's intense and very personal to every individual who accepts this challenge, and no one feels that intensity more than the soldier and their family unit. In addition to the soldier's day-to-day duties within their unit, it involves meal prepping, creating a good sleep schedule, spending longer hours away from home, and, as you can expect, it involves a lot of grueling and demanding training for the mind and body.
It's communicating and coordinating with your Ranger buddy and their family, too. It's providing ample time for the soldier's body to recover. It's getting to and navigating the entire weekend of the Competition with the kids in tow, and watching your husband, father, brother, son, or boyfriend push their body to the extreme. It's not knowing the outcome. Will they be cut before lunch on Friday? Will they make it to day 2 or 3?
Yet, amidst these challenges lies a profound sense of purpose and legacy. It's about embracing a tradition, a heritage that extends beyond individual aspirations—a legacy of excellence to be passed down with pride. It's all about those toddlers cheering, "Go, Daddy, Go!" and "You've got this, Dad!" resonating from the sidelines, a testament to that enduring love and support.
So, to all the family members who steadfastly stand behind their Rangers, we extend our deepest appreciation to you. We are always grateful for the sacrifices you, as a family, make, not only for this competition but also for our country.
We couldn't do this all without you!
Black and Tan 2024
The National Ranger Association is a backbone organization committed to serving the entire Ranger community. We look for opportunities to bring the community together. Because together we can conquer all things.
We firmly believe that social connection can be just as important as physical and mental health, as exercise, and as healthy eating. It can help our community feel a sense of belonging and support, and can provide a buffer during difficult times. Research shows that the benefits of social contact can even outweigh the harmful effects of other risk factors.
For this reason we are committed to facilitating the annual Black and Tan gathering and we had a fantastic night of networking at our 9th Annual Black and Tan Linkup at Shot Show in January 2024!
The National Ranger Association is deeply grateful for all our generous sponsors as well as, Combat Flip Flops, At Ease Sustainment, and Sheepdog Response, whose support is necessary in making this networking event a reality. Thank you for your contribution to our community!
RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!
The Armed Forces Retirement Home
The Armed Forces Retirement Home is the only federal retirement community which was established by the executive branch back in 1811 as a promise from our nation to provide care for its retired and disabled military members who made sacrifices to protect and serve our country. The AFRH provides eligible enlisted and non-commissioned veterans with supportive care and shared camaraderie – just like you experienced in your service days! Back then, you invested in the AFRH via small payroll deductions. Now it’s time for you to get back what you deserve from the country you served: an affordable, comfortable, and secure retirement.
Members of the AFRH have the benefit of three prepared meals a day, onsite medical facilities, rehabilitative therapy, recreation services, organized trips, transportation services, entertainment, activities, luxurious amenities, as well as many other privileges for veterans. All of the amenities and services are included with your reasonable monthly resident fee which is calculated as a percentage of your income with no deposits, maintenance charges, HOA fees, or long-term contracts. You will experience freedom from overwhelming living expenses, home maintenance, and other worries about the future knowing that AFRH will provide a home for you that will always remain within your means regardless of the needs that may develop as you age.
General Admission Requirements
All potential residents – including spouses – must be capable of independent living upon admission, have acceptable insurance coverage, meet legal requirements, and be approved by the AFRH medical and admissions review boards to be accepted as a resident of the Armed Forces Retirement Home. In order to become a resident of AFRH, you must be able to live independently when initially admitted. This means you must be able to care for your daily personal needs, attend a dining facility for meals, navigate the community, handle emergency situations, deal with personal finances, and be self-sufficient when coping with healthcare by keeping appointments, making decisions, managing medications, following treatment plans, etc. Persons who require regular professional assistance with daily tasks, decision making, managing unstable heath conditions, or otherwise will not be admitted unless or until such a time as they are capable of managing without assistance.
AFRH is a continuing care facility and offers additional support services to the members of AFRH should the need eventually arise including assisted living, memory support, and long-term care. You must be an existing resident to transfer into an advanced level of care at AFRH – direct admission into healthcare levels is not available for non-members. Once you have become a member, residents enjoy the benefit of knowing they will always have access to an affordable community where they will be safe, well cared-for, and worry-free among a group of fellow veterans who share a common bond of self-sacrifice, patriotism, and fraternity.
Eligibility - Military Qualifications
AFRH determines eligibility and grants admission according to the law that established the Armed Forces Retirement Home [chapter 10 of title 24 section 412, USC]. To qualify for residency, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Persons who served in the Armed Forces – Regular Military, Reserve Forces, or National Guard – who spent more than half of their time in the service as an enlisted member, warrant officer, or limited-duty officer are eligible to become residents of the AFRH if they meet at least ONE of the following criteria:
- were discharged or released from the Armed Forces after 20 or more years of active service
are determined under rules prescribed by the Chief Operating Officer to be suffering from a service-connected disability incurred in the line of duty in the Armed Forces.
- served in a war theater during a time of war declared by Congress or were eligible for hostile fire pay and who are determined under rules prescribed by the Chief Operating Officer to be suffering from injuries, disease, or disability.
- served in a women's component of the Armed Forces before June 12, 1948, and are determined under rules prescribed by the Chief Operating Officer to be eligible for admission because of compelling personal circumstances.
- served in the Armed Forces (Regular, Reserve, or National Guard) and are eligible for retired pay according to Ch. 1223 of Title 10, USC, including those individuals who have either completed sufficient service in a non-regular component or qualify for an early retirement (TERA/DISABILTY) and are now receiving retired pay and benefits from the Department of Defense.
Best Ranger Competition
Pack your bags and start planning now. The 40th Anniversary of the Best Ranger Competition will be here before you know it. We are hard at work behind the scenes planning concepts, looking at venues, designing events, creating commemorative items and talking with partners. Keep your eyes peeled on these monthly updates. We will share any new information here first as we release it. Special thanks to all those that jumped our and sent it a contribution for Best Ranger 2024 and/or let us know how they can support. We are so thankful for you.
Here is the information as we have it at this time:
Link to the supporter package (opens directly)
Link to our webpage that holds the supporter package with a link to download it to your files. You may also access the donation link/site from this page.
Direct link to the event conribution page.
Link to general donation page for the National Ranger Association. It is here you can make recurring gift contributions.
The National Ranger Association just received the competition concept and will be reaching out to partners over the next couple of weeks to see how we can join together to put on an amazing competition. We can’t wait to talk with you.
Black and Tan
Presented By The National Ranger Association and The US Army Ranger Association. The purpose of the Black and Tan link up is to leverage an event that brings Rangers, and businesses that support Rangers, together in one geographic area. Black and Tan convenes the Ranger community for one night to reunite, intentionally network to grow business opportunities, and fundraise for a Ranger centric cause. Bringing together the Ranger community is advantageous to networking and supporting one another for corporate and philanthropic endeavors.
We deserve the time together. It is needed sacred time to champion one another. There are too many Rangers doing great things in business to not be more connected. This is an opportunity to expand existing friendships, re-connect with old Ranger buddies and to make some new ones.
Black and Tan exists to build business through brotherhood:
Ranger Veterans of all age
Corporations supporting Ranger activities
Nonprofit leaders supporting the Ranger communityThe most important thing is your presence.
Please let us know if you would like to contribute (beyond registration) in a meaningful way. You may contribute here, make a pledge or email us at rgrassociation@gmail.com. Questions? Call Candyss Bryant at 706-718-9520.
Checks should be made out to National Ranger Association (with Black and Tan in the notes section). Checks may be sent to: National Ranger Association, PO Box 52871, Fort Moore, GA 31995.
Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is November 28th.
Join us in championing our Ranger-driven mission this season. Your support, whether through our fundraiser or by initiating your own, contributes directly to maintaining the rich legacy of the Ranger community. The National Ranger Association is dedicated to upholding the principles and values preserved within the Ranger Creed, honoring the exemplary service of Rangers, and establishing or preserving monuments and initiatives aligned with our Ranger mission.
Your involvement enables us to champion historic programs and orchestrate impactful events, such as the Airborne Ranger Training Brigade's prestigious Best Ranger Competition, the esteemed Ranger Hall of Fame, the recognition of Distinguished Members of the Brigade, and the facilitation of the annual Black and Tan networking event. Together, let's fortify the enduring heritage and values of the Ranger community. #RLTW
To start a fundraiser on Facebook:
Click on Fundraisers
Click on Raise Money
Fill out the rest
Ask your friends and family to join in giving
As an added bonus, all our donors are added to our list of Best Ranger Competition supporters and you will receive recognition in April for your support.