Newly minted Texas Highway Troopers continue to live the Ranger Creed

Photo By Pfc. Eric Overfelt | Former 2nd Ranger Battalion Ranger Justin Aguilar of Sweeney, Texas (left) and 3d Ranger Battalion veteran Robert Maeker of College Station, Texas (right), led the way for their peers by earning three of four Texas DPS awards at the Texas State Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol academy.  

AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES

06.30.2015

Story by Maj. Anthony Mayne 

The 75th Ranger Regiment

AUSTIN, Texas - Two 75th Ranger Regiment veterans continue to set the example for others to follow and were rewarded for their performance at the Texas Department of Public Service Highway Patrol graduation ceremony June 19 in Austin, Texas.

Former 2nd Ranger Battalion Ranger Justin Aguilar of Sweeny, Texas and 3d Ranger Battalion veteran Robert Maeker of College Station, Texas led the way for their peers by earning three of four Texas DPS awards.

Aguilar served as the class leader and was awarded the Major James O. Ratliff Outstanding Performance award for the highest combined scores in Pursuit Driving, Defensive Tactics and Firearms Qualifications. Aguilar was also named the Trooper Norman Zator awardee for Highest Scholastic Average.

Aguilar said that his six year in Ranger Regiment prepared him for the rigors of the highway patrol academy.

“The transition to the Texas Highway Patrol was an easy adjustment,” Aguilar said.

Life in the Ranger Regiment prepares a Ranger to be ready to lead in a variety of unpredictable situations, Aguilar reported. Returning to a training environment after serving in 2d Ranger Battalion, he was accustomed to seeking a position of influence within his candidate class.

Maeker was awarded the Distinguished Fitness Award for achieving the highest score, and new class record, on the Combat Fitness Evaluation.

Maeker credits his chain of command for setting the conditions for a successful transition to public service. His leaders allowed him adequate time to interview with the Texas DPS prior to departing his four years of active duty after service in the Ranger Regiment.

“I began the application process prior to leaving 3d Ranger Battalion,” Maeker said. “I had a plan and my leadership allowed me to separate early in order to meet my timeline for entrance into the academy.”

The Ranger Regiment first learned of the outstanding performance of Aguilar and Maeker by Texas DPS Sergeant Rick Hauck who serves in the Professional Development Unit. Hauck called the Regiment to highlight the success that the Ranger experienced in the course.

“We want more 75th Rangers in the Texas DPS,” Hauck said.

“Special operations veterans have shown a remarkable ability to assimilate and take on leadership positions within the force; we need these types of young Americans to continue to serve in our ranks,” Hauck stated.

The two Ranger Regiment veterans and 75 other candidates started the 23-week training academy in January. The curriculum included more than 100 subject areas, including counter-terrorism, traffic and criminal law, arrest and control procedures, accident reconstruction, first aid and Spanish.

Both Aguilar and Maeker look forward to serving a four-year tour with the Texas Highway Patrol before attending selection for more specialized units within the Texas DPS.

• Date Taken: 06.30.2015
• Date Posted: 06.30.2015 14:41
• Story ID: 168625
• Location: AUSTIN, TX, US
• Hometown: COLLEGE STATION, TX, US
• Hometown: SWEENY, TX, US