Silver On the Sage

"Here’s to the close of a long good era for the history of Philmont. That era included Boss Sanchez, Leo Martinez, Chope Phillips, and Bob Knox.  Each of these men had huge influences on the history of Philmont, and upon Rod Taylor, Chuck Enloe, Bob Ricklefs, and Ben Vargas. All 8 of those men were honored by the Philmont Wrangler family at the Wrangler Reunion Red River 2023. Let’s hope the Western Ranching culture endures forever at Philmont Scout Ranch."  
-Dr. John Alexander

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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. Chuck  retired in January, 2026.

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.

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Keith is a skilled artist, storyteller, and connoisseur of western culture. His artwork reflects his passion for the American West and its history, people, and animals. He spent several years cowboying on ranches in New Mexico, Nevada, and Wyoming.  Keith has dedicated over 35 years to the motion picture industry as a prop master.  He's worked on numerous films including No Country for Old Men, Sicario, Lincoln, and more. 

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Via numerous field recordings, Ellyn Washubrne Rager has dedicated her own musical talents and time to creating a catalog of Philmont music for all to enjoy.  You can access those tunes on Bandcamp and the Phamily Recordings website.

Ellyn is a current student at the Univ of Kentucky, pursing a PhD in Musicology.  The title of her research is - Philsongs: A Study of Campfire Music Performed at Scouting America’s Philmont Scout Ranch (2014 to 2021).

Participate in Ellyn's research: Philmont Music Survey. 

Philmont Experience:

2010 Activities Staff
2011 Cyphers Mine PC
2012 Rich Cabins PC
2013 Beaubien PC
2014 Rich Cabins CD
2015 Urraca CD
2016 Activities Assistant Manager/Philmont Musicologist
2017 Activities Assistant Manager/Philmont Musicologist, Autumn Adventure Guide
2018 Activities Assistant Manager/Philmont Musicologist, which became TSI Crew Leader after the Ute Park Fire
2019 Activities General Manager/Philmont Musicologist
2021 Backcountry Warehouse Clerk/Philmont Musicologist
2022 (partial summer) Backcountry Warehouse Clerk/Philmont Musicologist/Urraca Acting CD

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Mark joins the show today, sharing a multitude of stories and tangents. If you're lamenting that summer is nearing an end, this episode will give you a good dose of nostalgia, adventure, and authenticity to carry you through. 

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Growing up at the Double Z Bar Ranch with Philmont as his backyard - Parker's love for the cowboy way of life, his love for burros, and love for the people came easy.  Parker shares stories from his two summers on seasonal staff, and praises the Ranch Department for it's dedication to teaching skilled horsemanship, mental fortitude, and how to read the play. 

Philmont Experience:

2010 - Wrangler
2011 - Wrangler

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Dr. Luke Arnold joins the show to discuss Philmont's mental health program.  Luke helped pilot the program, and it is now in year 4 of progressive success. From leadership training, walk-in sessions and telehealth to crisis consultations, weekly mental health submissions to the PhilNews, and more. What began as a program for staff quickly transitioned to include participants. 

Philmont Experience:

1991 – CHQ Activities/Welcome Center Staff 
1992 – Crater Lake PC
1993 – Black Mountain PC
1996 – French Henry CD
1997 – Baldy Town CD
2023 – Philmont Mental Health Specialist 

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Kate shares insights from her time on seasonal and full-time staff as the current Marketing Manager.  From crew photos, website design, and social media to event coverage, graphics, PhilNews publications and more - Kate's days are never one in the same.  

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Yvonne's unique background in Polish Scouting, alongside her attitude to eagerly jump in when opportunity knocks - allowed her to flourish in the Ranch Department.  Today she is a Certified Journeyman Farrier, with the American Farriers Association.

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Enjoy a special compilation episode to highlight the impact of the Philmont Rayado Trek Program - celebrating 50 years this summer, 2026. 

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