Rambow leads with ROTC drive on his way to Army Rangers

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On Sept. 11, 2001, Tony Rambow watched the twin towers fall. Twelve years later, he said the fire that lit inside of him that day is still burning as he prepares to enter Army Ranger School.

It was after 9/11 when Rambow knew for sure that he wanted to pursue a military career.

“I don’t want to see something like this happen again,” he said

Rambow went to WSU for the Army ROTC program, and as a freshman he joined the National Guard. He said ROTC was definitely a positive experience.

“I learned essential strengths, like how to be a leader, how to understand what’s important,” he said.

Rambow’s superior officer Capt. Michael Kimmell of the Cougar Battalion said Rambow displayed these strengths, and especially leadership, well.

“Tony was one of our better cadets,” Kimmell said. “He led by example.”

Along with ROTC and the National Guard, Rambow played intramural football every year and went shooting with his friends.

He said that it was important to enjoy college but to also understand responsibility.

Lt. Col. Todd Plotner, professor of military science, said Rambow carried a lot of responsibility.

“Tony was operations officer for Army ROTC his senior year, which is a lot of work,” Plotner said. “He distinguished himself by thorough planning and a positive attitude.”

Rambow said the responsibility of juggling ROTC, National Guard and school taught him a lot about prioritizing, and knowing what is important.

After graduating from WSU with a degree in criminal justice in May and getting married the next day, Rambow left for Fort Benning in Georgia for his Infantry Basic Officer Leadership Course (IBOLC).

Kimmell said Rambow was an honors graduate from the four-month IBOLC course.

“We’re not surprised that he’s doing well,” Kimmell said. He was a smart cadet who was willing to learn and ask the right questions.”

Rambow said his long-term goal is to get into the Ranger Regiment, an elite unit in the U.S. Military. He said he is on the right track, as the Ranger Regiment often takes infantry officers. The next step is Ranger School, which he is going to start in October.

“It’s the most realistic combat school you can go to in the Army,” he said.

After Ranger School, Rambow will be stationed at Fort Lewis. He said he is excited that he gets to come back to Washington state.

“Georgia is alright, but I miss Washington. I want to visit Pullman again, too,” Rambow said.

Plotner said Rambow was always a leader and a good influence on younger cadets. He advised younger cadets to take the program seriously and act responsibly.

“Try your hardest, take the grade seriously and start acting like a leader now,” he said. “Do what’s right. That’s the biggest thing.”