RANGER PRIDE
Strong in spirit is the Safeside Ranger,
Bold and courageous in the face of danger.
Berets and shields were worn with pride,
Their oath to defend was bona fide.
Training and triumph at Scholfield en masse,
Some were trained in the Kentucky bluegrass.
They learned escape and evasion, ways to survive,
How to jump from an aircraft and remain alive.
They learned compass and map reading and how to scout,
Most essential they learned what life was about.
Not just the mechanics of crossing a stream,
But trusting yourself and having faith in your team.
Pull-ups before breakfast or they'd not eat,
Random push-ups on the asphalt street
'Drop and give me ten', a Sgt beckoned,
Ten they gave, and one for the 82nd.
Their skills were tested on foreign ground,
Life changing experiences, ever profound.
Missions took them beyond the wire,
Always at risk for enemy fire.
They are an ohana of special brothers,
United in friendship like no others.
Sharing the life-once-lived Safeside bond,
It will always be... Ranger..... Drive On!
©Copyright July 24, 2005 by Kimberly Sue Bayes
Rangerette
Kim "Rangerette" Bayes, 2005
Hi Tony,
I know you Aussies spent some time with the Air Force Safeside Rangers (821st, 822nd, 823rd, and 1041st (T), for sure in Phan Rang.) Anyway I wrote a poem for them and they really liked it.
One Safesider Ranger wrote me a letter and said for the first time in 35 years he felt proud of what he did. He showed his family the poem and told them, "This is me!" I wept with joy that I made a Viet Nam veteran recognize his worth. God has put a pen in my hand for this very reason. This man also had three 'bomber-type' jackets made, one for me and matching ones for my daughters. He put Queen Mother/Rangerette on mine and Rangerettes on my girls'. To be accepted by those guys is such an incredible feeling.
My best to you,
Kim Bayes
December 16, 2005