US Army Ranger Association, Inc. USARA News

TSA to Provide Additional Expedited Screening for Wounded Service Members and Veterans

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:21:18 GMT

WASHINGTON (Wednesday, March 27, 2013) – Starting today at airports nationwide, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will offer expedited screening to severely injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The new policy is available to any service member or veteran with injuries or mobility issues, regardless of when they served. They will no longer be required to remove their shoes, jackets or hats at airport security checkpoints.

To be eligible for this service, a Wounded Warrior or traveling companion should email the Military Severely Injured Joint Services Operations Center, MSIJSOC@dhs.gov, or call 1-888-262-2396 with itinerary information for the traveling party. Traveling companions will receive standard screening.

“In recognition of the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, we have revised our screening requirements to allow expedited screening for this trusted group of citizens,” said John Halinski, TSA’s Deputy Administrator and 25-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Read more…

USARA 2013 Election Announcement

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:59:55 GMT

USARA election of Association Officers is an Annual Event, with one half of those officer holders being elected each year. The election is held not later than the month prior to the Annual Ranger Muster (ARM), with the newly elected officers taking office at the ARM. This year’s ARM is July 22-26, 2013 in Columbus, Georgia.

During the month of April all members will receive a special edition of the Ranger Register in which they will be asked to approve a change to the USARA Bylaws that will allow electronic online voting. If approved, those who have e-mail addresses registered on the USARA website will have the opportunity to vote electronically by e-mail. For those not having a valid e-mail email address, elections materials will be mailed to you.

It is the responsibility of each Association member to insure that his contact information is up to date, and that his Association dues are current.

This year’s election includes:

Executive Vice President
Vice President Personnel
Secretary
Mid-Atlantic Region Director
Southeast Region Director
Southwest Regional Director

The Association is looking for those potential candidates who are interested in furthering the goals and objectives of the Association. The criteria to be a candidate for office are:

A Regular Member of the Association in good standing (dues current).
Have the time and desire to be fully involved.
Be computer literate since the majority of Association business is conducted through our website and/or by e-mail.

If you are interested in running for one of the positions or, or just have questions about the election process, please contact me, or your Region’s member of the National Election Committee noted below, or your Region Director.

Region	Name	e-Mail
South-Central	Len Boulas	lboulas1@aol.com
Northeast	Chad Wegner	Chad.Wegner@gmail.com
Mid-Atlantic	Harry Perry	skymedic13@gmail.com
Southeast	Christian Stevens	MarketableRanger@gmail.com
Midwest	Ed Tullin III	etulliniii@gmail.com
Southwest	Andre LeCault	alecault@san.rr.com
Northwest	Ernie Estrada	xranger1954@comcast.net

Len Boulas

Chairman, USARA Election Committee

E-Mail: Lboulas1@aol.com

(575) 541-1449 (H)

(303) 522-7374 (C)

USARA Member, Herbert Lawrence "Bud" Godschalk, Jr. Passes

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:48:47 GMT

Herbert Lawrence "Bud" Godschalk, Jr., of Staunton, Va., passed away Saturday, February 23, 2013, at the Hunter McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. He was born on December 27, 1930, in New Rochelle, N.Y., the son of the late Herbert L., Sr., and Mildred McCarthy Godschalk.

He attended Xavier University and served with the U.S. Army Rangers during the Korean conflict. He retired in 1999 as a manufacturer's representative for H.L. Godschalk Associates of Huntington, W.Va.

He is survived by his children, Dr. Michael Godschalk and wife Dorothy of Richmond, Va., Maggie Godschalk of Huntington, W.Va., Susan Cremeans and husband Bob of Crown City, Ohio, Herbert L. "Herb" Godschalk, III, and wife Sue of Staunton, Va., Catherine Spurlock and husband Clarence of Huntington, W.Va., Patricia "Trish" Hickey and husband Ed of Lexington, Ky., John Godschalk of Huntington, W.Va., Teresa Godschalk of Charlotte, N.C., and Mary Godschalk of Cincinnati, Ohio; 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Applicants can now complete the online USARA Scholarship Request for Application

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:34:48 GMT

Applicants can now complete the online USARA Scholarship Request for Application. The application process is only available online; no paper-based documents are used. Read the complete process details and schedule by clicking here.

USARA 2013 Scholarship Program Announced

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 22:57:47 GMT

USARA 2013 Scholarship Program Announced

The 2013 US Army Ranger Association (USARA) Scholarship Program Schedule is now available. Applicants will be able to complete the online Request for Application beginning March 10, 2013. The application process is only available online; no paper-based documents are used. Read the complete process details and schedule by clicking here.

Arlington National Cemetery Wreath laying

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 15:15:37 GMT

Sunday November 11, 2012 at 14:30 hours Mike Conklin, Chairman and CEO of Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation, and Honorary Member of USARA, accompanied by his wife Peggy will be honoring Rangers laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

There are 14 Rangers who served with the 75^th Ranger Regiment at Arlington in Section 60.

Mike and Peggy will lay an individual wreath at each fallen Ranger's grave.

USARA members are welcome to attend and assist.

Click for printable Map of Arlington Cemetary

Section 60:

Arthur “Robbie”' Robinson, USARA Life Member and RHOF Inductee dies in Australia

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:02:30 GMT

Arthur “Robbie”' Robinson, USARA Life Member, died at the age of 84 years at his home October 10, 2012. A military funeral will be conducted this week on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Robbie was a remarkable soldier in his day, with a span of service from the end of WWII in the British Army and then, from 1950, in the Australian Army until 1976 where he was proud to qualify at PTS (then School of Land Air Warfare) in 1953 as a Basic Parachutist and later as PJI #3 on the first PJI course held in Australia. He went on to serve in the Australian Army Training Team - Vietnam where he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in 1968 and was also recognized for his gallantry by the Americans with the Silver Star and the South Vietnamese with the Cross of Gallantry - each of these being among several other awards. He was inducted as an Honorary Members of the U.S Army Ranger Hall of Fame in 1999, the only foreign soldier to have achieved this honor at that time.

U.S Army Ranger Hall of Fame Citation:

Arthur “Robbie” Robinson is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame as an honorary member for military and civilian service to the Ranger community spanning over thirty years. His amazing career with the Australian Army during Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War included multiple tours of duty alongside the United States units, not the least of which was the defense of Quang Tri City where his service and heroic actions were recognized with numerous awards including the U.S. Silver Star, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and the Vietnamese Armed Forces Honor of Medal. He later served as an advisor with the Vietnamese Rangers and forged a reputation with fellow U.S. advisors as a tough, dependable, and dedicated member of the team. Since retiring from the Australian Army, he has continued his association with the Ranger community as a member of the United States Army Ranger Association, Allied Forces, and has traveled extensively speaking on behalf of all Rangers and living the Ranger Creed. With deeds, not word, Arthur “Robbie” Robinson has exemplified the true meaning of being a Ranger.

USARA Midwest Region Annual Chicago Ranger Happy Hour and Dinner Scheduled

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 21:25:37 GMT

All Rangers, past and present, are cordially invited to attend the Second Annual Ranger Happy Hour and Dinner. Reconnect with old Ranger buddies and make new ones.

WHEN:	5:30 pm on Friday, October 19, 2012
WHERE:	Five Roses Pub 5509 Park Place Rosemont, IL 60018
WHO:	Any individual that served in a Ranger unit or earned the Ranger tab is welcome to attend. Membership in a Ranger affiliated organization (USARA, 75thRRA, WAR, RBA, etc.) is not required. Spouses and guest are welcome as well.
Register:	You can register online
RSVP:	RSVP To Travis West at 608-561-1779 or twest@vaclaimslaw.com

Please register on the USARA website at www.ranger.org or RSVP to Travis West RSVP To Travis West at (608) 561-1779 or twest@vaclaimslaw.com .

To register online click on Event Registration. Click on “Register” and enter your email address and password if asked (if you are not already logged in). Make sure you enter the number of guests at the bottom of the form (not counting yourself) that will attend with you.

Ross Hall, USARA Member and known Ranger Supporter/Ranger Novelist passes

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 21:03:07 GMT

Ross Hall, a USARA Associate Member and known long-time Ranger Supporter/Ranger Novelist passed away yesterday at his home in Dahlonega, Ga.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 29, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Dahlonega Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends on Friday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

More to be added.

USARA announces its 2012 Scholarship Program

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:40:56 GMT

USARA Scholarship Program provides financial grants to students who plan to attend or are already attending an accredited college, university, or higher technical trade school. Scholarship awards funds are to assist with academic expenses at the attending University/School and will be disbursed directly to the University/School to assist with tuition, books, fees, supplies and room and board.

This year the USARA Scholarship Program has been expanded to include not only the USARA Legacy Scholarship that was established last year, but now includes the First Lieutenant Dimitri A. del Castillo Scholarship.

On June 25, 2011, US Army First Lieutenant Dimitri del Castillo, 24, of Tampa, Florida, died in Kunar province, Afghanistan. He was on the radio calling in support for the men of his unit around him who had been attacked and wounded by small arms fire from enemy forces. While refusing to give up the radio so he could help keep his men alive, he was hit and died with the mike in his hand. To honor his memory this scholarship has been established by his family. Graciously, the del Castillo family selected USARA to manage the scholarship and made it available to our members.

Applicants must be a qualified dependent of a USARA member. Qualified Dependent is defined as an unmarried child; grandchild or great-grandchild of a USARA member (included those legally adopted) who is under the age of 23 for the entire academic year. USARA Member (scholarship sponsor) in this case is defined as an individual who at the time of scholarship application has been a Regular Member (Annual or Life) of USARA for a minimum of one year; or a deceased Regular Member of USARA.

Applicants that meet the eligibility requirements for the USARA legacy scholarship are also eligible to compete for The First Lieutenant Dimitri A. del Castillo Scholarship.

The First Lieutenant Dimitri A. del Castillo Scholarship is also available to a qualified child or spouse of a fallen tabbed or scrolled Ranger. Qualified child is defined as an unmarried child of a fallen tabbed or scrolled ranger (included those legally adopted) who is under the age of 23 for the entire academic year. Qualified Spouse is defined as the person legally married to the fallen Ranger at the time of his death; and not remarried at the time of application for the scholarship.

The term “fallen tabbed or scrolled rangers” is means those tabbed (graduated from Ranger School and awarded the Ranger Tab, or scrolled Rangers (served with the 75th Ranger Regiment in a Ranger slot) who were killed in action or those tabbed or scrolled Ranger killed in training. This includes those who died in a hospital later as a result of critical wounds related to combat or training.

Detail description, containing the purpose, scope and eligibility requirements, specific to each scholarship is outlines on the USARA website at www.ranger.org.

Chuck Schantag, founder and chairman of the P.O.W. Network dies unexpectedly.

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:34:36 GMT

Chuck Schantag, founder and chairman of the P.O.W. Network dies unexpectedly.

Charles “Chuck” Patrick Schantag Jr., founder and chairman of the P.O.W. Network, passed away on February 23, 2012 of a massive heart attack, while out shooting. With him, the honest and honorable veterans of America lost a friend and a spokesman, and the poseurs and frauds lost a relentless scourge.

Chuck was born on November 22, 1947 in Philadelphia, PA the son of Charles Patrick and Louis Schantag. He had been a resident of Branson and Skidmore, MO. He was founder and Chairman of the P.O.W. Network, a Disabled Vietnam Veteran, USMC Purple Heart recipient. He was also a member of MOPH, DAV, River Rats, Honorary member of MOZARK MOAA, NAM POW’s, USARA and SFA.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Pauline Schantag nee Butkiewicz, Branson, MO. A son, Charles Schantag and his wife Jackie of Clinton, IA., a daughter Miranda Schantag and her husband Ryan, of Davenport, IA; Stepdaughters Jennifer Renshaw and her husband Troy of Maryville, MO and Teresa Howard of Skidmore, Mo. Five grandchildren, Molly, Mason, Jackson, Hayden and Toraleigh. Sisters, Marlene Turner and her husband Gary of Solkatna,AK and Dyane Carey and her husband Gorge of Charlotte, NC and a brother, James Schantag of Philadelphia, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Patrick and Louis Schantag. Also, a sister, Louise Schantag

Chuck and Mary are Honorary Life Members of USARA.

A memorial service for Chuck was held Sunday, February 26, 2012 at Greenlawn Funeral Home Branson, MO with Chaplin Mike Jones and Father Philip Conlon officiating.

Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Please use the following link for more information

A public obituary is here.

A memorial thread the WeaponsMan Blog is here

A memorial thread at SOCNET is here.

USARA 2012 Election Announcement

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:11:21 GMT

USARA 2012 Election Announcement

USARA election of Association Officers is an Annual Event, with one half of those Officer holders being elected each year. The election is held prior to the Annual Ranger Muster (ARM), with the newly elected officers being sworn in at that time. This year’s ARM is scheduled for Columbus, Georgia in July. You can anticipate receiving the Election Ballot materials in a special edition of the Ranger Register in the May-June time frame.

The following National and Regional Offices up for election in this year’s election:

-- President

-- Vice President Logistics

-- Treasurer

-- South-Central Region Director (Formally Central Region)

-- Northeast Region Director (Formally Northern Region)

-- Midwest Regional Director (Added by Region Realignment)

-- Northwest Regional Director (Added by Region Realignment)

The Association is looking for those potential candidates who are interested in furthering the goals of the Association and have the time to devote to that effort. The criteria to be a candidate for office are:

-- Be an Association Member in good standing.

-- Have the time and desire to be fully involved.

-- Be computer literate since most Association business is conducted online.

Len Boulas lboulas1@aol.com	South-Central
Chad Wegner Chad.Wegner@gmail.com	Northeast
Harry Perry skymedic13@gmail.com	Mid-Atlantic
Christian Stevens MarketableRanger@gmail.com	Southeast
Ed Tullin III etulliniii@gmail.com	Midwest
Andre LeCault alecault@san.rr.com	Southwest
Ernie Estrada xranger1954@comcast.net	Northwest

It is the responsibility of each Association member to insure that his contact information is up to date and that his Association dues are current.

Len Boulas

Chairman, USARA Election Committee

E-Mail: Lboulas1@aol.com

(575) 541-1449 (Home)

(303) 522-7374 (Cell)

USARA Mid-Term Board Meeting Notice

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:07:44 GMT

USARA Mid-Term Board Meeting Notice

The USARA Mid-Tem Board meeting is scheduled for February 24-25, 2012 at the DoubleTree Hotel, 5351 Sidney Simons Blvd, Columbus, Georgia 31904. Meetings will begin at 08:00 on Friday the 24^th and end about 17:00 the 25^th.

Agenda:

Activity

Minutes from previous meeting

President’s Report

Membership Report

Finance Report

Marketing Report

Other Business
- Old
- New
- Announcements

Review of Actions from Meeting

Adjourn

USARA Website Upgrade planned

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:36:41 GMT

On Wednesday, December 14th the USARA website will be upgraded by our service provider. In order to perform the upgrade, our website will be taken off-line intermittently from 2:50am to 8:50am Eastern Standard Time (EST). During that time you may receive and error/information message or be unable to view our website. All members should not attempt to login while the update is in progress.

More information regarding website changes and enhancements will be posited after the upgrade is complete.

USARA Life Member Owen Sergeson "Mike" Connelly Jr. passes

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:16:37 GMT

USARA received the following message today:

I regret to inform you that you have lost a distinguished comrade in arms. Please communicate this loss to the membership of your U.S. Army Ranger Association "Ranger Register." My father was a Ranger to his core and to the very end. He was also the best man I have ever known. It is not every son that has only to look at his father to find his hero.

Respectfully Submitted,

Michael O. Connelly; USNA '89, Desert Storm and Southern Watch Veteran.

***

HOPKINS- A memorial service for Dr. Owen Sergeson Connelly Jr. will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 16, 2011, at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Friday at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel. Professor Owen Connelly, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army(Ret.), died July 12, 2011. He was born and grew up in Morganton, N.C., the son of the late Owen Sergeson Connelly and Mary Lucy Earle Connelly. He graduated from Wake Forest University (B.S. in Physics) in 1948. His first career began in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was sent to Vanderbilt and then Yale he was commissioned (at age 20) and sent to occupied Germany. Later, as a young First Lieutenant in occupied Japan, he fought to be discharged from the Army Air Corps in order to better serve his country through active combat in the U.S. Army Infantry in Korea. This accomplished by an act of Congress, he served in the Korean War, in the Army Special Weapons Command in New Mexico, and with great pride was the Executive Officer of the Rangers' Amphibious and Jungle Warfare Training Camp in Florida.

His career in Academe began later with his M.A. in History (Wake Forest) and his Ph.D. in History (U.N.C. at Chapel Hill). He was a professor at the University of South Carolina (U.S.C.) for almost 40 years. As an academic, he published numerous articles and 10 books including "Napoleon's Satellite Kingdoms," "The Gentle Bonaparte," "The French Revolution and Napoleonic Era" (textbook used in over 100 colleges), "Blundering to Glory" and "On War and Leadership." He was a member of the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton University(1989, 1995), President of the Society for French Historical Studies (1988), a founder of the Consortium on Revolutionary Europe, and Fellow of the International Napoleonic Society. Dr. Connelly was the "Caroline McKissick Dial Professor of History" and honored by U.S.C. with the "Russell Award," among many others; however, he cherished most the "Mortar Board Excellence in Teaching Award" (2002), voted by his students. As his colleagues, students and family know, he was a man of strong convictions and opinions, which he was never afraid to share.

When not researching, writing or teaching he would most often be found on horseback. He and the love of his life, Michale, shared a passion for horses and enjoyed living in the country with their four cats, two dogs and five horses. He adored his children and was proud to have taught each of them how to swim, ride a horse, shoot a gun and drive a car.

Dr. Connelly was a member of First Presbyterian Church and the family is grateful for the pastoral care we received from Rev. David Lauten and Rev. Craig Wilkes. The family wishes to thank Dr. J. Frank Martin Jr. and his wonderful staff for the outstanding medical care and personal attention they provided over the years and especially in the last few months. We would also like to extend a special thank you to our in-home care givers who lovingly gave so much assistance.

Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Michale Karnes Connelly; children, Michael Owen Connelly, U.S.N.A. alumnus and Gulf War veteran, (Cynthia Strickland) of Columbia, Dr. Alexandra "Lexi" Connelly Frost (David L.) of Charlotte, Rachel Connelly DiMaria (Michael) of Chapin; grandchildren, Lucy and Lois Frost, Jacob and Joshua DiMaria; brothers, Earle A. Connelly (Jean) of Troy, N.C.; William A. Connelly (Nancy) of Columbia, Md.; brother-in-law, Clifton H. Karnes (Sharon) of Greensboro, N.C.; seven nieces and one nephew.

Memorial and burial services scheduled for USARA Life Member Captain (Ret) Richards Owen Stewart

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:08:36 GMT

Captain (Ret) Richards Owen Stewart, Jr., age 64, died September 7, 2011 at home in Columbus, Ga.

Memorial services with full military honors will be held at Main Post TIC Chapel, Fort Benning, GA on Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 3 p.m., according to Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus.

Another service and burial will be at the St. Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, GA at 3:00 pm on Friday, September 16, 2011.

Capt. Stewart was born January 20, 1947, Berlin, Germany, Son of Colonel (Ret.) Richards O. Stewart of Savannah, Ga. and the late Willetta Helmly Stewart. Captain Stewart was a 1964 graduate of Baker High School, Columbus, Georgia. He was a Distinguished Military Graduate of The Citadel, Charleston, S.C. in 1968 and was commissioned in the regular Army as a 2nd Lt. Infantry, the same year. Captain Stewart was assigned to the 82 Airborne Division, completed Ranger Training and was assigned to the 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division and deployed to Viet Nam. Among his decorations include the Bronze Star Medal for Valor and Purple Heart. After receiving 100% disability from wounds received in action in Viet Nam he was transferred to Walter Reed Army Center where he retired in 1970. Captain Stewart was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 2001. He was a Life Member of the US Army Ranger Association (USARA) and held several positions over the years.

In addition to his father, Captain Stewart is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Cameron Stewart, two grandsons, Charles Terence Doran and McCullough Stewart Doran, all of Duvall, Washington, his brother Randolph Barclay Stewart and his sister, Corinne Stewart Reeves, both of Bluffton, S.C., and several nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Richards Owen Stewart, III, and sister, Jacqueline Elizabeth Stewart. Condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com.

2011 USARA Raffle winners announced

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:44:22 GMT

The drawing for the 2011 USARA Raffle was held Saturday, September 10, 2011. The following shows the prize winners:

Prizes	Winners
1st Mossberg Model 935 12 Gauge Shotgun	Ranger Bob Lanzotti
donated by The Gun Shop	Smyrna, GA
2nd Taurus Judge Revolver 410/45	Natalie Roberts
donated by Taurus USA	Atlanta, GA
3rd Glock Pistol	Ranger Joe Harris
donated by Glock, Inc.	Bardstown, KY
4th Glock Pistol	Ranger Robert Gill
donated by Glock, Inc.	Montgomery, TX
5th ISSC Austria MSR Mk 22 22LR Rifle	Ranger John Dolan
donated by Mission Essential, Inc.	Silver Spring, MD
6th EK Fairbairn-Sykes Mk II Fighting Knife	Cindy Keener
donated by EK Knife Company	Jonestown, PA
7th Suunto Core Wristwatch	Ranger Bo Prehar
donated by Ubergroup, Inc.	Georgetown, TX
8th Suunto Core Wristwatch	Natalie Roberts
donated by Ubergroup, Inc.	Atlanta, GA

USARA ARM 2011 ends in Savannah, Georgia.

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:36:13 GMT

The US Army Ranger Association Annual Ranger Muster (ARM) ended today in Savannah, Georgia.

The latest USARA Ranger Register is being delivered to members worldwide

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 06:13:10 GMT

The summer edition of the USARA Ranger Register, published last week, is being delivered by mail to all active members. The latest version is the next evolution of the magazine-like theme and appearance of the Official Newsletter of the US Army Ranger Association. The Register is produced four times a year. The Register contains stories of interest and happenings within USARA and the Ranger Community.

As part of the revised theme, the Ranger Register will contain inserts including various forms, event registrations, applications and other seasonal USARA communications. Incorporated among the latest issue inserts are the USARA Election 2011 ballot (with return envelop), tickets for this year’s annual Raffle and an ARM 2011 Registration Form. Using the Ranger Register as the delivery vehicle for information sent to members separately in the past will cut growing production and mailing costs.

The fall edition will continue to add sections so as to provide news from each USARA Region.

The Ranger Register is also made available on the USARA website, along with past editions. Soon, members will be able to opt out of receiving the mailed version as it can be downloaded and printed.

U.S. Army Ranger killed in combat

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 05:37:51 GMT

Sgt. Alessandro Leonard Plutino, 28, was killed August 8. 2011 by enemy forces during a heavy firefight while conducting combat operations in Paktiya Province, Afghanistan.

Plutino was a Team Leader assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga. He was on his sixth deployment in support of the War on Terror with three previous deployments to Iraq and two to Afghanistan.

He was born Aug. 23, 1982 in Washington Township, N.J. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 2006 from his hometown of Pitman, N.J. Plutino completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Ga., as an infantryman. After graduating from the Basic Airborne Course there, he was assigned to the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program also at Fort Benning.

Plutino graduated from the Ranger Assessment and Selection Program and was assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in February 2007, where he served as a rifleman, grenadier, automatic rifleman, and a Ranger team leader.

His military education includes the Basic Airborne Course, Ranger Assessment and Selection Program, U.S. Army Ranger Course, Warrior Leader Course, and the Emergency Medical Technician Ambulatory Course.

His awards and decorations include the Ranger Tab, the Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Parachutist Badge.

He has also been awarded the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

Plutino is survived by his mother Dianne Hammond and his father Sandro Plutino, both of Pitman, N.J.