The 1st Scout Ranger Company (Orig) Reunite

Last Saturday, we had a reunion of old foggies coming from the elite 1st Scout Ranger Company of the then Scout Ranger Group (SRG). It was a most memorable occasion filled with joy and brotherhood. We may be old and cranky seniors now, but we were once upon a time grizzled warriors – fighting, bleeding, dying and surviving together through nameless battles, accomplishing near-impossible missions, enduring heartbreaking losses, making silly mistakes and, as the Scout Ranger Song goes: “seeking and fighting and laughing and loving, Scout Rangers of fortune are we!”

And on this day, we gathered together to celebrate our shared experiences, to reminisce those good old days, and to rekindle that bond forged in the harshest of conditions in combat. When we roamed the mountains and weathered all storms boldly, and consecrated countless fields with our precious blood, sweat and tears.

Gracing the affair were 2 of the most prominent Rangers of all time: Ret General Julius Javier, the first commander of the then newly-organized Scout Ranger Group (SRG), and undoubtedly the face of the Ranger unit ever since; and Ret General Delfin Lorenzana, the very first Company Commander (CO) of the 1st Scout Ranger Company, who would later on distinguish himself and rise to the esteemed position as Secretary of National Defense.

Sir Julius, he with the ruggedly-handsome Charles Bronson look, will always be remembered as the guy who was more at ease in the field as opposed to the air-conditioned comforts of the office. He was accompanied by his amiable wife, M’ Tess, who was like a mother to us young officers during those early days in Camp Capinpin.

Sir Delfin, on the other hand, was the affable father-figure of the 1st SR Company, who always put our welfare among his top priorities. Even as the Defense Secretary in the previous administration, he was responsible for many fiscal reforms that brought much comfort to our military personnel. Also with him was his charming wife, M’ Edith, whose warmth and pleasing countenance always had a calming effect on the young officers and men of the 1st SR.

Also present were other distinguished retired officers and NCOs. Among the officers present were Ret MGen Romy Lustestica, Ret BGen CeeGee Santos, Ret Col Chito De Vera, Ret Col Phil Plaza, Ret Col Ador Lina, Ret Col Epoy Lagdamen and myself. Among the prominent NCOs present were: Ret 2Lt Archie Gako, Ret 2Lt Joey Paet, Ret 2Lt Rambo Borlasa, Ret 2Lt Boni Galleto, Ret 2Lt Oscar Lovedioro, Ret 2Lt Ed Bragais.

As we gathered, there was a palpable sense of nostalgia in the air, mingled with a sense of pride in our noble service and sacrifices together. Stories of bravery, resilience, and camaraderie flowed freely. Tales of audacity, quick decisions and wild abandon poured with the wine, each story a testament to the unbreakable bond that exists among old foggies.

We remembered fondly the late Col Romy Lim, who recruited most of the original members of the 1st SR from far-away Mindanao. We also recalled the Basic Ranger training, and our combat exposure in Tagkawayan, Quezon. Where our new recruits – led by the late then – 2Lt Ed Ambrosio – would taste their first encounter. Then came the regular Scout Ranger training, the Scout Ranger Class 27-78. This grueling course would prepare us for the tough times ahead.

Upon graduation, the 1st SR was shipped to Cotabato where, within days, the company scored on its first major encounter. As the spearhead to a 39th Infantry Battalion (39IB) operation, the 1st SR would seize an MNLF encampment in the hinterlands of Lebak, Sultan Kudarat. We lost the late Sgt Ben Eheng – our very first casualty – in that stealthy early morning raid. But the Rangers’ ‘Skill, Stamina and Spirit’ would take the enemy by surprise, and lead to the capture of the camp.

From then on, the 1st SR would be ‘borrowed’ by the different Brigades and Battalions to lead any big operation at hand. This concept would show positive results, and it would later be used extensively by the 1st Infantry Division in Jolo, where the Forward Recon Unit or FRU, a lean company of predominantly Ifugao highlanders, was created and trained by the Scout Rangers.

The months that followed would be filled with non-stop operations, as the 1st SR started to build a solid reputation. Divisions and Brigades would line up to borrow them whenever a large enemy force was sighted. The Rangers, with their motto: We Strike, was slowly making a name for themselves; their operating area now stretching from mainland Mindanao to include Jolo and Tawi-Tawi.

But amidst the laughter and cherished memories, there was also a somber undertone as we took time to honor the memory of our fallen comrades. Each name was fondly and respectfully spoken for, a reminder of the ultimate price paid for country and freedom. The names of the late Tito Abat, Albert Yen, James Artango, Bert Jara, Oca Campanano were just some of originals who had gone ahead of us. Very recently, we lost Ret Gen Raffy Pabustan, who was once upon a time a part of this illustrious unit as well.

Yet, despite the weight of their passing, the reunion was a wonderful time for reflection, gratitude, and unity. It served as a reminder that no matter how many battles we have fought, and how many brothers we have lost, we must cherish their memories and uphold their noble legacy. And we vow that we shall always be brothers-in-arms, bound by a poignant common history that transcends time and distance.

To the organizers of this wonderful gathering of old Rangers – Ret Col Ador Lina and Ret 2LT Archie Gako – congratulations and thank you for making this dream reunion a reality! To the members of the original 1st SR Company, and the members of the SR Class 27-78 (Quest for Challenge), you may be retired, but you will certainly not be forgotten. Keep the fires of the Ranger spirit burning, and my snappy salute to you all!

For a closer, clearer look, just click on the pics. Photos courtesy of the Buddies Malone Abroguena, Ador Lina, atbp.

Pictures of the 80s above, when we were young and wild. And pictures of the grand reunion below, after more than 40 years. From long hair to no hair!