WE STAND ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS
Mike Wagers is a Ranger Network Mentor. Below is his note to a retiring Ranger. In addition to his time as a Ranger, Mike served 18 months in Vietnam with the 173rd, 15 of those as a Platoon Sergeant/Platoon Leader, and 10 specifically as a Platoon Leader.
We truly stand on the shoulders of giants. There is no book, no TED Talk, and no panel of so-called “experienced” business leaders that could capture even a tenth of the life experience Mike offers to Rangers. Ranger Buddy and the Ranger Creed carry deep meaning; something I personally didn’t fully grasp until after I left the service.
It’s on us to take advantage of the opportunities presented to us and to face the challenges that come our way. We learned in Regiment that you don’t do anything alone, and you don’t make the same mistake twice. Rangers don’t do handouts, but we will always be there to offer a hand up because at one point or another, we’ve all needed one, literally or figuratively.
RLTW!
Mike Hall
Hello Mike,
I am also Mike, Wagers that is. I am one of the Mentors that Mike Hall sent your info to.
Probably the oldest of the lot, but with a lot of miles behind me. I was one of the original Platoon Sergeants in the 1st Bn. and prior to that I had served in the old Ranger Department of the Infantry School and as a Platoon Sergeant in C Company Rangers, that was deactivated when the 1st Bn. was formed. After the 1st Bn. I served as a Drill Sergeant and then as a Platoon Sergeant again in the 25th Division, where I served as a PSG & 1St Sergeant and (after receiving a direct commission to 1LT) as a Company Commander. I was commanding one of the two Officer Candidate School Companies at Fort Benning when the Regiment was formed and was asked to help start up and Command the RIP Detachment (forerunner to RASP) in the Regimental HQ. When I retired in 1990, I was offered a consulting job in Saudi Arabia as an advisor to the Commander of the Saudi Ranger School and Special Parachute Company. That eventually lead to me starting my own company in Saudi and kept me there until 2016 (with a break from 2004 to 2011.) During that break my wife and I returned to a farm in Tennessee where we built a Cow/Calf Operation.
I retired long before you entered the Army and the thing about Mike Hall's introduction that caught my attention is your interest in the Cattle Business. Of everything I've done since retiring from the army my cattle business was very likely the one, I liked the most. I have recently entered the old age period of my life. We still live on the farm we built but all we own is the house and a little bit of land. I also fool around with raising Freezer Beef when the notion strikes me. I would love to hear from you and hear about what your plans are, near and long term.
I noticed your phone number is a 706 Area Code, my oldest son, daughter and grandkids and great grandkids all live in the Columbus, Ga. area. I have a close friend who lives just outside of Columbus who was one of the 1st Bn. Originals who still raises cattle that I could introduce you too as well.
Hope to hear from you.
RLTW!
Mike Wagers