www.thetexasrangers.org • October 2015 • Issue 12 Deaths of officers spiral up — Chief thanks TRAF, others for support By Randy Prince, Chief, Texas Rangers As I write, I am reviewing a list of In September, a Kentucky State Trooper was killed while almost 90 police offi cers from across the attempting to fi nd a hotel, in lieu of taking the assailant to country killed in the line of duty so far in jail for a suspended driver license. 2015— 26 of those from gunfi re. Nine However, the most recent and alarming trend of on this list are Texas peace offi cers. “ambush” attacks on police offi cers is perhaps fueled The law enforcement profession by images of police corruption and abuses and the has always been inherently dangerous deteriorating respect for authority. due to many factors including actions Examples of these cowardly attacks include the two Randy Prince that must be taken to apprehend violent New York City police offi cers that were killed while sitting in criminals. their squad car and a Las Vegas police offi cer shot as he and Negative interactions with the public can come from his partner sat in their marked police car at a traffi c light. monotonous traffi c stops, to a crash scene investigation, Perhaps most notable is the recent assassination of or high-risk arrests involving drug traffi ckers and career Harris County Sheriff ’s Deputy Darren Goforth, who was criminals. shot to death as he fueled his patrol car at a convenience In August, a Louisiana State Trooper was killed by a store. motorist upon arriving at the scene of a one-vehicle traffi c Law enforcement unfortunately has always had isolated crash. Chief continued page 4 3 more TRAF scholarship winners are highlighted Houston rodeo With each edition of the TRAF Newsletter, OKs TRAF grant we highlight at least three of our scholarship The Texas Ranger Association Founda- winners. This time we’re introducing Andi tion has received approval from the Houston D’Lynn Breeding, Sage Tristen Smith and Kristin Livestock Show and Rodeo of a TRAF grant Faith Torrez. request. Andi is a freshman at Midland College and Sage Smith The amount is $25,000 for education plans to major in dental outreach initiatives and operations. This is hygiene. She is a graduate the second year the Houston Rodeo has ap- of Monahans High School proved the request. and is the daughter of Texas “We are delighted and thankful to the Ranger Phillip Breeding, Co. Houston Rodeo group for making this pos- E. sible,” TRAF chairman Jim Chionsini said. “Words cannot “They have hundreds of requests and do adequately express my a wonderful job of helping programs such as appreciation for the ours plus their own huge scholarship fund.” opportunity provided to me Andi Breeding Kristin Torrez Scholarships continued page 9 Texas Ranger Association Newsletter October 2015 Co. E shoot is Oct. 17 in San Angelo Directors and volunteers from Trish Aldridge at 325-374-2329 Texas Ranger Association Foundation ([email protected]) or by and Texas Rangers Co. E have calling Wellborn (325-763-7859), scheduled their fi rst annual clay bird Wilson (325-226-3650) or the TRAF shoot fundraiser for Oct. 17 in San offi ce (254-752-1001. Angelo. One of the top prizes available All proceeds will be used to during the day is a Henry Golden Boy assist funding the TRAF scholarship .45 calibre Colt rifl e. For information program. TRAF is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofi t on this rifl e, contact Wellborn. organization. Among the auction items are a 3-day, 2-night stay at The shoot will be staged at the San Angelo Claybird the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas and two round-trip tickets Association’s facility at 12026 U.S. Highway 67S. courtesy of Southwest Airlines. Directors Jerry Wellborn and Dave Wilson are heading Other items are a .243 rifl e, courtesy of TX Guns’N’ Stuff , the day-long program. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and a 50-quart Bison Cooler, courtesy of Bison and a 14-kt gold shooting starts at 9:30 a.m. and sterling silver custom Texas Ranger tie pin, courtesy of Others on the planning committee are Jim Chionsini, Ranger Jeff rey Vajdos and made by Holland’s Jewelry in San Trish Aldridge, Josh Tanner, Danny Updike, Ranger Lt. Chris Angelo. Clark and Rangers Nick Hannah and Tod Reid. “We hope you’ll come to San Angelo and enjoy our special Information regarding sponsorship levels, registration event and help support our nation’s oldest law enforcement forms and auction donation forms can be obtained from agency,” Wellborn said. “It’s going to be great fun.” ★ Co. D sporting clay shoot Nov. 7 Texas Ranger Classic Co. D sporting called “golf with a shotgun.” clay tournament is on the calendar Prizes available for shooters and for Nov. 7 in Edinburg in South Texas. guests alike include a Co. D belt buckle, The planning committee is made up a Colt 1911 38 super government of Rangers and TRAF directors, and pistol with Stag grips inlaid with a they’ve been busy for the last month Texas Ranger star, Beretta over/under lining up sponsors and gift packages. 12-gauge shotgun, Benelli automatic In addition to the team shooting, 12-gauge shotgun, custom mesquite one of the highlights of the day will sofa table with hidden shotgun drawer, be a barbecue dinner with Chef Hank one of a kind Texas Ranger Bowie knife Whitman, former Ranger Chief, in with cinco pesos and custom made charge of the cooking. types of shotgunning from the fi eld, silver Texas Ranger ring. Proceeds will go to the Texas such as fl ushing, crossing, incoming Members of the steering Ranger Association Foundation for and other angling shots. committee include Chief (Retired) scholarships and assistance to Ranger The shooting will be held at Hank Whitman, TRAF directors Rick families in need. Mi Ranchita Shooting Clays in Hernandez, Steve LaMantia and Trey Guests are not only invited, Edinburg. The Rangers and TRAF have Martinez, Major Brian Burzynski, Lts. but encouraged by the planning arrangements with Double Tree Suites Rick Rivera, Corey Lain and Wende committee. Tickets for guests coming by Hilton in McAllen (956-686-3000). Wakeman. Event planner Lacy Jemmott to the dinner and dance are only $20 Shooting courses are laid out in is also on the committee. per person. A cocktail reception will be natural surroundings and typically Information on entering, held with the dinner. include 10 stations with shooters on reservations, prizes, donations, Clay shooting is a sport for the entire the move to complete the course. sponsorships and directions can be family. The Texas Classic is a sporting Sporting clays is an internationally obtained at the TRAF offi ce in Waco clay tournament, which replicates all recognized sports event. It’s often (254-752-1001). Page 2 Texas Ranger Association Newsletter October 2015 Represents Co. E — Foreman’s a 28-year TRAF veteran (Editor’s note: This is the about the Rangers, Vern third in a series highlighting replied, “They are the ‘Best directors of the Texas Ranger of the Best.’ Texas Rangers Association Foundation.) are a special ‘breed’ of outstanding men and By Bill Hartman women.” TRAF Editor He said he’d tell people considering being a When Luther V. “Vern” benefactor, “If you want to Foreman’s not hard at support the Rangers and work running his family’s become a participant in an Foreman Electric Service outstanding organization, Co., he’s got his hand in this is where you need to something to do with the be.” betterment of Odessa or His favorite movie: being involved with the “The Outlaw Josey Wales.” Texas Ranger Association His favorite book: “It’s hard Foundation. to just pick one. I have a Vern’s a former member collection of Ranger history of the Odessa City Council books I have read and where he also served as enjoyed them all.” mayor pro tem, a director of Any spare time Vern the Odessa Crime Stoppers can squeeze out of his busy and also participates with life he spends with active the Odessa Boys and Girls hobbies: collecting guns, Club. In addition, he is also dove hunting, shooting on the national committee Vern Foreman pistols and hunting hogs. of Illuminating Engineers, Vern said he is security lighting. and explanation of the two Co. E meetings at continually impressed with He’s the former foundation and joined as their family ranch. “The the Rangers’ pursuit of chairman of the TRAF a member in 1982. In 1987 pleasure my wife and I have training and technology. historical committee and I was appointed by then experienced with them “Their responsibilities with also on the fundraising Captain Gene Powell to the is phenomenal. Through the river at the border committee. board of directors.” the years we’ve made life- have necessitated many Vern attended the Vern said his favorite long friends with many changes.” University of Texas where part of being a member Rangers, an honor that’s The Rangers have he received a bachelor of of TRAF is meeting and indescribable.” also given Vern a pattern science degree in electrical associating with an He said, “Co. E he looks for in people. “I engineering outstanding group of sponsored the fi rst ‘gala’ in highly value an individual’s Asked why he supports men and women board Odessa, ‘An Evening with perseverance and integrity.” the Texas Rangers, Foreman members. the Texas Rangers.’ The After 28 years on said, “I have been a long He added, “Most of all, success of this event and the board, Vern has met time supporter of law however, I have enjoyed the work and participation hundreds of people who fi t enforcement and the Texas becoming friends with of all that were involved will this mold.