Hello from Wisco

Hi Rangers,

I’m Jimmy Kostich and was a Royal Ranger as a kid here in Southeastern WI. A fellow here by the name of “Claymore” got me started in the program. Through his knowledge and skills, he prepared me for my time in the Army. Once I got to basic training. I had realized everything he taught me was the same way as the army had done. So I was already head and shoulders above most of the soldiers when it came to marksmanship, land nav, pugil sticks etc. I had so much fun with the rangers. It is such an awesome program that taught me a ton of useful skills as well as helped me with my relationship with GOD. I’m very excited to be a part of this group!!!

Doesn't look like Claymore has seen your post yet, Jimmy. He must be off on a covert, black ops moonlighting gig.

Guys like you make all the work we put into Rangers worth it. Last week I got an e-mail from a young man that I had for 1 year in Rangers and 2 years in my high school classes. Now he's in the Coast Guard and thanked me.

One day you'll have an opportunity to mentor someone. It's an honor and well worth it, so try and find the time.

Welcome aboard Jimmy!

Jimmy was a true leader in the making.

He didn't try to jump out there to be in front, but he was always part of the group, and always doing the tasks to Standard.

I think that I told this to the other folks in the Group, but I had approached Detective Tom Kulinski (former Marine) about being my Assistant-Commander for the Royal Rangers, he asked what they were. I told him that they were a "Christian Boy Scout Troop". They do a short Bible Study, and do Merits & Outdoor Projects.

Tom came to the meeting. He was dressed properly: Khaki Shirt & Trousers, Black Shoes, it was winter, so he wore an Olive Green Military Wooly-Pully Sweater, with the Khaki Collar exposed, revealing his blue Assistant Commander Bars.

He looked around the room (actually a detached garage by the parsonage, that had been converted to a Club House). Boys were sharpening pocket knives and hunting knives; they were cutting shotgun shells apart, to make fires by dumping the powder, then striking a flint over the powder; and some were practicing knot-tying by throwing a rappelling rope over the rafter, making a Swiss Seat, & doing very short rappels with gloves & a carabiner.

Tom Kulinski looked around the room and said, "This isn't a Christian Scout Troup. It's a Twelve-Year-Old Special Forces Detachment.".

I'm pretty sure that Jim was somewhere in that bunch. If I had eleven other troops like Jim on my Special Forces ODA, it would have been one Unstoppable Unit.

By the way, Jim, JoeCool is also an old military guy.  But he became a "Mustang", leaving the ranks of us enlisted folks to seek his fortune as an Officer.  

He did a pretty good job, by the time that he finished up.  He eventually became the Commander of a U.S. Navy Ship.  

JoeCool: What was the name of the ship that you commanded?

Claymore wrote: JoeCool: What was the name of the ship that you commanded?

Alas, the enlisted to officer program that I and others went through did not allow us to take command. Had to save ship's CO spots for those who came through the Academy or NROTC.

However, while I was a senior enlisted guy, I did have "command" of a harbor tug, the Accomac. 109' of 2000 hp-driven steel on San Francisco Bay. A great tour that contributed a few stories to my devotions book.

Oops.

I was under the impression that you were in charge of the ship that you had the 40mm Round shot at you.  

It just gave me a heartier laugh, to think of some Seaman2C putting a Cannon Round past the C.O.’s Coconut.

(But then, maybe you had to be a Senior NCO, to see the full Humor in that. )

Claymore wrote: It just gave me a heartier laugh, to think of some Seaman2C putting a Cannon Round past the C.O.’s Coconut.

It was a Marine sitting in his amphibious assault vehicle. I was going to say something like a sailor never would have done that, but I'm reminded of one and his .50 cal round that went awry.

joecool wrote:

Claymore wrote: It just gave me a heartier laugh, to think of some Seaman2C putting a Cannon Round past the C.O.’s Coconut.

It was a Marine sitting in his amphibious assault vehicle. I was going to say something like a sailor never would have done that, but I'm reminded of one and his .50 cal round that went awry.

“He who is without sin........ “

joecool wrote:

It was a Marine sitting in his amphibious assault vehicle.

Actually, there is a special humor in THAT, too.

(See what happens, when you’re watching someone ELSE’s kids?  Kind-of like being a Royal Ranger Leader.)

Claymore wrote: Actually, there is a special humor in THAT, too.
(See what happens, when you’re watching someone ELSE’s kids?  Kind-of like being a Royal Ranger Leader.)

Your wit and wisdom is unparalleled. Consider doing a stand-up comedy routine at the next Pow-Wow.