Units

My name is Chris Hutchinson and it is my great pleasure to serve the 75th Ranger Regiment Association in the capacity of RHQ & RSTB Unit Director. I don’t believe my path to the Regiment was the typical one. I look back now and can only thank God that His plan included me spending a little time there and learning some great lessons in life.

I enlisted as an accounting specialist, and by AIT, I realized that it probably wasn’t the best choice of MOS. I got to my first duty station in March 1993 at Ft. Bliss, TX, working in the finance office. As luck would have it, my squad leader had spent time in the Regimental Resource Management Office (RMO) years earlier. I was also lucky enough to have a colleague in the finance office who was married to an RI (SFC Strimple) at 7th RTB. They filled me with plenty of Ranger stories and advice. Somehow, we were able to persuade SFC Strimple to let me observe some of a Ranger School class. So, I took some leave and was able to spend some time with one of the classes in the fall of 1993. Of course, I wasn’t allowed to get in their way too much but there was one Ranger from 1/75 who really impressed me. He took the time to explain things to me and was always very positive. It stood out then but I didn’t really realize how big a thing that was until I went to Ranger School myself two years later. He also couldn’t speak high enough about being a “batt. boy.” He was proud of his unit, which was something I hadn’t seen too much of in my own unit.

I didn’t think it was possible in the near future but I knew the 75th Ranger Regiment was where I wanted to be. Not long after that, the Battle of Mogadishu took place and I felt called to get to the Regiment as soon as possible. I spoke with my squad leader and he called Ranger Branch. I was told that the person currently working in the RMO was looking to reclassify to 11B and asked if I was absolutely certain I wanted to be a Ranger. I told him I was and I had orders for jump school and RIP within a few weeks. I completed RIP and received my Black Beret in April 1994. I worked in the RMO under three Regimental Comptrollers. I had the honor and the privilege to wake up every single day from then until early 1997, when I left for the Chinese course at DLI, and serve with some of the very best men our great nation has to offer. It was an amazing experience; both confidence-building and humbling all rolled into one. Quite frankly, I haven’t seen quite the same level of professionalism and integrity since.

I don’t really know why but I spent a long time after ETSing maintaining zero contact with Ranger Brothers. I decided in 2011 I would change that, and make much more of an effort to reconnect with old Ranger buddies and connect with the new generation of Rangers. Once again, it was a life-changing experience that has led to great things. I strongly believe in the 75th RRA’s mission, I strongly believe the Ranger community needs to remain close so we can always be there to support each other. I strongly believe that “never shall I fail my comrades” is something to live by. I would be more than happy if I could help facilitate any of that, even if only in some small way. If you have any articles or stories you want to share in the association magazine, or you just want to get plugged back into the Ranger community, please do not hesitate to shoot me an email.

Rangers Lead the Way!

Chris Hutchinson

Rangers — I am (again) your unit director for 1/75. I thank Steve Cochran for shouldering the load the past few years. I am soliciting any input for our section in Patrolling magazine (or this unit page) from Current Rangers; former Battalion members; and family members. This is your forum.

Rangers Lead the Way!!!

Tony Mayne is an 18-year Army veteran with service in 3d Ranger Battalion as a rifleman to squad leader from 1999-2003 and in the 75th Ranger Regiment’s Headquarters as an Air Operations Officer and Public Affairs Officer from 2012-2017. He is active in the planning for this year’s Ranger Rendezvous with activities that include the Ranger Expo, Witness to War interview documentaries, and The Darby Project’s annual Ranger Veteran Leader Awards.

Upon retirement in 2020, Tony and his family will relocate to Columbus, GA.