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Date Change Operation Gathering of Eagles Mission: To bring together past and present Ranger brothers and their extended families, paraplegic Rangers, wives and/or mothers and fathers of Ranger KIA’s to be honored individually for sacrifices made to ensure the American way of life for their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and future generations. On 20-March 2004 the SOUTHERN REGION of RICA will host what may be, with your participation, hopefully the most prodigious gathering of past and present Rangers ever assembled, possibly a thousand + not including family members and friends. One can only envision a Ranger brotherhood with the WW-II Ranger Battalions including Merrill’s Marauders, Airborne Rangers of the Korean War, LRRP Rangers of Viet Nam, with all past/present members of the 75th Ranger Regiment bonding this unique relationship and observance of their family’s collective acknowledgement, with pride, their accomplishments, and sacrifices. I would guess even tough old Rangers or guests would not have a dry eye. All Rangers and their families should recognize this “GATHERING OF EAGLES” will in all probability never be repeated insofar as the WW-II Rangers and Korean Airborne Rangers are all 70 to 80 years young and our ranks are thinning fast. By meeting and mingling with Rangers, past and present, Ranger guests will glean a true lesson in living history. These Rangers are the brave warriors of lore. Books and songs have been written about them. Motion Pictures depicting their valor abound. We will all meet young Rangers of the 75th Ranger Regiment who served in Granada, Panama, Somalia, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and currently Iraq. I encourage the following from every one of you: Help RICA trans form Operation “GATHERING OF EAGLES” into the grandest Ranger victory possible, to honor our BROTHERHOOD. Please help jump start our momentum by communicating with me and every Ranger and Ranger family member possible and alert all that our Operation “GATHERING OF EAGLES” is AIRBORNE, the GREEN light is on and as of now scheduled to make DZ OCALA on 20-March 2004.. Location: Ocala Florida on a warm February day, near the famous tourist attraction of Silver Springs, numerous golf courses, and thoroughbred ranches. Information on Hotels/Motels, programs, etc. will follow as all the final blanks are filled in. This operation will be a monumental undertaking. A successful event will require that we give 100% and then some. RICA is counting on all Rangers to commit to this mission and secure our objective. Remember the Ranger Creed: We never leave a wounded comrade on the field of battle, therefore HELP this old Ranger. I ask you please disseminate this to all Rangers, and families that you know. I will follow up with future heads up memos and progress reports. I will circulate these throughout the entire Ranger neighborhood on a monthly basis thru January 2004.
Ranger
Gerald H. Shaffer
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OPERATION GATHERING OF EAGLES:
Date: 25 Aug. 2003 HEADS UP No. 1 1) After months of negotiations with various Hotels we have selected Steinbrenner’s RAMADA INN AND CONFERENCE CENTER In Ocala. FL. As the appropriate setting for this Historic Gathering. 2) Final confirmed [date change from 5-Feb.] to March 20 thru 23 with check out on the 24th. At room rates of $59.00 + tax. 3) I would appreciate (2) Rangers from each Association and/or unit to sign on as coordinators to assist me in disseminating future “HEADS UP” information quickly and to all. Please send me your e-mail and/or home address & phone # that I may communicate to each unit, thru you, to pass on future “Heads Up” information. GATHERING OF EAGLES has been invited on Sunday March 21st for a full day of activities at the beautiful Silver Springs Theme Park. In late afternoon Lee Greenwood will be performing his special “Patriotic Salute” show in concert. Approximately. 20 minutes before Greenwood goes on stage Silver Springs is organizing it’s own “Patriotic Salute” to compliment his performance that will feature his hit “God Bless the USA.” Tickets, all-inclusive in the registration cost will be itemized in the package when available. Silver Springs at this time are scheduling an appearance by the local Air Force ROTC color guard, playing the anthems of all the U.S. armed forces [asking vets in the audience to stand up when their respective branch’s anthem is played], raising the American Flag while a recording of Johnny Cash’s performance of “That old Flag” is played, and having a fly-over of vintage war planes, military helicopters or Jets. HOW ABOUT THIS for a tribute to the BEST OF THE BEST. “GET ON BOARD EARLY”
Ranger Gerald H. Shaffer
U.S. Army Rangers Creed R ecognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and "esprit de corps" of the Ranger Regiment.A cknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move farther, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.N ever shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be. One hundred percent and then some.G allantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, my neatness of dress and care for equipment shall set the example for others to follow.E nergetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.R eadily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.
Rangers Lead The Way!
"Also I heard the voice of the
Lord saying who shall I send, and who will go for us?
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Since February 23, 2001
