www.thetexasrangers.org • March 2018 • Issue 21 Snyder asst. chief, Collins to DPS Region 7 DPS Col. Steve McCraw and Texas Before joining the DPS, he was with the Ranger Chief Randy Prince have announced Nolan County sheriff’s office as jailer, dis- the interim appointment of Todd H. patcher, jail administrator, patrol and K9 Snyder as acting assistant director of the handler. Ranger Division. A native of Roscoe, Snyder attended Mc- Since that position requires approval by Murray University in Abilene where he the Public Safety Commission, he will be played football and ran track. He also at- recommended for that position at the PSC’s tended West Texas College in Snyder, and is next meeting on April 26. a graduate of the Texas DPS Command Col- Major Snyder had been major of Co. C in lege. Lubbock, and his interim appointment was Todd’s wife, Lana, is a realtor in Lubbock effective March 1. He succeeds Chance Col- and they have a son, 20, who is in the U.S. lins as assistant chief. Todd Snyder Army, and a 28-year-old daughter and Collins was appointed DPS Region 7 (Cap- 10-year-old granddaughter. itol Complex) Commander at the end of De- cember. Before his assignment as assistant division Snyder, who has been with the Texas DPS director, Collins was the major of Co. F in more than 22 years, commanded 17 Rang- Waco. He joined the DPS in 1993 and among ers in Co. C along with 2 and other duties, was commander of SWAT. He two administrative assistants. Co. C consists previously served as a special agent of the of 71 counties and approximately 66,775 governor’s protection detail. square miles. Collins has a BS degree from Wayland Bap- Prior assignments have included Texas tist University and graduated from the FBI’s , criminal law enforcement national academy. He also graduated from and the Rangers in duty stations in West Tex- the National Forensic Academy at the Uni- Chance Collins as and the Panhandle. versity of Tennessee.

TRAF scholar, intel chief is reunion speaker

Dr. Heather R. Martin, chief of the Mission dollar Overhead Persistent Infrared portfolio. Processing Branch at the National Geospatial In this role she leads and directs a team of Agency, is the special guest speaker for the experts in the acquisition, engineering and 2018 Retired Texas Ranger Reunion in June in management of multiple programs supporting Waco. Department of Defense and intelligence Dr. Martin, daughter of former Ranger Chief community needs. Hank Whitman, is a former recipient of a Texas Dr. Martin joined the U.S. Air Force in 2002 as Ranger Association Foundation scholarship. an intelligence officer and has served as an Air She is headquartered in Springfield, Va. and and Space Operations Center counterterrorism is responsible for managing a $140-plus million analyst, Middle-East/North Africa analyst, Cyber

Dr. Heather Martin continued on page 3 Texas Ranger Association Foundation Newsletter March 2018 Chairman’s report – TRAF and Rangers strong as ever By Constance White Spring is here, and with it TRAF Chairman brings the anticipation of the The loss of Texas Ranger Royal McMullin in January, fol- annual Retired Texas Ranger lowing a courageous battle with cancer, reminds us that Reunion. Scheduled for June life is precious and valued. The gift that Royal left his family 8-9, the theme of the reunion and friends is one of integrity and courage. is “Honoring the Texas Rang- ers, Past, Present, and Future.” These same values live on in each Texas Ranger today as they face adversity and the challenges of their daily work. Invitations will be sent Royal had a common saying during his treatments which soon, and we look forward to was, “I’ve got this,” or, “We’ve got this.” seeing you for another enjoy- able weekend together. For those who knew him, you couldn’t find a better friend and the words “you’ve got this” would serve as his The Texas Ranger Associa- motivational support to others for whatever the challenge. tion Foundation continues to build on its strengths set forth “We’ve got this” is the belief and work ethic of our Rang- by past and present board ers as they approach each new day. “We’ve got this” is Constance White members. Working together TRAF’s promise to support the them as they honorably to support the Rangers and protect us. Whatever the unknowns are going forward, their families is a responsibil- the unique relationship between TRAF and the Rangers is ity that we all share while these brave men and women as strong as ever. Together, “We’ve got this”. selflessly continue their legacy in protecting the citizens of Texas. Prayers for safety.

McMullin was a devoted and caring ber of El Paso Lodge No 130 A.F. & A.M. husband, father, brother and friend, and Services for Ranger McMullin were OBITS he loved being a Texas Ranger. held on March 2 at St. Luke’s Catholic Royal was a veteran of the United Church in El Paso and was attended by Ranger McMullin States Air Force and a 15-year veteran of family and friends. Buried in El Paso the Texas Department of Public Safety. Burial was at the Memorial Gardens He served as a Texas DPS State Trooper, of the Valley Cemetery in Santa Teresa, Texas Highway Patrol , Com- N.M., across the Texas border from El Texas Ranger mercial Vehicle Enforcement Sergeant Paso. Royal Andrew and a Criminal Investigations Sergeant. He is survived by his wife, Cristina, his McMullin, 47, He promoted to Texas Ranger – Co. E, three children, Seth, Ashley, Rachael fought a coura- El Paso, in December 2013. and an expected grandchild. geous battle with Ranger McMullin was awarded the Di- In lieu of flowers, and to honor Rang- an aggressive rector’s Citation in 2008 for his life-sav- er McMullin’s wishes, his family request- cancer for over a ing actions, and he received the Veter- ed donations in his memory be made year before dying an’s National Defense Service Medal for to the Texas Ranger Association Foun- Royal McMullin on Jan. 26. service to his country. He was a mem- dation. OBITS continued page 5

Page 2 Texas Ranger Association Foundation Newsletter March 2018 TRAF scholar – continued from page 1 analyst, U-2 Mission Operations Commander for the Air Deputy Division Chief for Intelligence, Surveillance and Force Distributed Common Ground System and lead for Reconnaissance Requirements, Air Force Intelligence, the Air Force Geospatial-Intelligence Capabilities Working Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency, Lackland Air Group, Analytical and Technical Element. Force Base. Her staff assignments include serving as the Deputy Dr. Martin is a recipient of many awards and decorations Chief of Staff for Headquarters 25th Air Force, Joint Base including Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak -Lackland, where she was responsible for leaf cluster, Air Force Civilian Achievement Award National advising the Commander, Vice Commander and Executive Defense Service Medal, National Reconnaissance Office Director on a broad range of operational issues as well as Innovative Achievement Award, and National Geospatial- coordinating functions and activities for more than 26,000 Intelligence Agency Special Act Award. military and civilian personnel assigned to 25th Air Force. She was a TRAF scholar when attending Portland State Dr. Martin’s staff experiences also include serving as an University in 2001. She earned a PhD in International Executive Officer for the 603rd Support Group, Ramstein Development, Security Studies, from University of Air Base, Germany, serving on the Intelligence Officer Southern Mississippi. Assignments Team, Headquarters Air Force Personnel She and her husband, Carl, have two sons, Carter and Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph; and as the Logan.

Promotions & Retirement

LT. RICK Rivera has announced AS OF Jan. 1, Thomas AS OF Jan. 1, Stephen West EFFECTIVE FEB. 15, Troy his retirement from the DPS AND Norsworthy has been has been promoted from Wilson, Ranger Training Rangers, effective March 31. promoted from agent, CID, CID, Corpus Christi to Texas Coordinator at Co. HQ, has Most recently he has been a , to Texas Ranger, Co. Ranger, Co. D in Corpus been appointed to staff in Co. D in Welasco. D in Kingsville. Christi. lieutenant, digital forensic He has served the DPS for 24 program HQ. years.

New forensic spot at HQ Jarod Browne Agent, CID, Lubbock to digital forensic investigator HQ, Austin (03-01-18). This is a new commissioned position in the Ranger Division.

Page 3 Texas Ranger Association Foundation Newsletter March 2018 ‘TRAF members are great friends’ – Capt. Vickers served Texas DPS 37  years By Joan Neuhaus Schaan Star Journal Writer

Born in the East Texas town of Clairemont and raised in “Rangers excel in providing honest, selfless service and West Texas, William D. Vickers began his career with the exhibiting a sincere caring for each individual. Combined Department of Public Safety in 1964, and earned his posi- with determination and a faith in duty in the face of at- tion with the Texas Rangers in 1975. tempts at intimidation, Rangers are admired statewide for Ranger Vickers’ service to the state took him first to their work ethic. The qualities are not taught. They are part northwest Texas, working out of Snyder, then back to east- of the Ranger’s character,” he added. ern Texas -- Garland and Houston - for the remainder of his During his Ranger career, Vickers served Co. B as a Rang- career. er and later as captain. He was a Ranger initially in Retiring in 2002 as a captain, Vickers shared Snyder with Co. F and also served as sergeant, his story and perspective with TRAF: lieutenant and captain in Co. A in Houston. The Ranger legacy drew Capt. Vickers He studied civil engineering in Ector to the DPS as a young man. After serv- College and later law enforcement at ing a decade in highway patrol, he Central Texas College. earned his Ranger position, and re- “The men and women Rangers ported to his first post with Capt. of today are continuing to uphold Rollins in Snyder. the reputation that was estab- It was a memorable and emo- lished long ago,” Vickers said. tional day – - Capt. Rollins died “I expect to see Rangers con- the day Vickers arrived, leaving tinue the work we have done Jay Pete Lynch in charge. for decades, and to evolve or Vickers quickly settled into adopt specialties that fit the his position and four-county changes in Texas.” area of responsibility. Eager to Throughout his Ranger ca- assist on any matter, he found reer, Vickers was blessed with his the “white collar, paper-hanging” wife, Judy (another DPS alum), crimes particularly compelling. by his side. Together they raised Forgeries and fraud caused se- their three daughters and one son. rious consequences to the victims Vickers now spends his time and society as a whole, yet they were with his 12 grandchildren and 8 not given their due attention. great-grandchildren and pursues his In a less automated era, the constant passion for reading. Not unlike many of flow of workers in and out of the oil fields his colleagues, his favorite book is the Bible. made tracking the suspects all the more difficult. “Rangers and Pioneers of Texas” by A.J. Sowell also Together with Charlie Hodges, Vickers was able to make stands out as a favorite. significant inroads into oil field crime, some cases involv- “The TRAF foundation has shown how so many feel to- ing multi-state organizations. ward the Rangers. The annual reunion has brought togeth- Work in the area had a different tempo. While the er current and retired Rangers and families in a way that large metropolitan region had resources and capabilities could not have happened without this group of friends. not found in rural communities, other Ranger divisions “Education for children and funds for retirees in financial needed Ranger assistance with criminals making their way stress have brought much peace of mind. to Dallas county. “This list of what TRAF has provided could go on and on Here the personal associations with officers, court offi- such as personal interaction between Rangers and certifi- cials and citizens developed into a valuable resource. cate holders. We are so grateful.” As Vickers remarked, becoming a Texas Rangers chang- The former captain now lives in Heath. es a person. “A Ranger is driven to take care of business. Capt. Vickers is like many of the retired Rangers. He Knowing one is continuing to uphold a legendary reputa- downplays and doesn’t look for personal plaudits for his tion, every investigation, no matter how minor, is import- 37 1/2 years of service to the Texas DPS, to the men and ant and builds on the legacy,” Vickers said. women he trained and to the citizens of Texas. Page 4 Texas Ranger Association Foundation Newsletter March 2018

OBITS continued from page 2 TRAF emeritus director After graduation he worked as a He then went into business with his cowboy in the Valley be- daughter and son, creating Howell Oil Rusty Howell dies at 89 fore becoming an assistant county & Gas and East Texas Fuels, Inc., con- agent in Harrison in 1948 where he tinuing his oil and gas interest and was active with the FAA program. branching into fuel distribution and Thomas Dwain In 1951 he married Joy Lois Ether- convenience store management. (Rusty) Howell, idge, and after the birth of their first He was also a successful rancher one of the child, Steve, they moved to Kilgore. and one of the top Charolais breed- longest serving He 1954, he went to work for TriState ers in the country. Rusty was a 32nd Texas Ranger Oil Tools, where he made quite a degree Master Mason and member of Association name for himself as a first-call trouble Foundation the Marshall Blue Lodge, the Scottish shooter for many major oil and gas Rite Temple in Dallas and the Sharon directors until his companies across North America. Shrine Temple in Tyler. retirement as an He moved to Pittsburgh where he He was preceded in death by his emeritus director, managed the Northeast Region for has died at age TriState, which had become Baker In- wife of 66 years., Joy Lois. 89 in his adopted ternational, and traveled the world, After a private graveside service, a hometown of Marshall. including Egypt, Australia, Scotland, memorial service for Howell was held A native of Comanche, Rusty was Alaska and Singapore. at the First Baptist Church of Marshall a member of the Corps and a gradu- He and longtime partner Quintin on March 13. ate from Texas A&M University with a Carlile opened Marshall Exploration, In lieu of flowers, memorials may be Bachelor of Science degree in horti- Inc. in 1977, building it into a success- made to the Texas Scottish Rite Hos- culture and chemistry. ful oil and gas firm through the 1980s. pital for Children in Dallas or to TRAF

Debra Kay Clendennen, 61, away Allee Funeral Home in Crockett Co. A Ranger’s step-mother to Co, A Ranger Ryan and burial was at the Cowboy Church step-mom dies Clendennen, died in early February. of Leon County in Centerville. Funeral services were held at Call-

Retired Ranger Co. E. His duty stations included Ozo- Troopers Cody Sanders and George na and Sulphur Springs. Harris were called to a Sulphur Springs Rhea Dies at 70 He joined the DPS in 1976 and was DPS building where an individual was promoted to Ranger in 1988 and identified as carrying a bomb. served until his retirement in 2003. The man told Trooper Harris to Memorial His Ranger specialties included the evacuate the building because he was funeral ser- Texas Commission of Alcohol and going to blow himself up. After the vices for Co. B Retired Texas Drug Abuse, blood spatter, fingerprint evacuation and negotiating with the Ranger Danny expert and interviews. man for over an hour, the man drew Rhea, 70, were Rhea was born at Fort Sam Houston a handgun and pointed it at Trooper held in San in San Antonio. He was a veteran of Harris. Angelo on Jan. the U.S. Navy, and after his retirement Rhea fired one shot, fatally wound- 27, with Pastor from the Rangers and his total of 27 ing the man. The DPS citation stated, Rusty Frazier years in the DPS, he entered the cor- “Ranger Sgt. Rhea’s courage, decisive performing porate security business. action and dedication to duty in this the eulogy. A As a result of a bomb/suicide in- tense and volatile situation bring private ceremony for family was held cident, Rhea was awarded the DPS great credit to him, the Department afterwards. Medal of Valor. of Public Safety and the profession of Ranger Rhea additionally served in In January, 1998, Ranger Rhea and law enforcement.”

Page 5 Texas Ranger Association Foundation Newsletter March 2018 Hall of Fame report – Museum web site’s 41 years in making By Byron A. Johnson a smart phone or tablet, for many the primary means of Ranger HofF&M Director Internet access. The 70 million Internet users have grown to 4.3 billion. When I entered the museum profes- A staff team, with help from many quarters, set about re- sion 41 years ago it was difficult to reach designing the site to make it compatible with the phones, an audience beyond the local commu- tablets and computers devices. While everyone on staff nity. We were limited to the broadcast has contributed, the lion’s share of work has been done range of local radio and television sta- by Casey Eichhorn, Educational Programs Manager, and tions or the distribution area of a daily Christine Rothenbush our Marketing and Development newspaper. Specialist. The site contains sections that: Regional and national magazines and Byron Johnson television network news traveled far- • Guide visitors to the museum and explain its ther, but those opportunities were few and far between. mission and founding It all changed in 1989-90 when an English engineer few • Showcase the Texas Rangers division and its have heard of, Tim Berners-Lee, created the World Wide mission and introduce each active-duty Texas Web. The first web page went live in 1991, consisting of 22 Ranger and living retiree lines of text. • Offer information on exhibits and highlight Streaming television and sharing Facebook photos were artifacts in the collections fantasy. Scientists, mainly, used it to exchange papers and • Offer thousands of pages of articles, oral history, emails. Downloading a low-resolution photo could take timelines and videos on Texas Ranger history minutes. • Explain the holdings of the Armstrong Texas Six years later there were what seemed an incredible 70 Ranger Research Center and how to research million users on the Internet, using dial-up modems. Back Texas Ranger ancestors, school projects and print then a fast connection was only .04% of today’s speeds! and film documentaries and articles But clearly this new medium had promise. Nokia had just announced the first—text-only—Internet • Provides educational resources for students and phone, a primitive predecessor of the first iPhone which teachers and how to book school and group tours would be released 10 years later. • Information about the upcoming Texas Ranger In the wilds of Waco, we ambitiously set about creating Bicentennial™ the first law enforcement history site for the Texas Ranger • How to support the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. The costs of developing web sites were prohibi- the allied Texas Ranger Association Foundation tive; a modest site could cost tens of thousands of dollars. and thanks to our benefactors Our secret weapon was my wife Sharon who fortuitously • Holding banquets and events in the Knox Center was an Internet communications specialist and designer banquet hall for Baylor University. She donated her skills through four • The Junior Texas Ranger™ program generations of the site and I maintained it on Saturday • Unique gifts and items from the museum store mornings with content contributed by staff and historians. Slowly it grew to include hundreds of web pages and We appreciate the support the Texas Ranger Association thousands of pages of content used by millions of visitors. Foundation has given in the form of funding historical In the 1990s the iPhone was still a decade away and research and oral histories. We welcome any suggestions desktop or laptop computer were the only ways to access you may have as we add to, correct and improve the site. the web. Times change and today, 61% of Americans own www.texasranger.org.

TRAF Board OKs mission The board of the Texas Ranger Association through scholarships, financial assistance and Foundation approved a new written mission statement operational support in service to the citizens Texas. at its January winter meeting in Kerrville. “TRAF works to preserve and perpetuate the history “The mission of the Texas Ranger Association and heritage of the Texas Rangers through public Foundation (TRAF) is to support active and retired education and by supporting the Texas Ranger Hall of Texas Rangers and immediate family members Fame and Museum.”

Page 6 Texas Ranger Association Foundation Newsletter March 2018 Final lay soot eld – TRAF reps for annual reunion By Liz Myrick with the Ranger families. Seeing the While my scores are usually much TRAF Executive Director closer to the legal drinking age than our enthusiasm for the big fundrais- those of the high-point, the expe- ing events which make the TRAF pro- rience is always the best time and I is excitedly work- grams possible. never regret taking the chance to try ing towards our The Clay Shoots are wrapped up again. next big event, with the success of the Co. A Texas When the shooting is done the the annual Texas Ranger Classic in Katy on March 2. It teams gather in a pavilion for awards, Ranger Reunion, - food and fellowship. In the haze of which is set for ers and many spectators and volun- dust-covered laughter there are new June 8-9, 2018 in teers to whom we are very grateful. friends and old, tall tales, and a won- Waco. Without the volunteers, many of derful, raucous harmony that is hard As in previous whom are Rangers and their spous- to come by these days. years, events will The live auctions are a thrill and a be at the Waco events. Thank you! chance to witness the awe and out- Convention Cen- If you’ve wondered what the clay pouring of generosity that only Texas ter, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and shoot experience is like, plan to be at Rangers can elicit. Museum and hotel accommodations the next one even if you don’t shoot. Events like these are what make the will be at the Hilton and the Courtyard mission of the foundation possible, Marriott. last-minute alternate in 2016. Despite and part of what makes the founda- We have a special theme this year my protests about being a novice, tion what it is: the embodiment of that we’re looking forward to sharing most likely to embarrass, and wear- charitable kinship and tradition as we with you, and we are honored to have work to support and honor these men a Heather Martin, Ph.D, as our speaker guns against those orange, menacing and women for their tremendous ser- Saturday night. She is a former TRAF clays. vice. scholarship recipient and the daugh- Until then, I hadn’t even picked up This late winter season has also seen ter of former Chief Hank Whitman. a shot gun. I’ve participated in at a its share of losses as we have said fare- It’s going to be another great re- few more shoots since then, thanks well to Sgt. Danny Rhea, Ranger Roy- union! We hope to see you all there! to some patient and good-natured al McMullin, and Emeritus Director Scholarships for the 2017-2018 friends, mentors and Rangers. academic year are complete as all 50 They give me few pointers, laugh behind a legacy of bravery, service awards have been distributed. We with me when it’s a stinker of a day, and altruism. They made their mark continue to be grateful for the priv- and are the best cheering section any- and left this world a better place. They ilege of getting better acquainted one could ask for. will be mightily missed.

THREE NEW TRAF directors

meeting in January in Kerrville. They are Alvaro Gonzales, Larry Horwood and Jorge L. Cisneros. Gonzalez (McAllen) and Cisneros (McAllen) are joining Co. D and Horwood (Sterling City) is the newest member of Co. E.

Page 7 Texas Ranger Association Foundation Newsletter March 2018 Letters from Students

Catherine Anding Mckenzie Hardzog Luke Foster

Catherine is a freshman at the Uni- Mckenzie is a freshman at the Uni- Luke is a freshman at Texas Tech versity of Texas. She is majoring in nu- versity of Oklahoma and is a nursing University and is majoring in chemical tritional sciences- pre-med, and plans major. She has been the recipient engineering. Luke has been the recip- to graduate in the Spring of 2020. of the Frisco Education Foundation ient of several scholarships, including Catherine participates in many ex- Payroll Contribution Scholarship and the Texas Tech Presidential Scholar- tracurricular activities, including the has already accumulated 12 hours of ship and the South Plains Cooperative swim team, chamber orchestra, the college credit. She is the daughter of Scholarship. He is the son of Lt. Jay National Honor Society and the Na- Ranger Alan Davidson of Co. B, who is and Jennifer Foster of Co. C, who is tional Chemical Society. She has also stationed in Hurst. stationed in Amarillo. won first place at the Brazos County Clay Shoot and earned a place on the DEAR TRAF: DEAR TRAF: President’s Scholar’s List at Blinn Col- Words can’t express how thankful I I’d like to thank the Texas Ranger As- lege. She is the daughter of Ranger am for scholarship money you have sociation Foundation for this generous Chris Clark of Co. E who is stationed in awarded me with for the spring 2018 contribution toward my education. Midland. semester at the University of Oklahoma. Receiving it reinforces the value of my You have made it possible for me to hard work throughout high school and DEAR TRAF: attend my dream school to study nurs- my first semester of college. Thank you so much for the scholar- ing. Without your help, I’m not sure I Additionally, receiving this schol- ship for the fall, 2017 semester. I was would have been able to attend OU. arship strengthens my dedication to able to use it for my housing and board I am forever grateful for the scholar- achieve my academic goals. fees and am so grateful for the help in ship! I’m so appreciative because it will financing college. give me the financial aid necessary for I am so excited for the next semester. —Sincerely, Mckenzie Hardzog my education at Texas Tech University. Thank you. It will be extremely helpful in making my goals of a bachelor and upper-level —Catherine Anding degree a reality. Further, my older brother also attends Texas Ranger Association Foundation Texas Tech, so my parents are paying for two students to attend college with my Star Journal younger brother not far behind. Constance White, Chairman Dave Wilson, Vice Chairman —Sincerely, Luke Foster Rick Hernandez, Treasurer Thomas Schleier, Secretary Liz Myrick, Executive Director Bill Hartman, Editor 104 Texas Ranger Trail • Waco, Texas 76706 (254) 752-1001 Page 8 Texas Ranger Association Foundation Newsletter March 2018 Rangers and Rustlers ride the rodeo range The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo hosts the spe- opportunity to be a rodeo star with playful stick horse cial Lil’ Rustler Rodeo each year and one volunteer group races, seesaws turned into bulls and broncos, hay barrels who wouldn’t miss it are the Texas Rangers, Co. A. resembling steers, real horseback rides, horseshoes and The 2018 event held in March at NRG Center represent- more. ed the 20th year that the Co. A Rangers have participated Rangers who volunteered this year were Joe Haralson, as volunteers! Wende Wakeman, Brandon Bess, Danny Young, David Lil’ Rustlers Rodeo gives children with special needs the Chauvin, Jeff Owles, and Steven Jeter.

Joe Haralson had his hands full with David Chauvin and his Lil’ Rustler Sam Danny Young and Rustler Madison made a the duo of Nicholas and Noah enjoy a bronco ride great match

Brandon Bess and his partner Helo enjoyed Wende Wakeman and Lil’ Rustler Avi were the annual rodeo buckle and trophy winners

Page 9 Texas Ranger Association Foundation Newsletter March 2018 Co. A 2nd annual clay shoot nets $87,000

HIGH POINT Team awards went to Lone Star Imaging. Major Jason Taylor presented winning buckles to (l-r) J.R. Cooper, Scott Heuring, Kyle Netterville and Aaron Slavik.

Hurricane Harvey didn’t stop Co. A from hosting anoth- Major Taylor also introduced a special guest in the audi- er successful Texas Ranger Classic even though it did re- ence, Steven Mach, chairman of the Texas DPS Public Safe- quire a rescheduled date. On March 2, 2018, Texas Inde- ty Commission. pendence Day, the event was held at Westside Shooting The Co. A Texas Ranger Classic couldn’t have been pos- Center in Katy with more than 180 shooters signed up to sible without the help of the generous team and auction participate, representing a record crowd at a Texas Ranger sponsors, volunteers, Co. A Rangers and Directors, TRAF Classic. More than $87,000 net was raised for TRAF. staff and the facility and professionalism of Westside The venue was welcoming with the large Texas Flag as Shooting Center. the backdrop in the pavilion accented by the six flags that Auctioneer Col. Glenn Beckendorff volunteered his time have flown over Texas. to help raise $20,000 in the live auction, and Ms. Terri Mo- Major sponsors for the event were Premier Protection ran volunteered her time as photographer. and Investigations, and Spindletop Charities, Inc. Favorite Brands and the Huggins Family underwrote the Major Jason Taylor welcomed guests and Ranger Jeff Owles gave the invocation. The National Anthem was sung beverages, and TRAF Director Steve LaMantia printed the by Tosha Owens and after the safety briefing by Westside station sponsor signage. staff members, shooters were off to the two designated The Nancy Wheldon Charitable Foundation underwrote courses. the popular shotgun sleeves given to each guest, and Toby After a successful round, the shooters returned to the Hicks provided the volunteers and discounted pricing for pavilion for lunch, and Major Taylor introduced retired Tex- delicious lunch. as Ranger Chief Tony Leal who gave a presentation about Co. A has raised more than $200,000 net through its two this history of the Co. A Texas Rangers and Texas Indepen- annual events to benefit TRAF. The 3rd annual Co. A Clas- dence Day, as well as the many benefits offered to the sic is scheduled for March 2, 2019, Texas Independence Rangers by the Texas Ranger Association Foundation. Day, back at Westside Shooting Center.

The Co. A Classic Committee: Russell Molina Major Jason Taylor Kitch Taub LT Wende Wakeman Joan Neuhaus Schaan LT Kip Westmoreland Constance White LT Bobby Smith TRAF Executive Director Liz Myrick Bill Hartman Kristen Barley, volunteer. Page 10 Texas Ranger Association Foundation Newsletter March 2018

NADIM COOK finished tied for first place THE HIGH point lady buckle went to Tish HIGH POINT Ranger in the Co. A shoot with Cole Storey, both popping 97 out Davis, who scored 56 out of 100. Major went to visitor Lt. Rick Rivera, who is with of 100 clay targets. Cook eventually lost Taylor presented her buckle. Co. D in south Texas. Major Taylor again in a scorecard playoff and received the had the presenting honors. runner-up buckle from Major Taylor.

TWO TRAF scholarship recipients attended the Co. A shoot with their Ranger dads. Spending time together were (l-r) Marco Rivera and his dad, Lt. Rick Rivera and Karley Parker and her dad Daron Parker. This spring semester there are 50 children of active Rangers attending college on TRAF scholarships.

Page 11 Texas Ranger Association Foundation Newsletter March 2018

A WHOLE GANG of Rangers (including several from other companies) and directors turned out for the Co. A sporting clays shoot March 2 at Westside Shooting Center between Katy and Brookshire. Front row (l-r) Major Jason Taylor, Jeff Owles, director Russell Molina, Danny Young, director Constance White, Steven Jeter, Daron Parker, Joshua Ray, Lt. Wende Wakeman, director Carl Lambert, Noe Diaz and director Joan Neuhaus Schaan. In the back (l-r) are directors Bill Hartman, Rick Hernandez, Tom Schleier and Jerry Wellborn, Lt. Bobby Smith, David Chauvin, Brandon Bess, Ryan Clendennen, Major Grover Huff, Lt. Kip Westmoreland, Ryan Christian, Steve Rayburn, James Wilkins, Lt. Rick Rivera, Shane Ellison, Joe Haralson and Pete Luna.

A FUNDRAISING event like the Co. A shoot would not happen without a large group of volunteers to pull all the loose ends together, particularly with 171 shooters. From left to right are Greg Pearson, Toby Hicks, Constance White, Mac Ruffeno, Alice Dale Haralson, Bill Wallace, Linda Baker, Rachel Taylor, Diane Huff, Lynn McQueen, Kristen Barley and Joe Fidler.

A TEAM OF LAW enforcement officers joined Rangers and SPECIAL guest at the Co. A shoot was Texas Public Safety guests at the Co. A clays shoot. Texas DPS Trooper Jamie Commission Chairman Steven Mach (right). Mach heads Liles (second from right) was joined by (l-r) Capt. Caren the five-member commission that oversees the Texas Sterling (Virginia ), Lt. Laurie Ludovici (Rhode Department of Public Safety. Chairman Mach is from Island State Police) and First Lt. Amy Dehner ( Houston and others on his team were (l-r) Butch Mach State Police). and Allen Blakemore. Page 12 Texas Ranger Association Foundation Newsletter March 2018

TEXAS TRACE also had a group of shooters, (l-r) Ranger Jeff Owles, Judge Albert McCaig, Ross Conner and Don McCaig. After the morning shoot, Rangers, directors and guests relaxed over lunch, mulled over silent auction items and took part in a spir- ited auction that raised $20,000 for TRAF.

SPINDLETOP CHARITIES had a team in the Co. A shoot that included (l-r) veteran Ranger Joe Haralson, Daniel Ebarb, former MLB player and Astros manager Phil Garner and Fenner Weller. There were 171 shooters entered the 2nd Annual Co. A Texas Classic. Page 13 Texas Ranger Association Foundation Newsletter March 2018

PREMIER Protection and Investigations fielded a team consisting of Ken Yarbrough, sponsor Russell Molina, Ronnie and Nicholas Ruffeno and Benny Gates. Molina also donated a pistol that was part of the live auction.

Co. C updates Fundraising Co.C, which is headquartered in Lubbock, will stage its Co. C’s Sporting Clays Shoot will be Oct. 6 at the Lubbock annual fundraising golf tournament on Monday, May 7, at Shooting Complex. More information can be obtained at Shadow Hills Golf Course in Lubbock. thetexasreangers.org. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. and tee off will be 1:30 Chief Randy Prince has announced that a new major for p.m. Green fees are $70 per player. For more information, Co. C will be announced shortly after April 1 to replace Ma- contract Scott Egert (806-777-9882 or Ken Olson (806-535- jor Todd Snyder, who has been appointed assistant direc- 5754, [email protected]). tor, Ranger Division, in Austin.

Contributors to Star Journal Capt. Barry Caver Terri Moran Cheryl Iselt Constance White Byron Johnson Ken Olson Joan Neuhaus Schaan Jerry Wellborn Liz Myrick, TRAF Executive Director Bill Hartman, Star Journal Editor [email protected] [email protected] 254-752-3745 281-342-8691

Page 14 Texas Ranger Association Foundation Newsletter March 2018

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PREMIER Protection and Investigations fielded a team consisting of Ken Yarbrough, sponsor Russell Molina, Ronnie and Nicholas Ruffeno and Benny Gates. Molina also donated a pistol that was part of the live auction. Texas Ranger Association Newsletter July 2016 Pistol Texas Ranger Golf Shirt Texas Ranger T-Shirt Tote Great GFlaskift Ideas Th(assortedat Su colors)pport $ $ $ $20 100TCo.exa sC R aupdatesnger15 Assoc iFundraisingation45 Foundation! Co.C, which is headquartered in Lubbock, will stage its Co. C’s Sporting Clays Shoot will be Oct. 6 at the Lubbock annual fundraising golf tournament on Monday, May 7, at Shooting Complex. More information can be obtained at Shadow Hills Golf Course in Lubbock. thetexasreangers.org. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. and tee off will be 1:30 Chief Randy Prince has announced that a new major for p.m. Green fees are $70 per player. For more information, Co. C will be announced shortly after April 1 to replace Ma- contract Scott Egert (806-777-9882 or Ken Olson (806-535- jor Todd Snyder, who has been appointed assistant direc- 5754, [email protected]). tor, Ranger Division, in Austin. la hristas et o eather adge istol Texas Ranger rnaentTexas Ranger toneware Mugs Texas Rangerallet aseCutting Tote Flas Cap Visor Board Contributors to Star Journal $ $ $ 15 Capt. Barry10 Caver 50Terri Moran Cheryl Iselt Constance White Byron Johnson Ken Olson utting eather Joan Neuhausweatshirt Schaan Texas Ranger Jerry Wellbornol hirt Texas Ranger Texas Ranger oard Trael ag assorted colors Thirt assorted colors a isor Liz Myrick, TRAF Executive Director Bill Hartman, Star Journal Editor [email protected] [email protected] BENEFITING 254-752-3745 281-342-8691 This Newsletter printing generously provided by the re nes tax. Page 14 [email protected] ng not ne. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. 104 Texas Rangers Trail • Waco, TX • 76706 For more information regarding the TEXAS RANGER ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION, please contact: 254-752-1001 [email protected]

S A VE THE  The Texas Ranger Classic Benefits the SCHOLARSHIP AND EMERGENCY DATES RELIEF FUND FOR SPORTING CLAY SHOOTS EST. 1981

______LOCATIONS CO. “A” CO. “B” CO. “C” HOUSTON, TX DALLAS, TX LUBBOCK, TX MARCH 2, 2018 SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 OCTOBER 6, 2018 Local Address Elm Fork Shooting Sports Lubbock Shooting Local Address 10751 Luna Road Complex City, State, Zip Code Dallas, TX 75220 1475 CR 1 Lubbock, TX 79423 CO. “E” CO. “D” CO. “F” SAN ANGELO, TX LINN, TX SAN ANTONIO, TX OCTOBER 6, 2018 OCTOBER 27, 2018 AUGUST 24, 2018 San Angelo Claybird Mi Ranchito Sporting Clays National Shooting Association 35003 County Road 4848 Complex 12026 US Hwy 67 Linn, TX 78563 5931 Roft Rd. San Angelo, TX 76904 San Antonio, TX 78253

For sponsorships or to register a team, call 254.752.1001 or email

[email protected] THETEXASRANGERS.ORG

Waco, Texas 76706 Texas Waco,

104 Texas Ranger Trail Ranger Texas 104

76712

INTEG

ID PA

U.S. POST U.S. AGE

Non-Profit Org Non-Profit .