The year 2018 brought about several impactful events to Philmont and the Philmont landscape. One of those events was the Ute Park Fire that devastated the middle part of the Ranch, ultimately causing a closure of the 2018 summer program. Another one of those events occurred on August 18, 2018 with the retirement of tenured Philmont employees Ben and Marilyn Vargas. Ben’s retirement in 2018 was the last of three well known, tenured Livestock Department employees for Philmont. Bob Ricklefs retired in April 2016, Rod Taylor retired on September 30, 2017, and Ben in August 2018. Chuck Enloe was elevated to Foreman later to replace Ben’s leadership in the Livestock Department. Many Wranglers attended Ben and Marilyn’s retirement in August 2018. Immediately following their retirement reception at Camping HQ, the idea of a Wrangler reunion was born. The initial three Wrangler alumni to start the planning of the proposed Reunion was Dr. John Alexander, Rusty Lowe, and Brandon Manning. Thomas Bush and Sarah Warren soon joined the newly formed Reunion team. Gene Zwillenberg committed later in the planning process to help on the Reunion premise. Two locations were mainly discussed on August 19, 2018 between John, Rusty, and Brandon for a Reunion. The first was Red River, NM, at their Convention Center. Rusty then presented the idea of the AQHA complex in Amarillo, TX. John called AQHA the following Monday, August 20, booked the Reunion on October 6, 2018, at the AQHA venue, and the expedited event planning process began. 48 days later, the Wrangler Reunion Amarillo 2018 was held in the AQHA Museum, Amarillo, TX. Per Bob Ricklefs, “The whole event was above and beyond great.” Per Ben Vargas, “I don’t have the words to say how much I appreciate the time and effort you guys put in to make the reunion and party such a huge success.” The Wrangler Reunion Amarillo 2018 Team: John & Misty Alexander, Rusty Lowe & Renee Harvey, Brandon & Betty Manning, Thomas & Lauren Bush, Sarah & Eric Warren, and Gene & Lisa Zwillenberg. Special credits for the following: Digital Editing: Kerry West, Rosewood Studios, Tyler, TX (many hours on this project!) Sound: Bryan White, Amarillo, TX Live Video of Rod Taylor, La Veta, Colorado: Deb Lathrop Video/Audio of 4 Honoree Interviews: Dominic Baima, Philmont Scout Ranch Permission for Philmont Brands, Landscape for Interviews: Kevin Dowling, GM (retired) of Philmont Scout Ranch Programs for Reunion: Pat Freden, Tyler, TX (1984 Philmont Camper) Photography: Alysia Wilson, Tyler, TX Music Performance: Tish Hinojosa (www.mundotish.com) Musicians with Tish: Chip Dolan and Troy Wells Cell Phone Conversations (with mountain reception): John Alexander with Lee “Bear” Hadaway, Rod Taylor, and Tish Hinojosa Copyrighted by: Cielo Azul Entertainment, Bullard, TX. Support the show
