Ben & Marilyn Vargas

Between sips of coffee and contemplative grins - Ben and Marilyn Vargas share stories of love, dedication, and incredible hard work during their time living at Philmont Scout Ranch.  As second parents to many seasonal wranglers, Ben and Marilyn are humble celebrities among the Ranch Department, and I want to thank them for inviting me into their home and sharing just a small portion of the immeasurable impact they’ve had on so many lives.

I’d like to note that this episode was generously and anonymously sponsored by a member of the Old Horse Department, whom without, the making of this episode would not have been possible. I thank you.

Support the show and enjoy some tunes - "The Places We Call Home" by The Calico Stray.

Philmont Experience
Ben Vargas
Seasonal Staff
1964 - Rayado grounds
1965 - Rayado Dining Hall
1966 - Trading Post staff
1967 - Wrangler
1968 - Horseman
1969 - Horseman
1970 - Horseman

Full Time
1971 - Fence Crew then moved to Cowboy
1972 - 1979 - Cowboy
1980 - Horse Forman
2018 - Livestock Foreman

Marilyn Vargas
Seasonal Staff
1974 - Small Fry Director
1976 - 1979 - Nursery Director

Part Time
1980 - 1984 - Housekeeping

Full Time
1985 - 2018 - Assistant to General Manager (2015 promoted to Assistant to GM and Team Leader Administrative/Housekeeping).

Notable Mentions
Leo Martinez
Bob Knox
Jim Bird
Lee Mariett
Mark Anderson
Paul Claussen
Chuck Binger
Bill Spice
Keith Galloway
John Clark
Kevin Dowling
Austin Vargas
Kelly Vargas
Chope Phillips
BJ - Lost Ranger
Danny Sloan
Dollie O'Neill
Casey Lyman
Dr. John Alexander
John Bell
Jason Smallwood
Brad Newberry
Bob Rickleffs
Rusty Lowe