US Mountain Ranger Association

USMRA Message Log
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Posted:	12/31/2007
Name:	Ross Hall
Message:	Wishing a fine and prosperous New Year to all Rangers and their families. 07 could have been better, but it could have been worse, too. We did all right, considering so many are overseas. To you guys we wish a safe journey back to us soon. We think of you often. Each new year is a blank page on which to write your personal history. It's indelible. RLTW

Posted:	12/29/2007
Name:	Tom Wilburn
Message:	I wanted to take a brief moment to wish all Rangers and their families a belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It is great to see so many of the "old timers" popping up on the net during the holiday season with their SITREP. Between missions I am able to check the message log and it always brings a smile to my face to see guys out there, active duty and retired, still making a difference in the GWOT. I am continually amazed at the level of commitment to our Nation and to each other. I wanted to pass along a special thanks to those leaders and members of this association who make it something special among many other similar groups. The officers of this association have steered the USMRA to be exactly what it was chartered to do; provide fellowship, help Rangers and their families, and keep Rangers in touch with one another. Finally I would like to congratulate Jon Amsden on making the E8 list. Jon hails from a long line of B Company hard chargers and I am thrilled that the Army has recognized his dedication and worth with this promotion. From my position I see nothing but great things from Rangers and those who have been forged in the fire at CFM. I should also mention that I have recently saw 1SG Frank Velez (173rd ABCT and former C Co RI) at his obscure firebase in the middle of the fight here in Afghanistan. He continues to do great things while leading his Company in some very harsh conditions. Again, Happy New Year to all Rangers and their families!

Posted:	12/29/2007
Name:	Bob Williams
Message:	Rangers, For those of you in the North Georgia area, the January USMRA meeting will be held on the 10th NOT the 3rd. All other meetings in 2008 will be the first Thursday of each month.

Posted:	12/27/2007
Name:	Greg Baker
Message:	Jerry, Thanks for the update. You and Roy keep warm up north. I'll try to locate Monroe. I just missed Bud Huber in Kuwait, and I guess CSM(ret) Palacios was back home on vacation. Harry Wimbrough, I can't get my AKO mail to work for some reason, but thanks for the email. You're right, I was going to hang it up and head back to Dahlonega, but Pete Roethke showed up in the unit and somebody has to watch his six. After this I'm Lumpkin bound to open up a boiled peanut stand or somethin'.

Posted:	12/27/2007
Name:	J Massey
Message:	Hey Gregg, I'll be up in Al Kisik, N. of Tal Afar/ Mosul. Be at the 3IA Div. base. Monroe is down there on liberty he's lives on PAD 11, if'n you have time. Anyway, Roy Close is up at Marez and I'll be coming back through on my way north from vacation. I'll keep an eye out for ya'. "Watch 'yer top-knot"! Jerry Massey

Posted:	12/26/2007
Name:	Greg Baker
Message:	Belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. I'm at Camp Liberty for a while until we move out to our permanent AO. Already ran into (or had near misses with) a few old friends in Kuwait. Sure I'll see more along the way. I was never in Baghdad last tour. Let me tell you, this base is something else. It's humungous and there must be 3 civilians for every soldier. They walk around here like they don't even know there is a war outside. Of course, you can't blame them when there's Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut and everything else you can think of here. No wonder soldiers come back fat! Can't wait to get my joes out of this environment. Keep us in your prayers.

Posted:	12/26/2007
Name:	Dave Manges
Message:	Merry Christmas to all! We had the pleasure of Chuck (Preacher) Keith and his son spending the night last week and he is promising to make the cook out this year

Posted:	12/25/2007
Name:	Mike Flack
Message:	Ross Hall, I don't know you, but you said it best. I'll be passing that along. To everyone retired and active, I hope this holiday season finds you at home with family and friends or on the way soon. Doug Perry, I hope you're well and that the New Year finds you as rambunctious and hell-for-leather as ever. I'll see you at the critter cookout.

Posted:	12/24/2007
Name:	Cathy Beck
Message:	Merry Christmas to you all! Spend this time loving your family with all your might. God bless all of you who are in the sand and away from your loved ones. All of you are in my heart and soul and you will never know just how much you all mean to me. My prayers are on you for a safe return. God bless all who support you and love you. I want to say thank you and Merry Christmas to all of your spouses who stand by you no matter what. As Tiny Tim says "God Bless Us Each and Everyone".

Posted:	12/24/2007
Name:	Ranger Smitti
Message:	Merry X-mas to everyone.... and a Happy New Year!!! Hope to see all soon.....

Posted:	12/23/2007
Name:	Ross Hall
Message:	Merry Christmas everybody. Love those that need loving and be nice to the dogs. Ross and Sharon

Posted:	12/23/2007
Name:	Joe and Jan Mattison
Message:	We also want to add our hopes for a Merry Christmas and Safe New Year. We especially appreciate the efforts of those Rangers and Civilian Employees who are deployed for another Holiday Season. To Tony Garcia: I didn't realize that you were still in the Lumpkin County area. Give me and e-mail. Take care all. Joe and Jan

Posted:	12/21/2007
Name:	John Tompkins
Message:	Merry Christmas to all Rangers & their families, near & far. Thanks for your service! John

Posted:	12/20/2007
Name:	John Tompkins
Message:	Tony Garcia - Wanted to give you a personal thanks! You know why, Appreciate your service to Lumpkin County. Have a Merry X-mas. Mark Keith...e mail me old man. I hear things... John

Posted:	12/19/2007
Name:	amie close
Message:	Hey Christe great to hear from you it has been a long time I sent you an e-mail so I hope you get it and yes Roy is in Mosul, Iraq having a blast!hahaha but anyhoo hope to hear from you soon ! Amie

Posted:	12/19/2007
Name:	Christe Martin
Message:	Aimee Close send me an email christemar@gmail.com. Al went back over to Iraq at the beginning of December and our youngest is over there w/ 1-28 Inf. Is Roy over there or is he back in the States? Let me know how things are going?

Posted:	12/17/2007
Name:	Perry Doerr
Message:	Dale, I am working now as a DAC (DA Civilian) in G3 training. I retired 10 years ago and was fortunate to find this gig. Its great and I want to ride it for all it is worth. Chris Sheets is a good bud of mine, he still works here in the garrison safety office. In fact he and I teach the post range certification class each month. I will tell him you are looking to say hello and pass on your email address to him. Ross Hall, yes I remember talking with you but we lost contact, probably right around my great computer crash of Mar '06. I will look for the book, and look forward to reading it.

Posted:	12/16/2007
Name:	Dale Osterloh
Message:	Perry Doerr, What are you up to? Figured by now you would be retired and living off the fruits of your vineyard and watching the grandkids grow. The air job sounds tempting, but I'm getting pretty used to sleeping in my own bed every nite and weekends. Have plans to visit Italy again, one of these days, but just have to sit down and do it. When it happens, I'll look you up. Maybe you can look up a guy for me. Name is Chris Sheets and I believe he went to work at the indoor range after he got out. Give him my email addy if you see him. Keep us updated on the goings on. We only get the real scoop from guys like you and the others who work over there. The news media doesn't believe in truth. Later.

Posted:	12/15/2007
Name:	~C
Message:	Doug Perry - new flowers at the Fallen Ranger Memorial but I didn't have a way to secure them. I used the wire that was holding the old flowers, but it wasn't long enough to go around the vase - so it is looped through the flowers. Would you check it for me please and secure it properly? Thanks! Merry Christmas everyone! ~C

Posted:	12/14/2007
Name:	Ross Hall
Message:	Perry Doerr, do you remember me? I interviewed you via email four or five years ago for a book on Ranger history. It's now out, called The Ranger Book, and you can get it through me or Amazon.com/books. You were one of the first of 67, and really helped me understand some things. Thanks for that. Merry Christmas all the way over there. Ross

Posted:	12/14/2007
Name:	Perry doerr
Message:	Dave, I am sorry Bud, I could have sworn I heard that you retired this past summer. Must be my CRS acting up again. The VA will not help me on that, say its not service related, more likely induced by 25 years of marriage than 20 years of service (I think they may be right on that one). Hope you are doing well. Say Hello to Donny for me next time you talk with him, since he still refuses to join the info age, and I am just too cheep to call him long distance from Italy, looks like you get stuck as his middle man. Hello also to Dale Osterloh, how are you doing Bud? BTW we need a G3 Air NCO here, do you want your old job in Vicenza back? I may go down range this spring briefly to do some stuff with the boys in the 173d ABCT related to their training. Other than that the gig for me is the same here still working G3 Training. Take care and Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you guys and all my fellow Rangers. Perry

Posted:	12/13/2007
Name:	Steve Hawk
Message:	Brother Rangers I will be checking out of the net for the Holidays, as the school is out. I wanted to take this time to reflect on Christmas time for the Ranger and families. First I hope that each of you find yourselves with friends and family this time of year. I hope that your home is warmed with the spirit of Christmas and a hearty fire in your heart and hearths. Pull closes those that mean the most and unwrap the gifts of love. It seems like a century ago that I spent many a Holiday lonesome even though surrounded by my Ranger Buddies. Or walking courtesy patrol in an Airport, just to get away from Uncle Sam and try to capture some sort of Yule tide spirit. I thank the Great Ranger in the Sky for leading my patrol to Dahlonega, for the warm Patrol Base, for the best APL a man could ask for and a team of sons to carry on this tradition. For my brothers away this time of year , you should know that a day does not go by that I do not think of you, and ask that the Great Ranger bring you home safely to your families and friends, I pray that each of you can find happiness and love. For you my young Ranger buddies I hope that you can one day find that the best gifts you can find near your trees is your wife and children, with smiles and laughter. Merry Christmas Ranger Hawk

Posted:	12/12/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	That's right, Toccoa River, thanks John. I was working 33 Staff, and a Patrol had to do a river crossing near the Swing Bridge one night, and then do a raid on the northern end of that bridge. Something bad went wrong that night, and a whole lot of weapons, and equipment was lost in the river. No one was injured in anyway, but it took well into the next day before we were able to fully recover all equipment. Does anyone else remember that incident, and who were the RIs walking that Patrol....I just remember it happening, can't remember the details or even what happened. I believe the rope "broke", but I'm not really sure about that either. Joe

Posted:	12/12/2007
Name:	Dave Manges
Message:	Dang Perry, I'm not retired yet! looking at 31 July 08 if it gets approved. I've fireman carried Donny to a couple of the cook outs, hope he can get there this year. He is driving a concrete truck in Charlotte now, e-mail me if you need his numbers, he still refuses to get a computer. RLTW Dave

Posted:	12/12/2007
Name:	John Tompkins
Message:	That would be the Toccoa River

Posted:	12/11/2007
Name:	Bill Breen
Message:	Since we now have GPS, Is land navigation still taught in Ranger School? Just curious as to how much has changed over the years

Posted:	12/11/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	Who has a river crossing story to tell? Anyone ever do a rope bridge across the river (can't remember the name) by the swing bridge?

Posted:	12/11/2007
Name:	MIke Flack
Message:	The comments about "hand held", e-mails, and "old guy stuff" reminds me of a story that I need to share. I was in the Officers Advance Course at Ft. Benning in 1972. One day we got a classified "Secret" briefing about new technologies under development. They talked about new weapons, all sorts of exotic way-out things. Then this one guy told us about a new thing they were working on that would be a computer linked to a satellite and would give us our geographic or map coordinates to within ten meters and we could use it to call in air strikes, artillery, medevac, whatever we needed. Remember this was a room with 225 captains all just returned from Vietnam. Everybody burst out laughing. Hey, we said, don't you know who you're talking to? We're the infantry. When we go on patrol, we're not going to take a deuce and a half truck with an air conditioned trailer to haul a computer. And besides that, who's gonna maintain it? Dumbest damn thing we ever heard of. Of course, these days we call it GPS and younger soldiers take it for granted....That happened just before I went to Dahlonega. Every now and then, out walking patrol and trying to read a map, I would wonder where that truck with that computer thing was. Yep, those were the good old days.

Posted:	12/10/2007
Name:	Dale Osterloh
Message:	Make sure you ask Bernie how we almost got our heads blown off not once, but twice that night.

Posted:	12/10/2007
Name:	Al Parten
Message:	Hey Bernie, I sure remember that night, Cpt Bowen was P.I. and I was API at 38H. Forget who was my RTO that night But thought the guy was going to blow a gasket . I think it was Jeff Walters, some drunk redneck guy that thought the patrol of Studs were firing real ammo at him and his son. Was it a 12ga. or 410. Can't recall. Don't recall the DNR Liason I made, but didn't he come down and square the situation away ? I had given him out Freq. on the handhelds, and he would come out and " Remedy " the Locals if there was trouble.

Posted:	12/10/2007
Name:	Perry Doerr
Message:	Hey Joe Nowak, how are you doing? All of your recent talk about PI'ing 31 and 33 brought back some old memories. That and the re-learning of all the mtn POI as SUI's was, in hind sight, a pretty rewarding experiance. I can still tie (and teach) the knots, the boys have me help out here during pre-Ranger still from time to time. But the 31/33 staff is best left in the past, that stuff hurt my head. You, Donny Drenning, 1LT Schale (sp?) and me for a spell there. Good to see you up on the net, have you heard from little D any time lately? He hangs out with MAJ (Ret) Mangus a bit as a police officer in NC. But I think he is computer and email challaged. Sounds like you are working ROTC? What kind of a gig do you have going on now a days? Great to hear from you, best wishes for the holidays to you and all fellow Rangers, Perry

Posted:	12/9/2007
Name:	Joe Nowak
Message:	Bernie, I shore do remember. Guess where I do most of my hunting now. Hogback, took me 2 1/2 hours to drag one out a couple years ago. Now I carry trash bags and rope in the ruck, I'll skin/quarter it,and stuff it the ruck. Joe Mattison, I just always hated that knot, I bet they still use it to torture privates in the RGR Battilion. I can tie the figure eights too, as a matter of fact I find my self on the 60 foot about 6 times a year, throwing cadets off. For some reason the Col won't let us do the Pig,or the Litter rappels though. I know, all old school antique stuff, but for some reason I always like the Litter.

Posted:	12/9/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	I can't say that I recollect that particualr incident. Give me more info to refresh my memory. Glad to see you up and on the "net"....you also need to get in touch with Ross Hall who's writing a book about the History of Camp Merrill. His e-mail address is: iamrhall@yahoo.com He'd love to hear your stories and how things were when you were at Camp Merrill. What are you doing now?

Posted:	12/9/2007
Name:	Bernie Larson
Message:	Hey Joe, Do you remember the time Big O and myself were held at gun point going to hogback? I know Dale will never forget it.

Posted:	12/8/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	To Joe Nowak: Don't kid me buddy. You were a great Mountaineering Instructor at Camp Merrill, and most importantly, you were safe and confident. I never worried about student safety with you in charge of the class. Don't worry about that stupid double butterfly. I never used one except to tie it at a rope corral. Truthfully, if one can tie a figure 8 and a figure 8 retrace, thats about all you need for real mountaineering. The rest are for a very special purpose, or just for show. Thanks again Joe...I had a great flashback memory of us on top of the 60 ft cliff in our Black Ranger T-shirts. Those really were the days!!

Posted:	12/8/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	For Joe Nowak and Ross Hall: Thanks Joe, I had forgotten the "double runs", and the "overlap" cycles when we had cadre in the Desert and another class was already on the ground, in training at Camp Merrill doing the Mountain Phase. I guess I'm getting older, and my memroies aren't what they used to be when it comes to the details of a lot of what we did. The "double run classes" were just as you described...we did everything twice with a large class. The "overlap" classes were due to the scheduling of when classes started Ranger school which had a lot to do with ROTC Graduation/Commissioning, OCS Graduation/Commissioning, and completion of IOBC dates. Those were the real drivers of when a Ranger Course would start at Ft Benning, which in turn was when we got them in the Mountain Camp. Because of all of that, we often times had classes in the Desert and at Camp Merrill at the same time. Your right about the walkers. In the end, we made the "Senior Walker" regardless of Ranks, come from the Mountain Ranger Camp. That insured continuity, standardization, and of course, maintained the major "time lines" for RI involvement. As far as the students and the POI went, all Cadre were standardized, but we weren't standardized in the administrative oversight as RIs, and thats the main reason why the Senior Mountain Cadre member was the Senior RI of the Patrol. The other Camp Officers got some personalized re-education on what it took to be an effective squad leader and Platoon Sergeant...again. In fact, I personally believe that a SSG RI, who evaluates and instructs Squad and Platoon Operations in Ranger School, is actually the best Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant available to our Army. It's kind of transparent, because so many NCOs move between Ranger School and The Ranger Regiment, rather then to a normal Army unit, but still, a few did go to the 82nd, 101st, 509th, 25th and the 10th Mountain Div. In these units, the former RIs really stood our from their peers. Please believe me on this, because I got to see it as a CSM in both a Mechanized Infantry as well as Light Infantry Battalion. At any rate, yes Joe...thanks very much for your very clear, and detailed memory. For Ross:...I hope you understand all of this. If not, Joe Nowak is right there in Dahlonega and easy to get in touch with. Joe did a lot for our Army while on active duty and is still doing a lot for our Army with College level ROTC. Lastly, I want to add, that I don't know what vitamins Joe Nowak is taking, but I want some. He doesn't look any different to me then when I first met him, back in the early 80s. Take care Joe, Ross and everyone else. Thanks for the memories...Joe

Posted:	12/8/2007
Name:	Joe Nowak
Message:	Hey Bernie I'll shoot you tonight, I'm in Dahlonega work at the College. After thinking about my last post, it jogged some memories loose. When we,the first 64 disbanded and went to the Companies is also when we changed the format to resemble what it is now. Mountaineering up front, with 31 and 33 combined, hence 64. When Donny and me were running it we still did the old split schdeule. Joe Mattitson,, you know I never have forgiven you for making me learn all those Mountaineering classes. I still can't hardly tie that Double darn Butterfly Joe

Posted:	12/8/2007
Name:	Bernie Larson
Message:	Hey Joe Nowak where are you at? Send me an E-mail

Posted:	12/8/2007
Name:	Ross Hall
Message:	Thanks for the stories on the FTXs. It's starting to make a full picture now. Guess I'll have to include Bliss as part of the project because it impacted the camp so much. COL Bartran, those war stories of yours are valuable. Please tell some. If not here, then email me iamrhall@yahoo.com Al Parten, write me at above address, please. Missed you at the meeting. Cathy, see you Tues at the mail room around 1300.

Posted:	12/8/2007
Name:	Joe Nowak
Message:	Joe, You forgot about them "Double Runs" when we had more than 150 students, we'd run 31 and Lower Mountaineering with half the class at each site, then flip flop, then do Yonah, then 33. Who can forget doing the Desert up in the Mountains, the other Camps would send us Walkers, didn't take long to figure out we needed at least one Mountain RI with each patrol if we wanted them to make RI changeover. I can remember at least 2 cycles when half the Camp was in the Desert, and the other half was in the Mountains running Studs cause the classes overlapped. Cpt Williams, Donny Drenning, Phil Sheridan and me were the orginal 64 staff, although we didn't call it that. Cpt Williams and I did 31, then Cpt Williams and Donny did 33.Actually we all worked both problems, I ran Hawk for 31, Donny did Changeover and anything we needed at camp, then we switched for 33.We worked out of that building behind the Snaplink, when ya'll were doing that SUI thing, before we went to Companies. After we went to Companies they disbanded us and gave the S-3 some folks and the job and created the 64 staff.

Posted:	12/7/2007
Name:	Cathy Beck
Message:	Thanks Jim. I talked with her a while ago and she is having a bad day but surviving. She will have many of them unfortunately. She said he was so close to her that there were powder burns on her neck. That sick AO deserved to die for what he has done. But anyway, I appreciate all the prayers and well wishes. I will keep you updated if you want. Please do continue to pray for us all, this is hard. I love all of you.

Posted:	12/7/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	Ross, did you get all of that from Col (R) Bartran? I knew that if anyone was going to have the details of that operation, it would be him. He's really the guy that put it all together. Joe

Posted:	12/7/2007
Name:	Jim Bartran
Message:	Just getting caught up since T Day. First, my condolences to Cathy for the trauma in her family...there are too many crazy people out there. The devil was definitely in that man to do such horrible things. I hope you and your sister and family are recovering and coping well. My thoughts and prayers are with you...hang in there. To Darrel Hansen...did you ever find that parachute we lost at Lake Lanier? and that was me who spent about as much time in the desert (Bliss/McGreggor range) as in Dahlonega for a while with Big O. To Jimmy P. is the class plaque Kevin Connel and I gave you for the pancakes still in the mess hall? To Ross...when we first started the desert phase at Bliss, the course was actually extended to 64 days and the mountain and florida phase gave up about 5 or 6 days to make desert tng last 2 weeks. That didn't last long...too expensive and florida snibbled enough that they got their days back. At that time, other than the advance party ( Big O and me, we assigned classes and patrols on the walking board...it was just another leg that everyone shared. Joe Mattison would draft it up and Moose Monroe would approve it. We usually had to leave a Mountaineering and support contingent in Dahlonega to get ready for the next class...they were either waiting on us or on the way soon after tng at Bliss. Big O and I would usually set up all the support for about a week before the class jumped in(everything from transportation, ammo and chow to temp billets for the cadre), run the DZ for the jump into Old Coe Lake DZ by the studs (that was HIGH Adventure...in flight rigging zombee studs both into the desert and then again into Florida) we would walk one leg and run the Platoon Live Fire ...yes Ranger Plt LIVE Fire Attacks... Big O hated those things most of all...even more than riding on a helicopter. I think I have the brief we gave to BG K.C. Leur at Benning and then took on the road to TRADOC for approval of the phase. It was on butcher paper and plastic overheads with grease pencil. Leur gave me a "blue chip" for the brief...my first "coin" ...I still have that too. I think I have some pictures of some of the tng and the CP/hootches at McGreggor Range. There are several good war stories from the LFX, Rangers Lost in the Desert, New Years Party at Club 54, the day Moose Monroe and SEVERAL other NCOs just kicked this local guys ass who took a swing at me in a bar, in flight rig emergencies, record drop/recycle rates, the stud from Ethiopia we left at the hospital for several weeks forgotten, and several near misses with 3ACR and their Tanks chasing patrols in the night. I was on my way out of Dahlonega during the talks to move the desert phase to Dugway... I went on the recon. Our welcome was wearing out at Bliss ...the AF was getting tired of our free ride technigue of working a tactical jump in to pay for the AC and Dougway was looking for buisness. I really did not like the idea of walking in the place where they tested chem bio agents...but they had a nice arrangement and the RIs liked the girls and the Swimming Pool. Stan Kelley took over from me and probably can fill in a lot during that time. Hope everyone is doing well and you all have a great holiday. I am driving to Colorado soon to be there for my son's return from Iraq...they redeploy on Christmas Eve! Hooah. rltw Jim

Posted:	12/7/2007
Name:	Donna
Message:	Hello, I am looking for my step-brother, Randy Richau. Typing his name brought me to this sight. If anyone knows how I can contact him, please pass my message on to him. Thank you! I put my email address for him to contact me back.

Posted:	12/7/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	Sorry folks, I should have clarified something for those who weren't at CFM during the Desert Time frame....64 Staff, was a blend of both the old 31 and 33 Staff (hence 64). The 32 FTX was done away with, and those days were turned over to Desert Training. All "Camps" contributed "days of training" for Desert Training, and those old 32 FTX days were our contribution to the Desert phase for training without extending the length of the overall course of Ranger School. Al Parten and 64 Staff ran our FTXs and if I remember correctly it was essentially the old 31 FTX, then Mountaineering for 5 straight days, followed with the old 33 FTX, but I think one day was removed from the 33 FTX and one day from our "15" series of which all of it was turned over for Desert Training. Help me out on that anyone....my memory for the details are a little cloudy. Thanks...Joe

Posted:	12/7/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	For Al Parten: Thanks Al...you really would be a great asset in getting the actual facts together. Thanks again. Joe

Posted:	12/6/2007
Name:	Al Parten
Message:	Ross Hall, I'll help you with the info for the 64 FTX. I was the API for 28 straight Cycles to include both Airborne Insertions into Dugway and the terrible trips on the bus from the airlanding at the airport to Dugway. See ya at the next meeting. AP

Posted:	12/6/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	Message for Darrel Hanson: I ask you to contact Ross Hall at: iamrhall@yahoo.com Give him an intro of yourself, and tell him when you served and what you did at the Mountain Ranger Camp. I'm very sure that you would add a lot to his new book about the history of the Mountain Ranger Camp, expecially from the HQ/Supply arena. Glad to see you come up on the net. Take care...Joe

Posted:	12/6/2007
Name:	darrell e hansen
Message:	Good to see that CPT/COL Bartran is around again. I was the Assistant Supply NCOIC/NCOIC for supply during the time Oct 1980 to June 1985. Have color photo, of most of the camp military and civilian folks, that was taken by SFC Beltrans wife during that time. Craig Polzin, Laws and a good number of the guys are in it, as well as old Fire Chief and Doug Cook, who was head boss for keeping the camp buildings in shape. Big O, always liked to drive out to Fort Bliss and set up the Advance party deal, he went out with a Cpt from S-3, don't recall name. Living here in Dahlonega is great due to being able to stay in contact with many of the guys from the 80's.

Posted:	12/5/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	Go for it Mac. Plug in and tell some of your stories. You spent a lot of time there my friend, and I know you have a lot to tell.

Posted:	12/5/2007
Name:	Ross Hall
Message:	McElliot, give me a holler if you want to help with camp history. iamrhall@yahoo.com

Posted:	12/3/2007
Name:	~C
Message:	That's pretty scary stuff, Cathy. I am glad to hear that your sister is pulling through. I'm sure the nightmares will last a very long time, but it's sure good to know that she still has her wits about her. You and your family remain in my thoughts and prayers. ~C

Posted:	12/2/2007
Name:	Cathy Beck
Message:	Sorry Cookie and others, I have just got off the phone with her and she is still having a hard time (and will for a long, long time) but she still has her witts about her. She found out that at the shooter home they found an arsenal of guns and ammo. ATF was called in and so far the total number of guns was 66 and yes, 10,000 rounds. I know that sounds to extreme but the officers seem to think that he was going to fire at anyone and everyone that came on that property. My sister is very lucky he got impatient and found them instead of them going to the home place. That was where they were going after they ate. He walked in on them while they were eating at him parents home, so yes, indeed she was lucky. The official report from the ATF officers have not been posted yet but I will let you know the complete totals of aresenal he really had. Thanks again for all of you who have ask about her and me also, but we still need your prayers. God bless all of you too. Life is too short not to tell everyone that. John even said that. God bless you too John.

Posted:	12/1/2007
Name:	~C
Message:	Cathy - how's your sis doing?

Posted:	12/1/2007
Name:	Cathy Beck
Message:	The memorial service was today for the two daughters. My sister is doing as well as can be expected. It is going to be a long drawn out thing, but this kind of pain and shock will last a long time. I hope that you will continue to pray for my sister's physical and most important now is her mental health. She said that the man looked and acted just like a monster. I am sure he was. Anyone who would kill his own daughters and try to kill others just has to be a devil.

Posted:	12/1/2007
Name:	~C
Message:	Hi John - good to read that you're still alive and kicking. Welcome home for a bit! ~Cookie

Posted:	12/1/2007
Name:	John Coomer
Message:	Hello to all the fellow Rangers and friends. I'm back from the last tour in the sand box for a bit and normally stay below the radar and just read the Ranger Message Log but with the way the world is going these days I thought I had better say howdy while I could. Roy, great story; I still tell it every now and again when we are B.S'ing. I think the ruck though wasn't for cutting up the deer and placing it in there, it was so small that we cut off its legs ansd just tossed it in! Need to get to Ohio more often with Tommy and shoot some real deer! Stay safe. JC

Posted:	11/30/2007
Name:	~
Message:	Cathy - keep us updated. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you. ~C

Posted:	11/30/2007
Name:	Jim Regan
Message:	Check in frequently to see what's up. Most of the folk who log in, are from an era, way after me and some of my comrades.(MRC '69-'71). Still in touch w/ a couple of hard heads. Mike Martin, Mike Jaussaud, and Tex Wandke. Reckon we're becoming dianasors?!(SP)Best to all for the Holidays. Jim RLTW

Posted:	11/29/2007
Name:	Cathy Beck
Message:	Rangers and friends, please keep my sister and my family in your prayers. Tuesday, she was shot in the head but luckily she ducked and it only graised her. She had a total of 22 staples in her head. She was helping a friend's mother get stuff out of her house because the mother was getting a divorce. The husband came in and shot his daughter in the throat and then in the chest. After her, he chased my sister down the hall and shot her. While this was going on, his other daughter was trying to get next door to call 911 and he went after her. He shot her in the stomach and she fell to the ground and he went up to her and shot her in the back of the head. He then turned the gun on himself. My sister was the only survior. Thank God. Alcohol was a factor but the man acted just like Charles Manson. Please keep us in your prayers and pray that my sister don't loose her mind over this. Please!!!

Posted:	11/28/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	Last message for awhile, but I can't let this one get away without posting it. Jan and I just got back from a great "link-up" and dinner at a local sea food restaurant with CSM (R) Acebes and his wife, as well as CSM (R) Etheridge and his wife. We haven't seen each other in several years, and it was great linking up with all of them for a few hours, and catching up on old times and old Rangers. I have learned that several have now passed away who were part of that original 1st Bn Ranger, 75th Infantry Regiment organization from 1974. In addition to all of us sitting around, and cracking crab legs, coincidence happened. In walks "Rock" Hudson, and his family. The "Rock" Hudson was the first Executive Officer of 1/75 back in 1974. As you can guess, it was quite a "reunion". All are doing very well, and look good. Thanks...Joe

Posted:	11/28/2007
Name:	John Freischlag
Message:	Dang! Its been a long time since I've seen the camp. School and a Company FTX up there while in B 1/75.I cant believe they have buildings other than the cabins! LOL I heard they still find C-rats buried from the classes before me. Class 503/79, Dang back-stabbing Cadets. A big Hooah to all those that have trained and passed the muster in the mountain phase. There are a few Rangers from WNY to be proud of! RTL

Posted:	11/28/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	I have a whole bunch of confusion in my memories about Camp Merrill between the years of 1985-1988. we organized and reorganized so many times, and I served in Patrolling, Mountaineering and as the Camp Ops NCO, but I can't seem to put it together in sequence. Tom Smith has been a great help in putting in info during that time frame, but still, there are many historical notes that are still missing. If anyone served at Camp Merrill during that time frame and went through Staff to SUI Teams, as well as the 2nd Ranger Co to 5th RTB, and remembers closing down the 32 FTX, building a 64 FTX Staff, going to the Desert (Texas or Utah) I ask that you contact Ross Hall at iamrhall@yahoo.com and help him get that "figured out, and back in chronological order. Thanks To All!! Joe

Posted:	11/27/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	Again, I'd like to ask all of my Ranger Friends and Families to contact Ross Hall at: iamrhall@yahoo.com and give him your name, e-mail address and a short story of "your choice" with regards to your experience while assigned or undergoing training at the Mountain Ranger Camp, Dahlonega, Georgia. There seems to be somewhat of a void for information regarding the Camp during the 1960s. Anyone who served there as military, civilian employees or family members are especially invited to participate. The early 1960s is very limited in historical knowledge and personal experiences. The later 1960s (1965 and on) we were in full combat operations in Viet Nam, and I would guess that the Cadre would return from Viet Nam to Camp Merrill for a year or two, and then return back to Viet Nam. All stories would be greatly appreciated, no matter when you served there. Again, thanks to all for what you are doing, or what you have done...Joe

Posted:	11/23/2007
Name:	Jerry
Message:	Doug, I appreciate the thought, second it, and back at you Buddy! See you in a couple weeks.

Posted:	11/22/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	Ross, just a quick story about Tommy and a good friend of his named Al Brasier. On my last assignment at Camp, I had the pleasure of serving with these two as well as two other great First Sergeants being Tony Lewis and Dale Osterloh. Tommy and Al were always doing the Xtreme PT kind of thing and weekly, one of them would be responsible for some kind of bizarre and extreme Physical Training session. It was one of those "I double dare you" kind of things. This one particular session involved jumping into the water from a pretty good height....just one problem, the water was very shallow. I had two "hobbling" First Sergeants for several weeks after that one. I think that was the last of their "I double dare you adventures" as I remember. Joe

Posted:	11/22/2007
Name:	Doug Perry
Message:	Fellow Rangers as I sit here today eating my turkey and dressing and giblet gravy. I want to express my thanks to the men and women in uniform both stateside and in the sandbox and every where in the world,you are the reason I can sit here today and enjoy my freedom to do this.Tom Wilburn, Roy Close, Jerry Massey,Pat Smith,Tony Torres,and all you other thousands of RANGERS that I have known,that I have trained and have touched over the years may God bless you. If and when you get a knee remember me and mine I promise I will do the same for you.May God bless all you Rangers wherever you are on this Turkey day RLTW.

Posted:	11/22/2007
Name:	Ross Hall
Message:	Happy Thanksgiving to all, and a special gobble to those in harm's way. We're thinking about you. Tom Wilburn, surely CFM is not covered by non-disclosures. I'll get a story out of you yet. Watch your backside, buddy, and we'll see you in Feb. As for the tapes, consensus seems to be to have them put on CD (maybe 2 or 3)and donate them to CFM Museum. Maybe go a little further and make a Table of Contents so the CD can be navigated. Then, offer them to military school libraries, starting with North Georgia. I'll wait until these next two projects are done, so there may be double the amount. Thoughts? God bless and keep safe on this special day.

Posted:	11/22/2007
Name:	Joe and Jan
Message:	Happy Thanks Giving to all of our friends. A special thanks to all who are deployed. We pray for your safety, and we hope that you return back home soon.

Posted:	11/22/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	To: Tommy Wilburn, I request that you get in contact with Ross Hall at iamrhall@yahoo.com and share some of your CFM stories with him. I also think that the disc and the tape ideas are good for the CFM museum. Thanks...Joe

Posted:	11/21/2007
Name:	Jerry Massey
Message:	Amie, I'll be heading that way in a couple or three weeks. Let Roy know I'll be transitting through H2 there. If you can give his unit designation, I'll be able to track him down. I'll shout at you again here a few days before I head out. Thanks for the relay! Tommy, glad to hear you ain't froze. Watchout for the "varmits".

Posted:	11/19/2007
Name:	Tribbie
Message:	I am looking for Dave Ramerez. I am not sure of the spelling of the last name. He is from New Jersey and is a medic. I would like for him to call me. He already has my home number. If anyone reading this knows him let him know Tribbie is wanting to get in touch with him

Posted:	11/19/2007
Name:	tom wilburn
Message:	I hope everyone is well and at least someone is killing some critters for the 08 cookout. I am just back in from some cold times here in Afghanistan and won't get home until February 08. I wanted to take a brief moment to wish a belated happy Veterans day to all. I also wanted to say congrats to Kathy on 20 years of selfless service, dedication, and friendship. You have done so much for so many and we are all grateful for your dedication to CFM, Soldiers,and their families

Posted:	11/19/2007
Name:	Mike Flack
Message:	Those tapes in Ross Hall's possession have great value. Unfortunately, sometimes when tapes are played on different recorders they get destroyed. Therefore, I recommend that someone find someone with the ability to transfer those tapes to disc. The disc will not be easily mutilated or damaged like tpae and will last a lot longer. Surely there is someone around there who can do that. My wife has the ability, but we're not close enough. It's just a matter of the software and some CD or DVD burning equipment. Storage on a hard drive would also be helpful. I hope that can be done so those treasures can be maintained for a very long time.

Posted:	11/18/2007
Name:	Cathy Beck
Message:	Ross, I think it would be good to be added to the musuem at Camp. They could sorta set up a small library for them. On down the line, I am sure a lot of people would enjoy listening to them. They could get a small casette player and maybe a small desk and chair and let people sat in there in listen to them. I am old fashion, I like to keep things together in the musuem. What better than to hear the actual voices of the soldiers who live it. It is just my suggestion.

Posted:	11/18/2007
Name:	amie close
Message:	Hey Jerry Massey , Roy wanted me to try and get a message out to you that he is in Merez, Mosul, Iraq at the brigade headquarters so if you are in that area give him a shout , he does'nt have computer access yet so that is why I am trying to get a message to you Thanks Amie

Posted:	11/18/2007
Name:	Ross Hall
Message:	Hello All During the research for my last book I often collected interviews on tape. Most are in person, some over the phone. I have 38 cassete tapes, ranging from 15 minutes to an hour and a half. All are Rangers, dating from WWII through modern day. Kernan, Leuer, Mike Martin, Perry, Scholes, you get the picture. Some of them feature more than one person, as with LTC Flohr and CSM Legg. There might be 45 voices. Some good stuff. I used all that I could in The Ranger Book, but not every word. I feel these tapes have value, but am uncertain what to do with them. I'd be happy to donate them, or copies of them, to anybody who could/would use them. RLTW

Posted:	11/17/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	For Joe Nowak: We've walked quite a few patrols together and we did them in the Mountains as well in the Desert out in Utah. I ask that you contact Ross Hall and give him some of your reflections and memories while stationed at CFM. You'd have a lot to contribute. Lastly, where is "Ferrel" DZ. I don't think I ever jumped on that one.

Posted:	11/17/2007
Name:	Joe Nowak
Message:	Sasquatch, I know the story. This ain't the forum for that and I don't tell stories to screen names. Joe

Posted:	11/17/2007
Name:	Cathy Beck
Message:	Ross Hall, I still am in awe with the gift of the Ranger History. I am so honored to have it, many, many thanks. Thanks Ross and "Duke" for being there.

Posted:	11/17/2007
Name:	Sasquatch
Message:	Does anyone know the story of Ferrel DZ?

Posted:	11/16/2007
Name:	Cathy Beck
Message:	Thanks Cookie and who ever you are. I have been so honored to work with such good people. All of you have given me more than I could ever repay. I love all of you from the bottom of my heart and I hope in 20 more years we can do this again. PS: Am I the only going tomorrow?

Posted:	11/16/2007
Name:	~C
Message:	Happy 20, Cathy!!

Posted:	11/16/2007
Name:	From All of us who know you
Message:	HAPPY 2OTH YEAR AT CAMP MERRILL, CATHY BECK! THANKS FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR MANY OF US.

Posted:	11/15/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	To Steve and Dale, Glad to see you two up and on the net! Thanks for your encouragement to get Cathy to make contact with Ross Hall. She's seen more of us come and go out of CFM, and remembers the Civilian Employee side of CFM better then any of us. Now that's said, I also want to encourage the both of you, which I had the pleasure of serving with at CFM, and have the fondest memories of you both, to also contact Ross Hall at iamrhall@yahoo.com and ask to give your input. He'll take you through what he's looking for, and the both of you served many years, and walked many cold Patrol nights in those mountains of North Georgia. I can't think of anyone more qualified to speak of the times that we served there in the later 80s and mid 90s. Add to that anyone else you know, and can contact, who you feel will represent the true, and actual history of CFM at any time they served there. Where is Mike Ramsey, Tommy Wilburn, Tony Lewis, Al Brasier, and several others who can give there input. All of them were "heroes" in my eyes, and served there in challenging positions, and some difficult times. Where's Baker who used to be the NCOIC of Mountaineering when I was there last in 98. He could add a great deal with regards to the transition we did of mountaineering equipment, and training from the old nylon rope days. Where's Herbie Baugh who can add his recollections of our trip to the German Mountain School back in 84 (I think it was, theres a photo of us all on this site under Photo Album)...A great many of us who read this site can contribute, and I ask all, to contact Ross Hall, and just tell him who you are, when you served, and what you did while serving at CFM. Thanks Steve and Dale....again, you two also...log in and drop him a message. He's easy to talk to. I want to add especially for Ross Hall who reads this site regularly that I think it would be smart to make a special trip to Camp one day soon, and talk to Jimmy Padgett who runs the Mess Hall. I think he's about to retire. Jimmie was an SFC "Mess Sergeant" when the Mess Hall was still ran by all military, and no civilians except for K.P.s. I first met him in Sept 1979 when I reported for duty there as Cadre, for the first time. He's still there. He's been in that Mess Hall, doing his "Bluberry Pancakes" for over 30 years now. I doubt he does internet, but he's interesting to talk to once you get past the "gruff". He, as much as any of us, deserves a place in your book. Lastly, the Fire Chief who was there when I was there last, is retired in the Dahlonega area. He's a great source of information about our Fire Hall on CFM. Many of us can remember when it was fully staffed with Army Fire Fighters (MOS:51M), and he was there from the beginning as it transitioned to civilian Fire Fighters. I'm sure he's in the phone book, Chief Brooks (sorry, don't know the first name, it was always "Chief"). Thanks, Steve, Dale, Cathy and Ross... Please everbody, give him an e-mail, and just make contact. He'll do the rest. Take care, Joe

Posted:	11/13/2007
Name:	Dale Osterloh
Message:	For Cathy Beck" I'll add my encouragement to that of Steve Bentley and "Smokin Joe" You know more about that camp than most of us that served there. I know your stories would rival most of the "wolf stories" that are told at the club every nite. Looking forward to reading them in the book.

Posted:	11/13/2007
Name:	Steve Bentley
Message:	For Cathy Beck: I want to add my encouragement to that of "Smokin Joe". You have added a great deal to the community of CFM for a lot of years - and that love has been shared by some great soldiers. You are a large part of their story.

Posted:	11/11/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	FOR : Cathy Beck, Please take up the invitation from Ross Hall. I think you will have a lot to contribute. Thanks...Joe

Posted:	11/11/2007
Name:	Tom Joyner
Message:	Hello All, Just returned from Wash. DC for the 25 anniversary of the Wall. I Read a few names,met some old friends and paid my respects to alot of brave soliders.It is a pleasure to be associated with such dedicated warriors.

Posted:	11/11/2007
Name:	Ross Hall
Message:	Cathy Beck, somehow in all the years I've been fooling around the camp, I've not met you. 20 years is a pretty good run. This historian bets you've got some stories worth recording. I'm writing a history of the camp, and you definitely are a part of it. If you want to join Rangers already a part of this project, email me at iamrhall@yahoo.com. I guess a few guys on this site will vouch for me. Ross Hall

Posted:	11/11/2007
Name:	Cathy Beck
Message:	I know I have been on here a lot lately, I apologize but let me say this to all of you. I want to thank you again on this day for my freedom, my peace and my wonderful job. Without you none of these would be possible. You don't get enough credit and thanks for what you have done over the many, many years of military history and I just wanted you ALL to know I appreciate and love you all. God bless you. Rangers Lead The Way, always!

Posted:	11/10/2007
Name:	Casey Beck
Message:	Hello everyone. As you have heard, we are giving Momma (Cathy Beck) a party at the NCO Club next Saturday (17th). She has worked 20 years at Camp Merrill and she would like for the Rangers old and new to stop by and say hello. The hours are 5:00 - 8:00 pm and we will furnish the food, but we ask that you buy your own drinks. If anyone would like to bring a dish it would be greatly appreciated. If you know you are coming, please email me back so that I can make sure I have enough to go around. You all mean so much to momma and we hope that you can make it. Thank you all for all for what you have done for her through out the years. (PS - I have been asked if this is a retirement party, the answer is NO, she plans on being there until they run her off).

Posted:	11/9/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	OK folks, got to go do my "nursing thing"....I'll check back next week. I'll be in Gainesville on Weds. If I have the time, I'll stop by and look in on the Camp. It's just a short trip, to see my son and pick up my boat that he's had all summer. Take care...Joe

Posted:	11/9/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	Thanks Cathy for the update. It's nice to know that the building is once again being used as a Chapel. I wonder if they "ring the bell" as they used to for Ranger Student Chapel Services? The old bell inside of the wooden monument dedicated to all Rangers. the building behind it was nothing more then a junk storage room as I remember it. I think it was used to hold all of the excess grading sheets (O.R.s) and extra printed training materials for when we used to give a lot of "Platform" instruction in the Classroom which is now the S-3. I'm real curious to hear more from Doug about the "Sling Rope" that he mentioned that used to be where TMC 11 is now? Another thing about the TMC 11 area is all of that poured concrete around that building. It makes sense, in order to hold back the hill behind it and in front of the Bn HQ, but I'm curious as to when they did all of that to include the poured (very thick) concrete wall. I remember another concrete project in and around that area sometime back in the mid 80s or so, but it was really nothing more then an extension of what was already in place. There used to be a pinic table, phone booth and snack/soda machines on the upper level of that poored concrete area that was outside of the PX entrance and to the end of the building when the PX used to be co-located with the Commissary. All that was removed when they did the concrete expansion and upgrade. That area always reminded me of an old Army Coastal Shore Battery with all that thick concrete.

Posted:	11/9/2007
Name:	Cathy Beck
Message:	The conference room is now the Chapel and the one behind itis being used for the boy scouts.

Posted:	11/9/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	Doug, I did not know that information. The Snaplink info was great, but the "Sling rope" info is totally new to me. What did the "sling rope" look like? Was it a tent, building or what, and did it have a plank type of bar or something else. The "snaplink" that Col Bartran describes is exactly how I remember it. The old Chapel which later became the Conference room is still there, up on the side of the hill, behind where the Snaplink used to be, but I don't know what it's being used for. It's now a tan color, and the building that was behind it, that we used for storage, is still there.

Posted:	11/9/2007
Name:	Mike Flack
Message:	Yes, Doug, that number will work. And same to you. I hope you're doing well.

Posted:	11/8/2007
Name:	Doug Perry
Message:	Mike Flack can you still be reached at the Ph,# you gave me on your bus. card,??? Hope to see you soon.RLTW.

Posted:	11/8/2007
Name:	Jim Bartran
Message:	Thanks Doug, I was most surprised by the absence of the Snaplink when I rode through last month. When I was first assigned to the camp in 1981, I was assinged as O club custodian. It was a great place, we had all the typical bad food and beer in the fridge...everything was on the honor system. I still have one of the bar stools we replaced shortly after taking over the books. We never made money, always turned it back into the place. My family stayed in that place for a few days...I think we took two or 3 "rooms" and had the run of the place. I had a picture of the Snaplink hanging in my office for almost 30 years between an "old camp" and "new camp" areial photo. The chapel / conference room was next door then, did that burn down too?

Posted:	11/8/2007
Name:	Doug Perry
Message:	For Mike Condrella abnrgrmike1@aol.com...In 1961 the snaplink was the officers club and also where the bacherlor officers hung out directley accross the street was a couple of tents one was a weight lifting tent and the other one was where the officers kept their beer soda soft drinks etc.The EM club was the Slingrope.It was then located next to the day room just about where Tm 11 is now.Most of the officers hung out at the Slingrope where all the local girls hung out.Lt jon Crawford,Cpt adrain Payne,Cpt Kantor,Ltc.Dan Pruett was the Camp Co. Cpt Campbell,Cpt Rhor oh well that is another story.RLTW.

Posted:	11/8/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	A final note about the "Old Snaplink". It used to be the Black Family home, before they sold the farm to the forestry Service for Camp Frank D. Merrill. I'll bet Doug Perry could add quite a bit about the history of that old building and how it was expanded, and added onto, in order to have the Transient Quarters as well as an "Officers Club". I know that it used to be a big "headache" for the Camp Engineers, and when it got real cold, the water had to stay on in the building or the pipes would freeze. No kidding!!

Posted:	11/8/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	How did you to get to Ft Bliss? I know that "Big O" didn't like to fly. He didn't like helicopters, airplanes or parachuting. He really had a fear of all that stuff. Great man, great RI, but he would have rather got to the FTXs either on foot or in the back of deuce and a half. I had forgotten that name, "Big O". Glad that you brought it back. I still remember him with those big, thick Army issue glasses of the time, and cotton stuck in his ear, yet always with a big smile! Nice to know about Condrella. I had often wondered about him. He was the one who hired my mother to be the "cleaning lady" of the NCO Barracks and the old Snaplink. When they burned the old Snaplink down and they rebuilt the current Senior NCO Barracks, it virtually put her out of a Job and thats when she went to work at N.E. Ga. Medical Center in Gainesville. She's 80 years old now and doesn't get around like she used to, but thats ok, she's here with Jan and I and is just "enjoying life", one day at a time. Thanks for the memories....all of you! For those who don't know it, the Temporary Quarters that is at the entrance to the Camp on the right hand side (when you enter) is a duplex, and was built back around 86 or so. Before that, we had a wooden building (at that exact location) that had been added to and expanded over the years. It had a small "Officers Club" and several "transient" rooms as well as one "Married Couples" room for those inbound families while looking for a place to live. The building was called the "Snaplink", and it isn't the same building as the NCO Club is now, that goes by the same name. In those days, the NCO club was called "The NCO Club"...really novel idea wasn't it! The old "Snaplink" was a very important place for inbound families. It really was the only place that a family could live while searching for something to either rent or buy. There were no Government Quarters in those days. Thanks to all for the memories. I had forgotten quite a few until re-reading this site. Take care..Joe

Posted:	11/8/2007
Name:	Jim Bartran
Message:	Actually, I guess I had 3 First Sgts, including SFC Oswald ... "Big O" my most reliable right hand on our many trips to McGreggor Range/White Sands NM. There were times when I thought he and I would die eating ten cent Ramean in that place setting up for desert training. What a good deal that was...great memories.

Posted:	11/8/2007
Name:	Jim Bartran
Message:	Doug, thanks...I would like to send Mike a note and reestablish contact.

Posted:	11/8/2007
Name:	Mike Flack
Message:	I appreciate the update on Mike Condrella. He and I walked a few legs together. Speaking of shake and bakes, how about Steve Beltran? Anybody know anything about him?

Posted:	11/8/2007
Name:	Doug Perry
Message:	Mike Condrella teaches JROTC in the chicago school system. He is getting ready to retire again.Let me know if you want to get in touch with him.Mike was one of about a dozen shake and bakes we got in the MRC at the same time. RLTW.

Posted:	11/7/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	Well, I guess if anyone would remember, it would be the Company Commander! Welcome back home from Iraq, and congratulations on a very successful military career. Your retirement is well earned!

Posted:	11/7/2007
Name:	Jim Bartran
Message:	Thanks Joe for letting everyone know I am up on the net. It was a good ride in the Army, but I am getting used to retirement after just a week on the rolls. Thanks to all who have already sent emails off line...I should be able to settle down and stay in touch now. I loved my time in the mountains and maybe some day will come back to drink the water again. It is good to see so many old friends on this site. I had 2 First Sgts...Mott and Condrella. John was in Iraq with me for a year... he is a retired Police Officer working with the Iraqi Police force in southern Iraq. We linked up for a short time last year and had a blast telling war stories....we stay in touch. I hope to be back in the area soon...thanks for everything. Jim

Posted:	11/7/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	Bob, Great Story!!! Now lets really test the memory banks of a few....who was the First Sergeant with Captain Bartran, of 2nd Ranger company?

Posted:	11/7/2007
Name:	Bob Williams
Message:	One of my favorite stories from CFM was when one morning in 1985 the 2nd Ranger Company Commander, CPT Bartran, inspected the RSE barracks which is currently the C Company building. PFC Lane had been keeping a chow puppy in his room for a few days. Cpt Bartran walked by Lane's door and heard a noise. We were outside doing PT, so the good CPT opened the door and proceeded to evict the puppy only to become a casualty to the teeth of the hateful little red chow.

Posted:	11/7/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	Message to all: As requested by Steve and others....the e-mail address is: jneverquit@yahoo.com for Colonel (R) Bartran. We have stayed in touch off and on over the years as many of you may remember, he was the Operations Officer of CFM during the initial phases of Desert Training back in the early 80s, and I was the Operations Sergeant. We did the initial Desert training at Ft Bliss. He did all of the "forward" Operations at Ft Bliss, and I stayed at Camp Merrill and did all of the Operations back at Camp. He spent the better part of a year or so out there, returning only on rare occasions. He put in a lot of time and effort getting the Desert Training program going. This was under the Command of Tom Terrill and Moose Monroe, time frames. Later, after "Moose" retired, we had SGM Fletcher....for about a year. For those of you who remember that time frame, I invite you to contact Colonel (R) Bartram at the above address. Again, his e-mail is: jneverquit@yahoo.com He would love to hear from you I'm sure. He has just retired. Take care...Joe

Posted:	11/6/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	For all that remember Captain James Bartran, former Operations Officer, Camp Frank D. Merrill back in 1982....(and who had a lot to do with the initial development of Desert Training when we first started doing Desert Training at Ft Bliss Texas), he is now back from Iraq and is officially retired. He retired as Colonel Bartran. He recently finished a 3 week motorcycle tour of several of the installations that he served at to include Camp Merrill, as a way of "saying goodbye" to our Army after a long and successful career, and is now settling down into the routine of a "retired from the Army" lifestyle. He is doing well and sends his regards to all who he served with. His son is on active duty and currently in Iraq. Welcome home Col (R) Bartran, from all of us who served with you at Camp Merrill.

Posted:	11/5/2007
Name:	Doug Perry
Message:	Rangers. On Fri. Nov 9th there will be a Veterans appreciation ceremony at the LCHS football stadium.All Veterans are invited , it will begin at 0900 hrs.On Sat Nov.10 at 1100 hrs there will be a motorcycle ride for the wall please come out and support this ride all procedes goes to the Lumpkin County Veterans Park.We need help for we will be cooking for the riders,.On Sun. 11th Nov. the Church of God on happy hollow road will host a BBQ for all Veterans after the services, all veterans are invited. On Mon.Nov. 12th at 1100 hrs. there will be a reath laying ceremony at the Lumpkin County Veterans Park followed by a parade around the square downtown Dahlonega.Rangers get involved and support the activites We need YOU.RLTW. RLTW.

Posted:	11/3/2007
Name:	Cathy Beck
Message:	Dan Rhodes email me please!

Posted:	11/2/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	1. Tommy, the Memorial looks great, thanks! My regards you your family. Again, thanks. 2. Ross: I received the books yesterday evening. I am taking one into work with me tonight. One of our CT Technicians used to be cadre at the Florida Ranger Camp, and his father is a retired Ranger and former Florida Camp Cadre member as well. You may have heard of the Turner family (Father and Son) from FRC. Take Care, Joe

Posted:	11/1/2007
Name:	Jerry
Message:	Real nice. Thanks Wilburn's, appreciate it.

Posted:	10/31/2007
Name:	Bob Williams
Message:	Click on the images to see the Fallen Ranger Memorial photos that Cathy provided.

Posted:	10/30/2007
Name:	Craig McCamish
Message:	I wanted to let everyone know that Andy Howard got out of the hospital Sat. Wanda, his daughter, told me everything is going well and he is recovering nicely.

Posted:	10/29/2007
Name:	Cathy Beck
Message:	Doug, Bob Williams will be posting the photo's soon. The memorial is so awesome. Tom's girls did a great job and alot of research to get the information they did on fallen Ranger's. God bless you girls and your mom and dad.

Posted:	10/25/2007
Name:	Cathy Beck
Message:	I will go tomorrow. What are you talking about?

Posted:	10/25/2007
Name:	Joe Mattison
Message:	Jan and I just got back from a 3 day trip to St Augustine, Florida where we did a "link-up" with Tom and Tami Smith. Their looking great, and we all had a good time in old St Augustine. Take care. Joe

Posted:	10/25/2007
Name:	~C
Message:	Thanks so much, Doug! I greatly appreciate your help with that! I'll be back for Christmas....one way or another. RLTW

Posted:	10/25/2007
Name:	Doug Perry
Message:	Cookie. The flowers are in place.I think they look good, they are red white and blue.Cathey Beck if you will go to the air field and see what you think of them.Also Cookie thanks for the donation to the USMRA.RLTW>

Posted:	10/25/2007
Name:	Jerry
Message:	Next time one of ya'll see Andy let him we're know I'm thinkin' of him. And tell him not to stay in there too long or he'll start gettin' bed sores! Thanks! Steve could you shoot me an e-mail ref, that slot a LCCMS? Thanks Jerry.

Posted:	10/24/2007
Name:	Larson
Message:	Hey Ranger Buds, I've been out of the net for along time. Just want to establish comms. I've moved six or seven times after retirement,but I'm back in Lagrange GA. Going to be in Dahlonega this weekend would love to make link-up. Let me know if anyone can make it.

Posted:	10/24/2007
Name:	Steve Hawk
Message:	Rangers For anyone interested The Lumpkin County School System is looking for someone to take the eight grade Leadership Academy. Although not JROTC offically, it comes under our office. The school has posted the job on the lumpkin County School system webpage and is taking applications. Steve

Posted:	10/24/2007
Name:	Craig McCamish
Message:	Hi Everyone, I just got back from visiting Andy Howard at the Hospital. He is doing much better and was as awnry as ever. From what I was told he had his gallblabladder removed, had a heart attack, and his kidneys are in bad shape but inproving daily. When his kidneys get strong enough I understand that they will put a stint in his heart. Not sure how much longer he will be in the hospital but it was sure great to talk to him and see him recovering. He is on the 4th floor of Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville. If you stop by the hospital to visit just check with the front dest to confirm his room number. I hope this information helps, especially for you guys deployed. Take care, Craig

Posted:	10/23/2007
Name:	Doug Perry
Message:	They have moved Andy Howard out of ICU to the 3rd floor.They are going to give him a heart cath. when he gets a little stronger.RLTW.

Posted:	10/23/2007
Name:	Doug Perry
Message:	Larry Bannister says Andy Howard might have suffered a mild heart attack. He is in the ICU at NE GA Medical center in Gainesville Ga.If anybody goes by there give us an update.When I reported to the MRC in March of 1961 Andy was the one that came into Dahlonega to pick me up. He was a SFC E-6. In an open jeep, it was a cool ride on the way back to the camp.

Posted:	10/22/2007
Name:	Doug Perry
Message:	Andy Howard. Was in the NE GA medical center for a gall bladder removal I think he is doing fine ??? Andy works for the local funeral home,. If he is not I will let everybody know..RLTW>>>

Posted:	10/22/2007
Name:	Ross Hall
Message:	Just heard that Andy Howard is in ICU with a heart attack. Unsure of hospital, but it may be Chestatee.

Posted:	10/22/2007
Name:	Al Buckelew
Message:	Does anyone know if a date been established for the 2008 Open House?

Posted:	10/21/2007
Name:	Tom Dartez
Message:	I never made the connection until I read it on here. We sent a Soldier out on emergency leave four days ago to be the pallbearer at his cousin’s funeral. The cousin Ranger Monschke played a large role in him coming into the Army.

Posted:	10/19/2007
Name:	Doug Perry
Message:	I was talking to a young buck sgt. at the club one night, and he ask me what I was most proud of in Ranger School.I told him it was the fact that that I was a WINTER RANGER, and my Tab was sewn on with white thread.His name was MONSCHKE.RIP Ranger may god bless your family.RLTW.

Posted:	10/19/2007
Name:	Cathy Beck
Message:	I used to call him Mon Che Che because I could not pronounce his name. The first time I called him that to his face, I got a funny look and from then on out, he would walk in here and say "mrscathy, Mon Che Che is here to pick up his mail". At least he did want to go postal on me. All of you are correct, he was an excellent soldier, leader and always there for his platoon. He will be missed by all who knew him. God bless his family and prayers go out to them.

Posted:	10/19/2007
Name:	Ross Hall
Message:	Ranger Monschke was a serious, earnest young man who loved his family. I offered to interview him in 2002, before SF. He declined, saying he hadn't done anything exciting--yet. He was still Opfor at that point. His wife's brother is a good friend of my son. Seems like she was always happy. We knew her for years, and met Ranger Monschke several time. A good man. Rest Well, Ranger

Posted:	10/19/2007
Name:	Runyon
Message:	Those who remember, Ranger Monschke was in the Opfor platoon (TM LDR, SQD LDR) around 2000 through 2002 then went SF. Keep the family in your thoughts. SFC Monschke ------------------------------- His official bio from USASOC: Sgt. 1 st Class Justin S. Monschke, 28, was killed in action on Oct. 14, while conducting combat operations in the South Baghdad Region of Arab Jabour while serving with ODA 354 of Company B, 2 nd Battalion, 3 rd Special Forces Group (Airborne). He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in July 2007 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula. This was his second deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism and his first deployment to Iraq. Monschke, a native of Denton, Texas, graduated from Krum High School in 1997. He enlisted in the Army on June 12, 1997 as an Airborne Infantryman. In 2002 he earned the coveted "Green Beret." Monschke’s military education includes the Advance Noncommissioned Officer Course; Special Forces Advance Recon Target Analysis and Exploitation Techniques Course; the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course; Basic Airborne Course; Jumpmaster Course; Emergency Medical Technician – Ambulance Course; Air Assault Course; Ranger Course; Warrior Leaders Course; Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course; Combat Lifesavers Course; Long Range Surveillance Leaders Course and the Special Forces Qualification Course. His awards and decorations include two Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, three Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, three Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Military Freefall Badge, Air Assault Badge, Ranger Tab, and the Special Forces