Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight onto the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.PAT SHIELDS, CAPITAL FARM CREDIT Pat Shields Education Texas A&M University College Station, Texas Bachelor of Science Animal Science December 1993 Experience Senior Relationship Manger I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.Įnergetically will I meet the enemies of my country, I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Gallantly will I show the world that I’m a specially selected and well trained soldier. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be. Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high “esprit de corps” of my Ranger Regiment.Īcknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster and fight harder than any other soldier. "Never leave a fallen comrade." Always help a brother or sister up - you never know, it may one day be you on the stretcher. He was hit & knocked back down again AND still got back up! How’s that for fortitude? So think about that next time you find yourself ready to hang it up during the shift.Īnd remember no matter how bad the shift seems it can ALWAYS get worse. On the day of the big battle, a Ranger was shot in the chest, knocked down, and he got back up. In Somalia, our armored vests had ballistic plates on the chest capable of stopping direct rifle shots to the vital organs. There are times on the job when it’s a long shift and you’re down - ready to call it a day. Essentially the same thing we do during the mitigation of emergency incidents. In a nutshell, I adapted and overcame, just as we as a unit, as a team, adapted and overcame throughout the battle. It was never just about me and my wellbeing. Why? Because I was still physically able and never lost focus of the importance of my role on the Team. That mentality teamed with work ethic, determination and sound moral compass helps ensure our ultimate success in serving the citizens of Anne Arundel CountyĪfter I had been shot, I continued to do my job, continued to perform my role on the Team. Early on I recognized that I'm just a part of whatever it is I am participating in and I try to not make it about me. I try and do what is right for my Company, my Battalion, and my Fire Department. And we’ve successfully been holding the line for some time now. The chorus goes " Hold the line, hold the line, shoulder to shoulder, and side by side, you give it your best and I'll give it mine, we can win this together if we hold the line." It’s kind of cheesy but it sums up the Professional Fire Fighters well. It’s called "Hold the Line" and the video features a football game. My Ranger Buddy Keni Thomas recorded a song that I think you will appreciate. You have an obligation to be prepared, to not let the crew down. We do it for the citizens of the county and our fellow firefighters. A responsibility to perform and pull our weight. You’re each part of the department with different roles yet working towards a common goal. From carrying a wounded soldier to a helicopter or dragging a victim from a burning building – it’s about teamwork. This also holds true for the men and women of emergency services. Yet they still serve their country regardless of the lack of recognition and all too commonly, appreciation of their services. The vast majority will never see their names in a book, be featured on tv or receive much recognition for their service. You know I am one of the fortunate few out of millions of soldiers. I want to thank all my fellow Vets and Firefighters on this 25th Anniversary of Operation Gothic Serpent. I want to thank you all for this opportunity and privilege of being featured on the Anne Arundel County Professional Firefighter’s page. On Octohe was on the ground and wounded during the Battle of Mogadishu, made famous by the book and movie “Blackhawk Down.” Below, he discusses his keys to success first as an Army Ranger and now as a Professional Fire Fighter. Twenty-five years ago, he was an Army Ranger deployed in Somalia as part of Operation Gothic Serpent. Randy Ramaglia is an Anne Arundel County Professional Fire Fighter.
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