Welcome
to the Former Texas Rangers Association Web Site: The historical association
was founded over 100 years ago in 1897. It was spearheaded by Ranger Captain
John S. "RIP" Ford. Due to a stroke Captain Ford was unable
to fulfill his mission but a group of Old Rangers met and formed an Ex-Ranger
Association. Membership was to include any Ranger that had been honorably
discharged from the Ranger Service. The purpose of the organization would
be for social and benevolent purposes, and to preserve and collect the
history of the Texas Rangers.
Over the years amendments have been
made and in 1949 the association became a nonprofit corporation called The
Texas Association of Texas Rangers. In 1971 it was re-chartered as the
Former
Texas Ranger Association.
As part of the Texas Centennial
in 1936 Memorial Hall was opened in San Antonio to be a memorial to Pioneers,
Old Trail Drivers and Texas Rangers. In 1973 the association opened a
Ranger museum in Memorial Hall.
The mission of the association
has been expanded over the years. Today the mission exists to preserve
and perpetuate the true history of the Texas Rangers; to maintain and
operate a museum dedicated to the Texas Rangers, including a Ring of Honor
in memory of Rangers who lost their lives in the line of duty; to establish
commemorative landmarks related to Ranger history; to administer a scholarship
program; and to bring active Rangers, former Rangers and Ranger families
and descendants together for fellowship, support, and mutual purpose.
Membership
in the association includes Regular
Members (former Texas Rangers and lineal descendants of Rangers) and Associate
Members ( active Texas Rangers and Special Rangers ). Each member receives
a membership certificate, ID card, decal and the newsletter Straight Talk.
Each May the association holds its annual Membership Meeting and Reunion at
Memorial Hall in San Antonio. Food is provided from a chuck wagon and there
is entertainment for all.
Officers of the
association have participated in Former Texas Ranger grave markings all
over the state. The association provides a grave marker cross with a Ranger
Badge. These are very impressive and touching ceremonies honoring great men
who helped to make Texas great.
On
May 25th 2001, the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas Legislature
adopted House
Resolution #1065 honoring the Former Texas Rangers
Association for it's great service in preserving Texas history and encouraged
the Association to build it's new history and education center in Kerrville,
Texas.
If you qualify to
be a member of the association contact us so you can be a link in Texas
Ranger History.
Click
here to get a print out form.
Captain Grady Sessums
Texas Ranger Co. A, Retired
President, Former Texas Rangers Association
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