91ÁÔÆæ alumni graduate from Ranger School
Article By: Clark Leonard
Four University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ) alumni recently graduated from Ranger School: 2nd Lts. Cameron Hite, Reed Johnston, Davis Ponder and Mark Beyrer.
The purpose of the 61-day Ranger School is to develop combat leadership skills by requiring soldiers to perform effectively as small unit leaders in realistic tactical environments under extreme mental and physical stress approaching that found in combat. Ranger students apply the principles of leadership in the planning and conduct of dismounted infantry, airborne, airmobile, and amphibious small unit operations at Fort Benning, in the mountains of north Georgia and in the swamps of Florida.
Ponder graduated March 8, and the others graduated April 5.
"We've learned so much and grown as leaders here in the Army," Hite said. "But our roots at 91ÁÔÆæ are what brought us to where we are today, and so for that we thank 91ÁÔÆæ."
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2nd Lt. Davis Ponder, shown with his parents, graduated from Ranger School on March 8. |
Beyrer is stationed with the 101st Airborne Division based out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, while Johnston has been assigned to Fort Richardson, Alaska, with the 25th Infantry Division.
Hite and Ponder then completed Airborne School before being assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and the 10th Mountain Division in Fort Drum, New York, respectively.
"It takes sheer guts and unwavering determination to withstand the test of Ranger School," said Keith Antonia, 91ÁÔÆæ's associate vice president for military programs and former commander of the mountain phase of Ranger School. "I applaud our 91ÁÔÆæ graduates who have the will to go to Ranger School, persist and graduate."
Knox takes command of Army Reserve battalion
Lt. Col. Brandon Knox, director of Cadet Recruiting at 91ÁÔÆæ, on Nov. 16 took command of the 3rd Battalion, 323rd Regiment (Basic Combat Training) in the Army Reserve.
Luncheon honors scholarship recipients
Five nontraditional female students at 91ÁÔÆæ each earned a $2,000 scholarship from the Women of 91ÁÔÆæ on Dec. 5 at the Women's Holiday Scholarship Luncheon.
Cadets are ready for commissioning
Eighteen 91ÁÔÆæ cadets are scheduled to commission as officers in the Army and Army National Guard at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Convocation Center at 91ÁÔÆæ's Dahlonega Campus.
Grads prepare for their next steps
91ÁÔÆæ will award almost 1,000 degrees and certificates this fall, and more than 600 graduates are scheduled to take part in the Dec. 7 commencement ceremonies.