A Testimony to Sacrifice and Legacy

In honor of LTC (Ret) Joe Rippetoe
Husband. Father. Vietnam Veteran. Friend.

LTC (Ret) Joe Rippetoe

In 2004, our leadership had the privilege of standing alongside the Best Ranger Competition, lending our strategic efforts for four years.

The year before, on April 3, 2003, Captain Russell Rippetoe was killed in Iraq.

Russell’s father, LTC (Ret) Joe Rippetoe, responded to unimaginable loss with immediate action. He chose to share the beauty of his son with the world. Through his efforts, he inspired our friends at Armed Forces Insurance to dedicate their legacy award at the Best Ranger Competition in Russell’s memory. From that moment on, it would forever be known as the AFI/CPT Russell Rippetoe Road March Award.

Russell, known to many as “Rusty,” was killed by a suicide car bomb while moving to help a pregnant woman standing near the vehicle. . Rangers Staff Sgt. Nino Livaudais and Spc. Ryan Long were also killed on that tragic day.

For the next fifteen years, Joe traveled to Fort Benning for the Best Ranger Competition. During those years, a kinship was developed that will always be treasured. He taught us love through grace. He showed us what devotion truly looks like. He was also the first person to help us understand what makes Army Rangers so extraordinary. They run toward those who need saving and toward danger.

Russell was the first casualty of the Iraq War buried at Arlington National Cemetery. At a Memorial Day service, President George W. Bush spoke of the Shield of Strength Russell wore, engraved with Joshua 1:9.

Not long after, Joe began giving Shields of Strength to every competitor at the Best Ranger Competition, symbolizing faith, resilience, and resolve. For me, this became one of the most powerful traditions of the event, a deeply personal and spiritual touchstone within an unforgiving, demanding competition. It tied every Ranger to something greater than themselves: sacrifice, faith, and legacy.

For many years, the Shield became part of the official packing list. Finishing teams would often raise them high at the finish line, frequently greeted there by Joe himself.

I have always said, and will continue to say, that the Best Ranger Competition is far more than an athletic or military skills event. It is a sacred point in time each year when our Ranger family comes together to honor everything that makes this community exceptional.

LTC (Ret) Joe Rippetoe was 88 years old. He served 24 years in uniform, survived Vietnam, and spent 22 years faithfully honoring his son’s legacy. He was a good man.

He was our friend.
Rest in peace, Joe.
You are deeply loved