Rangers inducted into Ranger Hall of Fame

By Anna PedronJuly 15, 2015

Rangers inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BENNING, Ga., (July 1, 2015) -- Sixteen Rangers were inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame during a ceremony at Marshall Auditorium in McGinnis-Wickam Hall, June 24.

The Ranger Hall of Fame was formed to honor and preserve the spirit and contributions of America's most extraordinary retired Rangers.

"These awards are wonderful things, but they are not necessarily earned by those of us who have them pinned around our neck," said retired Gen. John Abizaid, an inductee. "They are earned by those who served with us, who fought with us, who did the right thing in combat and peacetime. And I really accept this on their behalf."

"Being a Ranger isn't just an event, it's a way of life," said retired Col. Warde "Skip" Chittendon. "It's the discipline that makes you who you are, and the knowledge that when you shake a fellow Rangers hand, you know what he's bringing to the table.

"And remember, the older you get - the better you were," he said.

"I want to thank you all for this great honor," said retired Lt. Col. Jim Sislet, who accepted the award on behalf of his late father, Medal of Honor recipient 1st Lt. George K. Sisler, who received the award for his actions in the Vietnam War. "Dad certainly lived the Ranger motto as he finished training here - there was pretty much no stopping him."

Other Rangers inducted in the Hall of Fame were retired: Lt. Col. Steven L. Arnold, Maj. Robert Bischoff, Command Sgt. Maj. Jimmy L. Broyles, Col. John P. Geraci, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael T. Hall, Col. Thomas M. Henry, Lt. Col. Rex G. Masters, Sgt. Maj. Gregory A. Matteo, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, Command Sgt. Maj. James P. Regan, Lt. Col. Rembert G. Rollison, Sgt. 1st Class Taft Yates and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Russell L. McIntyre.

Each inductee was presented with a Ranger Hall of Fame medallion. According to the program, the medallion signifies selfless sacrifice, professional excellence and remarkable accomplishment in the defense of the greatest nation in the world and to the highest ideals of service.

"I think that in life, if you're lucky, you get to meet your heroes," McChrystal said. "But if you're blessed, you get to serve with them. Thank you for being my heroes. Rangers lead the way."

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