Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund

Shelia Dudley To Direct Lead The Way Fund’s Gold Star Program

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Shelia Dudley To Direct Lead The Way Fund’s Gold Star Program

Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund is pleased to announce that Mrs. Shelia Dudley of Savannah, Georgia has come onboard to manage the organization’s Gold Star program.

“Shelia is perfect choice to lead the Gold Star Family program for our 75th Ranger Regiment Gold Star families,” said James Regan, founder and CEO of Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund.

“As a Gold Star wife with over 28 years of service as the 1st Ranger Battalion secretary, Shelia provides a level of experience and continuity with the deepest devotion and sincerity that our Ranger Gold Star families deserve,” Regan said.

As the Gold Star program director, Dudley will take the lessons learned of a lifetime supporting Rangers into her new role of evolving an inclusive and supportive environment that assists Gold Star families navigate existing Army and Veterans Affairs systems. The program will also provide outlets for families to honor their fallen Ranger through Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund sponsored events.

“The Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund Gold Star program provides an opportunity to continue to serve my Rangers and their Families,” Dudley said.

“The Gold Star program will strengthen the sense of community amongst those at home that have sacrificed so much for our collective freedoms,” Dudley stated. “I am fortunate to be in this position and look forward to the Gold Star program growth as a model military support program of the Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund.”

Tom Block

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“WHEN I WAS AFFORDED THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRY OUT FOR THE 75TH RANGER REGIMENT BY MY DRILL SERGEANT DURING BASIC TRAINING, I SEIZED THE OPPORTUNITY. I WANTED TO BECOME A PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL AND PURPOSEFUL. “

— SGT (RET.) TOM BLOCK

After graduating from Waseca High School in Minnesota, Tom spent 4 years wrestling for State University at Mankato. In February 2010, Tom enlisted. Tom was inspired by his family’s life-long involvement in public service. His grandfather served in World War II with the Marines in the Pacific; stepfather was in the 82nd Airborne and as a Sheriff Deputy for the county he grew up in; his mother was a teacher, and his father volunteered his services often in time of need. “When I was afforded the opportunity to try out for the 75th Ranger Regiment by my Drill Sergeant during Basic Training, I seized the opportunity. I wanted to become a part of something special and purposeful.”On October 5, 2013, SGT Block was severely injured on a mission in southern Afghanistan with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. The injuries that he suffered included the loss of his right eye, limited vision in his left eye, multiple shrapnel and burn wounds, a collapsed left lung, and a broken foot.

 

“I was treated at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, MD for over a month, and the Lead the Way Fund was able to assist with transportation costs for my family to be there to support me during my recovery. When I finally returned to Fort Benning, I moved into a house because the barracks were not wheelchair accessible. The Lead the Way Fund was able to provide the means to set up a fence in the yard for my dog. They also supplied me with a TV that is large enough for me to see, which is set up to our computer and will allow me to complete my degree. And then again, when I was named the 2014 Military Times’ Soldier of the Year, the Lead The Way Fund was there to show support.”  Tom is currently in the middle of an internship with the Department of Homeland Security H.E.R.O Program. At the end of the internship, his hopes are to continue his work with them.

 

Tom medically retired 28 February 2016 and lives in New Hampshire with his wife Janine, son Colton, daughter Emily and their two dogs Jany and CSar.

Joshua Hargis

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Joshua Hargis

 

“I not only wanted to challenge myself physically and mentally but I wanted to prove to myself that I belonged among the most elite soldiers in the world.”

– SGT (Ret.) Joshua Hargis

 

After graduating from Gilbert A. Dater High School in Cincinnati, OH, In 2010, Joshua Hargis enlisted in the Army in 2010 and fulfilled his dream of becoming one of the most elite soldiers in the world.

While serving with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hargis was wounded in action during an October 2013 mission to capture a High Value Target in Panjwai district of Afghanistan. Four of the 36 rangers were killed by a suicide bomber, while many others were injured. Hargis sustained severe injuries, including the loss of both his legs. He survived for almost two hours before arriving at a hospital, a credit to his Medic Sgt. Bryan Anderson.

During his Purple Heart ceremony at his bedside, while bandaged and connected to breathing tubes, Hargis was able to gather enough strength to salute his Commander. The video of his salute from the hospital bed quickly went viral, earning the title the “Salute Seen Around The World”.

Hargis, his beautiful wife Taylor, and their two sons live in Tennessee and he is a member of the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team. 

 

Pesce Family

Testimonials

Sean Pesce

Thank you so much for everything you have done for Sean. By helping him, you are making our hearts smile because it is allowing him to live a fuller life. Your generosity and thoughtfulness will never be forgotten.

Forever grateful – The entire Pesce Family