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Posted: 05/26/2021 Name: DUSTIN BARNES Message: Hello Ranger Buddies. This is Dustin Barnes, class 7-12. I was working at 5th RTB from 2015-2018 and had the privilege to meet a lot of you while here. Since getting out of the Army in 2018, my wife and I moved to Seattle and had a beautiful baby girl. She's now three and we have sold everything in Seattle and moved back to the North Georgia Mountains. I just wanted to write in here to try and get some bearings. I remember there used to be a regular Ranger Breakfast at Wagon Wheel, as well as MRA meetings at the Overhang. (I'm hoping to fill my calendar with involvement) Since we are planting roots and raising our family here now, I would like to know any upcoming or recurring meetings and/or opportunities to be involved. Please feel free to text or call me at (206) 293-6716 with your names and contact information if you'd like, I'd love to stay in touch with all the local ranger buddies this area has to offer as we search for our forever home in the mountains. We are currently renting in Big Canoe until we find a house (or a cheaper rental option). I was told by a Vietnam Ranger Buddy there is a North Georgia Veterans Association meeting the second Tuesday of the month here at Big Canoe at 11:30. I'm hoping to get in contact with more ranger buddies (old and new) there. I'm excited to see this organization is still thriving and even more excited to have a permanent presence in the North Georgia Mountains where it would appear a good amount of Rangers like to be. Hope everyone is well. Respectfully, Dustin Barnes |
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Posted: 05/19/2021 Name: Tom Wilburn Message: I wanted to make this post to describe a few things that I saw USMRA members involved with over the last couple of weeks. Since most of our members are not in the immediate area you may not be aware of the “reach” of this relatively small Association. Recently we had work days to help other Rangers with clean up and maintenance projects. Volunteers had a great time while helping accomplish needed tasks. The same week Rangers Kevin Connell and Stan Kelley retired yet “again” after extended service as the Lumpkin County Manager / Planner (Stan) and the Commanders Advisor / Safety / Ranger Continuity at CFM (Kevin). These retirements were well attended and supported by the USMRA members. Thanks to both of these great Americans for upholding the Ranger standard in everything they do! Off the radar are USMRA committee members and individuals supporting a wide range of Veterans activities. Scholarship Committee members have been working to recognize the worthiest candidates who will be honored at the Critter cook-out. Our Ranger Hall of Fame representative (Mike Ramsey) represented USMRA at the annual RHoF board at FBGA where one of our own, COL (R) Jack Donovan was selected for the 2021 RHoF class. Many USMRA members tirelessly and without fanfare prepare for the Critter Cook-out, make preparations to honor our fallen comrades, gather resources so that everyone can enjoy themselves at the Critter cookout and support the Active-duty Rangers at CFM. Even less evident are the many USMRA members who travel, sometimes long distances, to honor our fallen Rangers, visit those who are sick, and to just be there to lend a hand to a fellow Ranger if needed. I am amazed at the level and intensity of engagement that this organization is able to produce and proud to be a member of this organization. |
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Posted: 05/17/2021 Name: tom joyner Message: Mark Jordon is currently admitted in N.E. Ga. medical Ctr. Lumpkin Co. Hosp. room #208. Diabetes issues. |
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Posted: 05/04/2021 Name: Brian Cunningham Message: The 2021 USMRA Scholarship Committee has reviewed and evaluated this year’s applications. We had the opportunity to see first hand young adults who have distinguished themselves by their pursuit of excellence and their willingness to serve their communities. After due consideration of the applications, the USMRA Scholarship Committee has selected Ms. Phoenix Waters, daughter of Ranger Jeff Waters, and Mr. Grayson Porter, son of Ranger Philip Porter, as the recipients for 2021. Each will receive a $2000 scholarship award. The 2021 USMRA Scholarship Committee wishes to thank the membership for the honor of our serving in this capacity. Rangers Lead the Way! Respectfully submitted: Ranger Bob Bischoff Ranger Brian Cunningham Ranger J.D. Kirby |
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Posted: 05/04/2021 Name: Bob Williams Message: The next monthly USMRA meeting will be Thursday, May 6, 2021, at the Overhang on Camp Merrill at 1900. |
