JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash.(Sept. 22,2015) -- The 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment carries more than 40 years of history and tradition with each Ranger and civilian in its ranks.
The 2nd Ranger Battalion continued this tradition by recognizing commendable acts of civilians and Rangers during an award ceremony on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, September 11.
The 75th Ranger Regiment began this tradition in 1989 in recognition of the civilians who have served the Ranger Battalion with excellence and distinction.
"There is no higher honor than to recognize excellence," said Lt. Col. Jay Bartholomees, commander, 2nd Ranger Battalion. "We honored the sacrifice so many have given in support of our country and those civilians within our organization who have dedicated their time to bettering the unit and Rangers."
The ceremony started with the 2nd Ranger Battalion inducting four individuals as honorary members of the Battalion. These individuals include: Mark Steiner, Jeffrey Carroll, Danny VanGalder, and Melissa Miletich.
The contributions of the inductees included founding a scholarship for Rangers to continue their college education, optimizing the physical and mental conditioning of each Service member, maintaining the automotive assets for the Battalion, and creating a memorial commemorating the contributions and sacrifices for 2nd Ranger Battalion.
According to Bartholomees, the inductees received a commemorative plaque and a brick in the 2-75 Ranger Regiment Memorial, forever honoring their dedication and sacrifice to the unit.
After recognizing the civilians' contributions, approximately 60 Rangers received awards for their actions during their most recent deployment to Afghanistan including some Bronze Star Medal recipients.
The Rangers encountered fierce opposition during their deployment and their actions earned the 2nd Ranger Battalion its third Valorous Unit Award, the second highest unit award in the Army.
Rangers from the 2-75th Ranger Regiment have continuously supported the global war on terrorism with numerous air assaults, raids, patrols and ambushes against anti-coalition forces. The ceremony marked the continued dedication and service of the 2nd Ranger Battalion during the past 14 years of combat in Afghanistan.
Medal of Honor recipient, retired Master Sgt. Leroy Petry, was present to witness Rangers of his former unit receive recognition.
"Being able to come back here and see my old unit still earning valorous awards for the unit as a whole and individuals was great for me," said Petry. "Its amazing to see them keeping with the unit's lineage."
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