Chase Ragen Promoted
 | Author:
Matt Nelson
MT43 News Correspondent |
On Saturday, October 15th there was a promotion ceremony at Fort Harrison for Lt. Colonel Chase Ragen. It was attended by his family, friends, and several National Guard members consisting of both enlisted (mostly sergeants) and officer personnel, including General Jamie Wilkins and Retired General Don Emerson. Chaplain Brian Daum said the opening and closing prayers. COL (Promotable) Renea Dorvall made the promotion presentation and swearing-in of Chase to his new rank of Colonel. Right after Chase was sworn in there was a formal pinning ceremony and an exchange of his Lt. Colonel uniform shirt for a new uniform shirt showing the insignia of a full bird Colonel. Then Chase gave a speech honoring his fellow service members and his family. COL Ragen recognized his family for all the support over the years. He highlighted his mother, Sharon, as a true Patriot who has embodied the Army value of selfless service. Sharon has sacrificed weekends for the past 29 years, which has allowed both Chase and his wife, Daniela, to serve their State and Country. COL Ragen and Daniela also have much gratitude for Ernie and Carolyn Nunn, as well as Gretchen Carrols who have watched their kids over the years. It takes a village.
This is a summary of his bio and Army career (written in army-ese!):
“COL ChasePatrick G. Ragen was born in Townsend, MT, and joined the MTARNG in 1993 as a M1A1 Tank Crewman. COL Ragen graduated from the Montana Military Academy Officer Candidate School, a recipient of the McCarthy Award, and received his commission in August of 2000.
During his career, COL Ragen has served as Platoon Leader & Company XO - 3669th GS Maint Co, TAC Officer - 208th RTI, Company Commander - 1063rd SMC, S4 - 208th RTI, Executive Officer - 495th CSSB, MAIT Team / Deputy Division Chief - G4, S3 Operations Officer - 1889th RSG, Battalion Commander – 190th CSSB, Division Chief – G4, Branch Chief – G3, and his current position as Training Center Commander.
COL Ragen deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Afghanistan in 2013 as Executive Officer of the largest Combat Sustainment Support Battalion in theatre.
COL Ragen graduated from Western Montana College of The University of Montana in 2000 with a degree in Business Administration. COL Ragen, a business owner, has worked in the agricultural finance field since 2001, in addition to multiple real estate investment ventures. His military education includes the Ordnance Basic Course, Army Instructor Training Course, TAC Training Course, Tactics Certification Course, Logistics Captains Career Course, Command & General Staff Officer Intermediate Level Education (ILE) and Advanced Operations Course (AOC). COL Ragen is currently attending Army War College, DL.
COL Ragen’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, ARCOM (3 OLC), AAM (3 OLC), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, & Montana National Guard Commendation Medal.
COL Ragen resides in his hometown of Townsend and is married to LTC (Retired) Daniela Ragen. Together they have 5 children: Sergeant Devinn Ragen (25), Zyanne (19), Jazzie (13), Ellie (7), & Millie (6 - going on 13).” Chase and his father Patrick are owners of the Farm Ranch Credit Services, Inc, located in Townsend.
As a side note, in May of this year, Daniela was presented a Congressional Record award presented by Montana Senator Steve Daines. At the time she was a Major; in July she was promoted to Lt. Colonel and retired from the Montana Army National Guard in August.
Congratulations to both LT. Colonel Daniela Ragen and Colonel Chase Ragen. Sergeant Devinn Ragen also serves in the Montana Army National Guard. Thanks go to all three of you for your service to Montana and the United States.
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