Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund is thrilled to announce that we are now officially a member of the Tough Mudder Charity Family! You can now get MUDDY for a GREAT cause and the best part is you can participate in Any Race, Any Place across the country!
By joining Team Army Ranger for your Half Mudder or Full Mudder, you can help us help those who put it all on the line to protect us, our elite 75th Ranger Regiment and their families.
As a member of Team Army Ranger for the TOUGH MUDDER, you will receive some great perks! In addition to awesome Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund racing swag including a hat, light-weight performance running top, racing pinney and more, you get:
Free Registration (ONLY WITH FUNDRAISING COMMITMENT)
Choice of wave start timing
Receive an official Tough Mudder T-shirt & sweatband
Enjoy cold beer at the finish
Access to commemorative, professionally-taken Tough Mudder photos
Personal fundraising support to help you reach your goals
Tough Mudder Volunteer opportunities with even more great perks
**All Team Army Ranger Mudder Racers are REQUIRED to meet our minimum fundraising requirement (which varies per race location).
Our men are STILL in the fight, coming home wounded, and continue to need our support more than ever. You may not see it on the news but this Global War on Terrorism is still happening. As always, we thank you for your continued support!Please Email [email protected] with interest.
For more information about Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund and our upcoming events please visit our website at www.leadthewayfund.org.
Collegiate Access Program (CAP) Helping Transitioning Rangers Achieve Success in Advanced Education
In the past two years more than 20 75th Ranger Regiment veterans have earned admissions to one of the nation’s premier Ivy League schools, Columbia University. Their path and the path of future Rangers is being codified through a relationship developed between the Ranger veterans, Columbia’s School of General Studies, and the Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund.
“All we needed was an opportunity to show Columbia what we bring to the table,” said Myles Grantham, a former 3d Ranger Battalion sniper and current senior political science major.
“Rangers are master integrators,” Grantham continued. “Once the door was opened, our Ranger vets became team players in class and began seeking ways to making the student organizations they joined more effective.”
Key to garnering the support of Ranger application for admissions was gaining support from Dean Curtis Rodgers, Columbia’s dean of its College of General Studies.
“Columbia has always been on the forefront of educating our nation’s military, whether it be our ROTC programs during the World Wars or our focus on actively recruiting transitioning service members,” Rodgers said.
“We have seen the Rangers step on campus and integrate into the academic culture while providing a perspective from their military service that enhances the academic development of our student body,” Rodgers stated.
Ivy League and top institutions such as Columbia maintain stringent admission standards. While service in the 75th Ranger Regiment is a positive mark on an application it is not in and of itself enough.
To bridge the gap for Rangers seeking top tier educations the Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund developed the Collegiate Access Program.
The Collegiate Access Program provides transitioning Rangers access to Service to Schools for application assistance, attendance at a Warrior-Scholars Project summer seminar for preparation for the academic rigors of top tier institutions, and financial assistance within established policy to assist with logistic costs associated with Warrior-Scholars Project seminar attendance.
“The Collegiate Access Program is a clearly defined pathway that a Ranger can take to ensure the best possible support in gaining enrollment in the nation’s top universities,” said James Regan, Lead The Way Fund founder and Gold Star father of Sgt. James J. Regan.
“When we look at service in the Ranger Regiment, we know our guys have integrated into a very selective organization with high standards,” Regan said. “We need to continue to provide the opportunity for them to lead at top tier institutions; the positive effect for the individual and nation is unmeasurable.”
“Obtaining an advanced education in society is imperative as achieving your Ranger Tab while serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment. The Rangers need to work towards that goal,” Regan stated.
The majority of Ranger veterans at Columbia are former non-commissioned officers.
“The responsibility placed on Ranger Regiment is NCOs is huge, and it has lifelong implications,” Grantham said. “When our Rangers depart the Army, they need to know that they are in demand; but they have to know the processes like the Collegiate Access Program codifies their pipeline to higher education.”
To learn more about the Collegiate Access Program, go to https://www.leadthewayfund.org/programs/collegiate-access-program-cap/.
Disclaimer: This article does not represent Department of Defense or 75th Ranger Regiment endorsement of any non-federal entity included this article.
A simple thank you to our Veterans hardly seems enough for your loyalty, selflessness and sacrifices made protecting and defending our Country!
God Bless you all!!
We also ask that you continue to pray for the safety of our men and women still in the fight, putting their lives on the line every day.
It’s STILL happening even though you are not reading about it!
1st Batt Rangers supporting LTWF at the Rock N Roll Marathon Savannah
This past weekend, Rangers from the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment came out STRONG representing LTWF, in support of their Brothers, at the Rock N Roll Marathon in Savannah!!!
St Mary’s Manhasset CYO to Host Veteran’s Day Hoops Clinic for Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund
For the 2nd year, the St Mary’s Manhasset CYO is hosting a Veteran’s Day Hoops Clinic Fundraiser for Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund in memory of fallen Army Ranger and Manhasset Resident, Sgt. James Regan.
Last year these cutie kids did an awesome job fundraising for us! For those local Manhasset, NY residents that are interested here are the details below!
NEW YORK, Oct. 19, 2016 — Drexel Hamilton, LLC, a service-disabled veteran-owned broker-dealer, announced today that the firm will participate in a second consecutive Veterans Day “Charity Day” in support of America’s veterans.
Building on the success of last year’s event, Drexel Hamilton will donate a portion of its gross equities commissions on Friday, November 11 – Veterans Day – to Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund and two other reputable Veteran Charities.
“Drexel Hamilton is proud to once again partner with these great organizations that share our mission of serving our returning military heroes,” said Lawrence K. Doll, Chairman and Founder of Drexel Hamilton, who is a service-disabled United States Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient. “We believe that we need to provide for those who have sacrificed for our country, and are thrilled to be able to contribute to these organizations.”
The Lead the Way Fund was founded by the Gold Star father of an Army Ranger and provides invaluable support to veterans. The Fund was established in honor of Sgt. James J. Regan, who was killed in Iraq on February 9, 2007, during his fourth deployment while serving with the Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
“We have a number of Army Rangers here at Drexel Hamilton, so we know first-hand the extreme circumstances facing those Rangers returning home,” said Doll. “The Lead The Way Fund is doing tremendous work supporting those Rangers, and we’re happy to partner with them for a second consecutive year.”
Those wishing to participate in Drexel Hamilton’s “Charity Day” can contact any sales representative or call the equity trading desk at 212-632-0403.
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.”
Our Rangers are among the most disciplined and skilled Warriors in the world and we are dedicated to helping them utilize their ingrained skills by empowering them to thrive in careers and at top Universities around the country. Through our Transition Programs, we are committed to helping our Rangers through the reintegration process, ensuring that they achieve their goals of a rewarding and prosperous civilian life.
Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund’s Collegiate Access Program (CAP), in collaboration with our partner organizations, provides Rangers interested in advanced education with valuable tools and resources to help them navigate the complicated process of selecting and applying to top-level Universities.
• Test Prep Assistance
• Application Process Assistance
• Attend a two-week Academic Boot Camp to preparefor the rigor of college classes
• Travel and tuition reimbursement AFTER completion of program
If you are a Ranger interested in learning more about our CAP program please email [email protected].
Team Army Ranger Lake Placid Wins the Championship!
After an incredible week in beautiful Lake Placid New York, Team Army Ranger Lake Placid wins the championship with an 8-6 victory in honor of Jimmy Regan! Congrats to this all-star line up.
We can’t thank everyone enough who came out and played and supported Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund this past week!
If you would still like to support the two teams that played in the Lake Placid Lacrosse Summit on behalf of Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, click on the links below!
Sam Bonafede, Brendan Caputo, Matty Carrello, Sean Cerrone, Deemer Class, Brendan DeTommaso, Brian Dunne, Mike Ehrhardt, Brendan Fowler, Jack Fowler, Danny Fowler, Jeff Froccaro, Jake Froccaro, Joey Froccaro, Kevin Glueckert, Matty Graham, Jimmy Haugen, Matt Kavanagh, Ryan Lukacovic, Tommy Lukacovic, Sean Mahon, Dan Marino, Timmy Muller, Anthony Ostrander, Brian Pratt, Joe Reilly, Mike Romano, Walter Rooney, Shane Thornton, Paul Urbank, John Urbank and Tommy Zenker.
Matthew Chmil, Sean Cunningham, Joseph deLyra, Dominic Doria, Ryan Feldmann, Shayne Gallagher, Jack Giovannetti, Campbell Goulet, Colin Hamer, Brendan Krebs, Christian Kuhn, Jack Lukacovic, PJ McManus, Joseph Mooney, Connor Norton, Luke Pacher, Kellen Paradine, Timmy Phillips, Michael Procaccino, Jack Silverman, Owen White
Team Lead The Way
The All-Star line-up of Major League Lacrosse Alumni Playing on Team Lead The Way during the first-ever MLL Alumni Game on Friday, August 5th at 6pm.Sol Bliss (Rochester Rattlers), Damien Davis (Chicago Macgine), Harold Drumm (Bridgeport Barrage), Michael Gabel (Chicago Machine), John Gagliardi (Long Island Lizards), Gary Gait (Baltimore Bayhawks), Timothy Goettelmann (Long Island Lizards), Jamie Hanford (Baltimore Bayhawks), Jon Hess (New Jersey Pride), Chris Massey (Long Island Lizards), Ryan Mollett (Rochester Rattlers), Chris Passavia (Rochester Rattlers), Mike Regan (Boston Cannons), Brent Rothfuss (Rochester Rattlers), Josh Sims (Baltimore Bayhawks), Vin Sombrotto (Long Island Lizards), Tim Soudan(Rochester Rattlers), Matthew Striebel (Philadelphia Barrage), Regy Thorpe (Rochester Rattlers), and Nate Watkins (Denver Outaws). The alternate/Coach for Team Lead the Way is David Jenkins. _______________________________________________
We are thrilled to announce that Lake Placid Summit Classic Lacrosse Tournament has selected Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund as one of two charity beneficiaries.
The Lake Placid Summit Classic was established in 1990 with the idea of playing lacrosse in a beautiful place. In year one the event comprised of 7 teams with play over two days. 2016 marks the 27th year of the event and over 7 days, over 250 teams broken out by 18 different divisions, will come to Lake Placid to compete. Boys, girls, men and women all participate and ages range from 15 to 60+. The LPSC is a celebration of lacrosse and camaraderie.
An exciting addition this year will be the first-ever Major League Lacrosse Legends Alumni Game which will take place on Friday, August 5th at 5pm. The game will be broadcast on LAX Sports Network.
Click link below to read more about the Lake Placid Summit!
ARMY RANGER LEAD THE WAY FUND – DEDICATED TO PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE MEN AND FAMILIES OF THE 75TH RANGER REGIMENT
Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund “Lead The Way” is an active duty, casualty assistance, recovery and warrior transition non-profit organization. It was established to raise funds in support of disabled U.S. Army Rangers and the families of Rangers who have died, have been injured or are currently serving in harm’s way around the world. Lead The Way is primarily an all-volunteer, grassroots organization supported by hundreds of generous, patriotic citizens who have banded together since 2007 to help wounded Army Rangers and their families in many ways that the government cannot. Lead The Way provides spouses and children of deceased, disabled or active duty Rangers with assistance for health and wellness programs, and other services determined to be vital to the family’s well-being. Through the Ranger Assistance Programs, Lead The Way works closely with the United States Special Operations Command Care Coalition (USSOCOM), a government organization that vets all requests, to identify in-need Rangers and their particular needs. With the assistance of USSOCOM, Lead The Way is able to identify and help these Rangers from the moment of injury, through their rehabilitation, recovery and eventually as they transition from military back to civilian life. Lead The Way Fund was founded in honor of Sgt. James J. Regan, an Army Ranger who gave his life while serving in Iraq.
BTIG COLLABORATION AND IMPACT:
For the past eight years, Lead The Way has been a recipient of donations through its partnership with BTIG Charity Day. BTIG supports Lead The Way’s programs that include the Wounded Ranger Recovery and Warrior Transition program, the Ranger Chaplain program and the Ranger and Family Health and Wellness programs. These programs focus on enhancing the quality of life for Rangers and their families. These programs support the severely wounded Ranger during all phases of recovery beginning with an immediate financial stipend of $3,500 to a wounded Rangers and their family upon arrival to the hospital. In the last few years, because of supporters like BTIG, Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund has donated over $3 million in support of Rangers and their families.
“BTIG’s dedication and commitment to Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund and to the men and families of the 75th Ranger Regiment has been totally outstanding. BTIG’s generosity has enabled us to make great strides in assisting our Army Rangers and their families, and we are incredibly grateful to have the organization’s continued support of our mission.”
–James P. Regan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund
The challenges our Veterans face as they transition from Military back to Civilian life are often very difficult. Through Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund’s Military Transition Program, we have helped over 10 wounded Rangers this year alone, including SGT (Ret) Tom Block (featured above), with financial assistance as they attend programs such as the H.E.R.O program which trains Vets, through 9-month unpaid internships, to catch child predators.
By easing the financial burden for our Rangers during this period, we are committed to making their reintegration a successful and smooth one and helping them to succeed with prosperous careers outside of the military.
To read more about how Rangers like SGT Tom Block are making this transition, see the below article from Army Times.
Duke to Host Military Appreciation Day and Honor Jimmy Regan
The Duke University men’s lacrosse team will host Military Appreciation Day Saturday, March 26 when the ninth-ranked Blue Devils hosts No. 5 Syracuse in the teams’ 2016 ACC opener. Faceoff is set for 12 p.m., on ESPNU.
All active duty and retired military personnel will receive a complimentary ticket and family members can purchase tickets for a discounted $5. Veterans or their family representatives can come to the Duke Ticket Office, located in Cameron Indoor Stadium, between 8:30 am – 5 pm to pick up and purchase tickets. Military I.D. must be presented to receive tickets complimentary and discounted tickets.
Duke’s Military Appreciation Game will pay tribute to the life and legacy of Sergeant James J. Regan and the Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund founded in memory of Regan.
Sgt. Regan was a 2002 graduate of Duke University and four-year letter winner for the Blue Devils, helping lead the team to two ACC Championships. After graduation, Jimmy served with the Army’s elite Special Operations 75th Ranger Regiment until he was killed in combat on February 9, 2007 while on a mission in Iraq. The Blue Devils honor Jimmy throughout the season by donning JR #10 on their helmets along with a patch of the Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund logo on the back of their jerseys.
“After our son Jimmy was killed in February 2007, we wanted to find a way to honor his life and spirit, said Jimmy’s father Jim Regan. “Our friends and family created LTWF [Lead The Way Fund] as a way to give back to the men he considered his brothers. These men have endured over 22 consecutive deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism and the needs that are not being met by the Government are vast.”
Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund is an active duty, casualty assistance, recovery and Warrior transition organization whose mission is to provide financial assistance to the men and families of the 75th Ranger Regiment, beyond what the government and Veterans Affairs can offer. Over the past few years, the Fund has pushed out close to $2 million in support. In addition to an immediate $3500 stipend for wounded Rangers upon hospital arrival, the Fund provides grants for family enrichment, morale activities, support groups for spouses during deployment, memorial services, and is now purchasing and modifying ADA accessible homes for the more severely wounded Rangers.
To help further the support Lead The Way Fund provides to our military personnel, Duke Men’s Lacrosse will host a silent auction during the game with exclusive Duke Lacrosse Memorabilia and other exclusive Duke items and experiences available for bidding. Lead The Way Fund will also have merchandise available for sale during the game.
For more information about Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, or to donate, please visit www.leadthewayfund.org.
Nine years ago tonight, the world lost an incredible young man – a beloved son, fiance, brother, nephew, uncle, grandson, dear friend and great Warrior.
We will never forget the sacrifice, SGT James J. Regan and the Regan family made protecting our country, our religious freedoms and our way of life. Jimmy’s character, integrity and the way he lived his life continues to be an inspiration to so many people.
Through Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, we strive every day to keep his memory and legacy alive by helping the men and families of the elite 75th Ranger Regiment – the men he called his Brothers.
Rest In Peace Jimmy. You will ALWAYS lead the way for us!
Our Rangers are most certainly in the fight and when our guys come home wounded, Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund is here to stand by their side and support them through the recovery and rehabilitation process.
A special thank you to Lee Dougherty who, on behalf of LTWF, showed up with immediate financial support and a strong crew of Rangers, from all Battalions, to visit our recently wounded men this weekend.
Hoping for a speedy recovery and praying for a safe return for all of our men!
On Saturday March 26, the Duke Men’s Lacrosse Team will take to the field against Syracuse, once again, in honor of Jimmy Regan and Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund during their Military Appreciation Game.
A great time was had by children and parents alike at the 1st Annual Santa Day with Lead The Way hosted for the families of the 75th Ranger Regiment in Fort Benning.
It was great to see pictures and hear of all the smiles brought to the children’s faces as they played in bounce houses, did crafts and had a special visit from Santa himself. We look forward to doing it again next year!
Dear Friends and Supporters of Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund,
We are pleased to announce that, through the Army Ten-Miler Military Community Partner Program, we have again been able to secure slots at the Army Ten-Miler on Sunday, October 9, 2016 at the Pentagon, Arlington, VA.
Throughout the race, Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund will have a tent in the HOOAH Tent zone to further raise awareness for the work we do on behalf of our elite Special Operations U.S. Army Rangers and their families.
Racing Requirements:
* In order to qualify for a slot each participant will be required to meet a minimum fundraising goal of $750. Should you not make your fundraising minimum you will be personally responsible for the difference.
*Each racer will be responsible for the $65 race entry fee. Race fee can be donated as part of your fundraising effort.
*Each fundraiser will be supported with Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund racing gear including a light-weight performance running shirt, racing pinney, gear bag and visor.
*Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund will be hosting a pre-race dinner for all of our runners on Saturday night, October 8th at a location TBD.
Please email [email protected] with interest. All slots will be filled on a first come basis.
We look forward to your participation and we thank you for your continued support.
I recently had the enormous pleasure handing out the gift cards that Lead The Way Fund donated to us. When I first found out that gift cards in the amount of $300 on each card would be donated I could hardly believe it.
I was not specifically part of the process of selecting the Rangers but I personally knew some of the ones that were chosen. I know that the money donated by the Lead The Way Fund was a true blessing to them and their families. The reactions of these hardened warriors was eye opening and it made me smile each time to realize how much they cared for their families and to imagine the burden that $300 would lift off their shoulders this Christmas for either their children or their family.
I was so impressed that I called some of my own family to tell them about your organization. Several of my family members were touched and came to the decision that they would begin to help donate to your organization. I didn’t know it at the time but it turns out that both my mother and father already regularly donate. I’m so happy to see that their are companies and organizations out there looking out for the soldiers and more importantly their families.
Again, I am just mind blown and truly impressed by the service that you’ve done to our 75th Ranger Regiment. Please continue to do what you do; know that you are appreciated by many and supported by even more.
On Friday, March 13, 2015, Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, in collaboration with Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors (JAH4WW), will host a private Home Key Ceremony for Army Sergeant First Class Cory Remsburg.
Since sustaining his life-altering injuries on October 1, 2009 when SFC Remsburg’s platoon hit a roadside bomb in Kandahar, Afghanistan, Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund has played an integral role in supporting Cory and the Remsburg family through his long and arduous rehabilitation and recovery process. Like the Ranger Creed he vowed to uphold, Remsburg has ‘displayed the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission,’ his new mission – his fight to regain his speech, use of his extremities and the independence he has longed for.
In February 2014, Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund proudly helped make that dream of independence a reality for SFC Remsburg when they purchased a home for Cory in Gilbert, Arizona. The home purchase is a first for the organization, who has several other severely wounded Rangers in line for this new initiative. Remsburg’s home will be 100% free and clear of any mortgages.
Over the past year, Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors took on the extensive remodel of the home to make it completely ADA accessible for Remsburg. The remodel has included the widening of all doors and hallways, smooth tile throughout, custom bathrooms and kitchen, wheel in sinks, new windows and doors, a wheel in pool for rehab, therapeutic spa, a guest home for his caregiver, a home gym, new appliances, outdoor patio and BBQ, a new roof, concrete paths for wheelchair, all controlled by a home automation system.
The March 13 ceremony will include Keynote Speakers Jim Regan, Chairman and CEO of Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, Mike Christensen from Peak One Builders, the Remsburg family, and all-pro defensive end Jared Allen. The ceremony will also include on open house tour – marking the completion of the home remodel, as the keys are proudly handed over to Army Sgt. 1st Class Cory Remsburg.
Arizona contractor, Peak One Builders and Kilbane Architecture designed the home. The project was also made possible because of large donations and grants from organizations such as RIDE 430, The Joshua Chamberlain Society, Wells Fargo, Home Depot, Boeing, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
For more information on Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, please visit www.leadthewayfund.org.
For more information on Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors, please visit www.homesforwoundedwarriors.com.
FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Oct. 23, 2015) – Master Sgt. Joshua L. Wheeler, 39, assigned to Headquarters, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, was killed in action Oct. 22, while deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Wheeler died from enemy gunfire while in combat near Hawijah, Iraq.
He was born Nov. 22, 1975, in Roland, Oklahoma, and graduated in 1994 from Muldrow High School in Muldrow, Oklahoma.
Wheeler entered the U.S. Army as an infantryman in May 1995, completing his initial entry training at Fort Benning, Ga. His first assignment was with Company C, 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, Fort Lewis, Washington.
In February 1997, he transitioned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Lewis, Washington, where he served for over seven years as an infantryman, rifle team leader, squad leader, weapons squad leader, and anti-tank section leader, deploying five times in support of combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Wheeler was assigned to U.S. Army Special Operations Command in 2004, and deployed 12 times in support of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Wheeler’s military education includes the Basic Airborne Course, Ranger School, Warrior Leader Course, Static Line Jumpmaster, Military Mountaineering Course, Basic and Advanced Demolition Courses, Advanced Urban Combat Training, Advanced Marksmanship Techniques, Close Range Tactical M4 Training, Infantry Advanced Leader’s Course, the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (Level C) Course, Infantry Senior Leader’s, Military Free Fall Course, and the Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Course.
Wheeler’s awards and decorations include four Bronze Star Medals with Valor Device, seven Bronze Star Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor Device, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, seven Army Commendation Medals, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, eight Army Achievement Medals, the Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, the Iraq Campaign Medal with 6 Bronze Service Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award), the Army Service Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Valorous Unit Award (2nd Award), the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, and three Overseas Service Bars.
Wheeler was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.
He is survived by his wife, four sons, and his grandmother and grandfather.
We cannot thank everyone enough for the love and support displayed to Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund and our 75th Ranger Regiment at our Gala on Wednesday, September 30th. We could not have done it without all of you and your continued dedication to supporting our Mission.
It is still impossible to make sense of the horrific events that occurred on that fateful Tuesday, September 11th, 14 years ago today. The countless lives that were lost and the countless lives that have been lost and forever changed thanks to all the incredibly amazing men and women who have gone to battle the ‘War on Terrorism’ since then.
We are thinking and praying for of all those families who lost so much that day and in the years following. WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
Thank you to this very special group of boys, Lake Placid Flyers 2017, who played their hearts out at the Lake Placid Lax Tournament in support of Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund and in Honor of Jimmy Regan. You definitely made him proud!
On this July 4th weekend, we ask that you take some time to remember those who fought so valiantly for the Independence of our Nation and to keep in your thoughts those who continue to stand on the front lines, every day, selflessly fighting to protect our freedom. Always remember that FREEDOM ISN’T FREE!
May God continue to watch over our brave Warriors and keep them safe and May God Bless America!
On behalf of the men and families of the 75th Ranger Regiment, we thank you for your continued support and dedication to our Mission.
Donations to Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund help us fund our assistance programs which provide essential support directly to disabled U.S. Army Rangers, their families and the spouses and children of deceased and active duty Rangers. There are several ways you or your company can support Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, including direct donations, matching gifts and event sponsorship. Please direct all donation-related questions to [email protected].
Donations to Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund help us fund our assistance programs which provide essential support directly to disabled U.S. Army Rangers, their families and the spouses and children of deceased and active duty Rangers. There are several ways you or your company can support Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, including direct donations, matching gifts and event sponsorship. Please direct all donation-related questions to [email protected].
What a spectacular weekend at The Northface Endurance Challenge Series at Bear Mountain. Incredible job done by all of our Team Army Ranger Runners on a very challenging trail racing course!
Thanks to all who fundraised and supported our runners. We hope to have you all back next year (along with a lot more of you!) for this not to be missed event!
On behalf of Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, we would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who came out to Chaminade High School to support us at our Regs Rock Lacrosse Day For Heroes” Event! It was an amazing day of lacrosse and a great turnout in honor of an incredible person, Sgt. James J. Regan.
Regardless of the outcome of the games, ALL of the boys on the Chaminade & Manhasset Varsity and Junior Varsity teams, as well as the Manhasset 32, Highland Mills Hawks, Chaminade Freshman and Fairfield Prep played their hearts out, and we know they made Jimmy proud. A special congratulations to Jack Tighe from Chaminade for having been bestowed the honor of wearing Jimmy’s #19 jersey this year. Well-deserved!
We would like to extend our gratitude to Brother Tom Cleary and the Chaminade High School staff for their generosity and assistance in making this the seamless event it was. The day went off without a hitch. Thank you to the Chaminade & Manhasset coaching staff for their unwaivering support in preserving Jimmy’s legacy. And thank you to the Chaminade Vocal Chamber Ensemble.
A special thank you to:
Chaminade High School
Brother Thomas J. Cleary, S.M., President
Mr. John Callinan, Assistant Principal for Athletics & Campus Activities
A big thank you and congrats to Duke Men’s Lax team for their victory over UVA at Military Appreciation Day in support of Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund in Honor of Jimmy Regan!!
PHOENIX — It is an oddity in the life of Sgt. 1st Class Cory Remsburg that whenever President Obama visits the Phoenix area, there is a chance the two will visit.
The soldier and the president had met five times before Friday, with a sixth seeming almost inevitable given the confluence of the men’s schedules.
Obama was in Phoenix on Friday, visiting the Veterans Affairs hospital. That same morning, Remsburg was being handed the keys to a newly remodeled home in Gilbert, one that will help the partly paralyzed Army Ranger live independently.
At about 1:55 p.m., while Remsburg was enjoying a catered barbecue in his new backyard and breaking in the new “kegerator” installed in his new tiki bar, a knock came at the door. It was the Secret Service saying the president was about a half-hour away.
“It was unexpected, but very appreciated,” Remsburg would later say about the visit. “I mean, think about it. How many people can say the president of the United States stopped by and said Hi?”
Fewer can say they met the president six times. Each meeting has had its own time and tone, as would Meeting 6.
Meeting 1 was solemn and incidental: Normandy, France, 2009, the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landing. Obama was there to pay homage. Remsburg was a member of an honor guard. The two spoke briefly, and a White House photographer gave Remsburg a keepsake photo.
Meeting 2 came by chance: a hospital ward, Bethesda, Md., 2010. Remsburg, who had returned to combat duty in Afghanistan after D-Day, had been hit by an improvised explosive device. The blast threw him in the air, and when he landed, he lost a chunk of his skull and was left in a coma. Awaking, he found he had lost much of his ability to walk and to speak. He was flown to a military hospital.
When the president came to visit, he noticed a photo hanging on the wall — a photo of him standing next to a young soldier at the D-Day memorial.
Obama realized that soldier in the photo was the barely recognizable patient in front of him. It kindled a relationship between the commander in chief and the soldier struggling past his war wounds and learning to walk, talk and eat again.
Meeting 3 was private: Desert Vista High School, Ahwatukee Foothills, 2013. Obama had come to Phoenix to give a speech. Aides arranged for the two to meet privately; Obama saw Remsburg’s progress with physical therapy.
Meeting 4 couldn’t have been more public: in the balcony of the House of Representatives, seated next to first lady Michelle Obama, January 2014. The Obamas had invited Remsburg to the State of the Union address, and in it, Obama told Remsburg’s story to the nation and the world. “Like the Army he loves, like the America he serves, Sergeant 1st Class Cory Remsburg never gives up and he does not quit,” Obama said, and the chamber rose to give a standing ovation.
Meeting 5 was reminiscent: France, June 2014. Both men attended ceremonies to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day.
Which all led up to Meeting 6.
Craig Remsburg, Cory’s father, said he had received calls months ago from White House staff wanting to be involved in the unveiling of Remsburg’s new home.
The house was bought by the Lead the Way Fund, a charity that aids wounded Army Rangers. It was remodeled by Homes for Wounded Warriors, a charity started by NFL player Jared Allen. Construction began in August.
Craig Remsburg said the initial suggestions involved Obama sending a video greeting to Cory Remsburg. “It was recently upgraded to ‘He’s going to be in town — maybe,’ ” Craig Remsburg said.
All of these plans were kept as a surprise for Cory Remsburg, who had no inkling that he would meet the president a sixth time.
Neither did guests. Tom Bulinski, who worked on the landscaping for the home, and Alison Christian were leaving the barbecue at about 1:30 p.m. They turned back, Bulinski said, when they saw police officers crowded in the parking lot of a nearby church. They figured Obama was on the way.
Craig Remsburg answered a knock on the door just before 2 p.m. It was the Secret Service. They told guests they could either leave or submit to a security screening and stay. Just before the president arrived, agents could be heard directing guests where to stand in the backyard.
Obama entered the backyard and addressed the crowd on a microphone.
“I thought I’d just stop by; I was in the neighborhood,” Obama said as guests stood by the backyard pool. “I didn’t bring my swim shorts, though.”
Obama said he is proud of Remsburg. “There are a whole bunch of Corys out there,” he said, “and not all their wounds are as easily seen. We’ve got to be just as vigilant, just as generous and just as focused in making sure that every single one of our men and women in uniform, that they’re getting what they’ve earned and what they deserve.”
Obama left behind gift baskets he said were from him and the first lady. Among the goodies were jars of honey made at the White House and bottles of White House honey blond beer and honey ale.
Remsburg said he and Obama chatted briefly — a ” ‘keep up the good work’ kind of conversation.”
Remsburg, who goes through hours of physical and occupational therapy each week, is still an enlisted soldier and respects the unique opportunity he has had to meet with his commander in chief.
“I’m just a sergeant first class,” Remsburg said. “I’m no big deal. He’s the commander in chief. He’s a very big deal.”
Obama Reinforces Bond With Wounded Veteran at Arizona Home
By MICHAEL D. SHEAR
MARCH 13, 2015
GILBERT, Ariz. — If one relationship embodies the burden President Obama has carried as a wartime commander in chief, it may be the one with Sgt. First Class Cory Remsburg, an Army Ranger who was severely wounded in Afghanistan.
As detailed in a New York Times article in 2013, Mr. Obama first met Sergeant Remsburg on Omaha Beach in France in 2009, when the two were taking part in a D-Day commemoration. Less than a year later, they met again by chance at a military hospital outside of Washington, where the soldier was recovering from combat wounds — paralyzed and brain-damaged.
A third time, in 2013, White House aides arranged a private meeting between the two men as Mr. Obama passed through Phoenix, Sergeant Remsburg’s hometown.
On Friday, Mr. Obama again visited Sergeant Remsburg — who was walking and talking, though still struggling with his injuries — at his new home in Gilbert, a suburb of Phoenix, built and specially renovated by veterans’ organizations.
President Obama greeted Sgt. First Class Cory Remsburg, who was severely wounded by an explosive device in Afghanistan. Progress Is Slow at V.A. Hospitals in Wake of Crisis
video Obama Visits Phoenix V.A. Hospital. The president joined a backyard picnic with Sergeant Remsburg’s family and friends to celebrate his move into the new house. Among Mr. Obama’s housewarming gifts: some of the beer brewed in the White House.
“The greatest honor of my life is serving as commander in chief of the greatest military the world’s ever known,” Mr. Obama said, adding that Sergeant Remsburg’s “never give up, never give in” attitude was “the kind of thing that keeps me going.”
Mr. Obama was in Phoenix to visit the Veterans Affairs hospital there, which is at the center of a scandal involving the provision of care. But if the morning’s events were difficult for the president, the surprise afternoon stop at Sergeant Remsburg’s put a broad smile on his face.
Over the years, Mr. Obama has cited Sergeant Remsburg as the personification of the difficult choices he has had to make as commander in chief, especially as the country fought two wars and expanded its battle with terrorists.
Before he was wounded, Sergeant Remsburg was the picture of the gung-ho soldier who would put into practice Mr. Obama’s war plans. When he came back, his body broken, Sergeant Remsburg was the example of a wounded soldier who was unwilling to give up.
White House officials said Sergeant Remsburg received the keys to his new house earlier on Friday. The house was purchased by the Army Ranger Lead the Way Fund, and it was renovated for Sergeant Remsburg’s use with the help of Homes for Wounded Warriors, a group founded by the Chicago Bears football player Jared Allen.
After taking a brief tour, Mr. Obama called the house “an incredible place” and said he predicted that Sergeant Remsburg was “going to be able to work out, I suspect watch quite a few sports programs and have the occasional libation.”
Mr. Obama praised the members of the community who helped make the house possible, saying that “it speaks to who we are a country and who we are as a people.
“We know that there are a whole bunch of Corys out there and not all of their wounds are as easily seen,” he added. “We’ve got to be just as vigilant, just as generous and just as focused in making sure that every single one of our men and women in uniform, that they’re getting what they’ve earned and what they deserve.”
On March 22, 2015, Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund proudly supports a 5 member Ranger team in their effort to compete in the 25th Annual Bataan Death March Memorial at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
These Rangers will march 26.2 miles, through arduous conditions, including heat, sand, dirt and wind gusts to honor the Heroes of WWII and raise funds on behalf of Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund which aids all the men and families of the 75th Ranger Regiment.
These Rangers will participate in the “Military Heavy” category which requires carrying a 35lb ruck. Making this task even more challenging, all members of the team must cross the finish line within 20 seconds of each other. Failure to do so will result in disqualification. Any team finishing with less than 5 members will be disqualified and no team can abandon or leave behind a member.
Good luck!
RANGERS LEAD THE WAY! ALL THE WAY!
The LTWF provides support to active duty Rangers to participate in events such as the Bataan Death March in compliance with the Department of Defense Joint Ethics Regulation. Support of active duty Rangers is not intended to be a fund raising venture by LTWF and is not conducted to the benefit of the 75th Ranger Regiment or the Special Operations Command.
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/StevenGilbert/isupport-lead-the-way-fund-2015
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The 25th Annual Bataan Death March Memorial is an event started in 1989 by the Army ROTC Department at New Mexico State University to honor the heroes of WWII that experienced the grueling march for days in the scorching heat through the Philippine jungles. The event consists of a 26.2 miles course divided into several team, individual as well as light/heavy categories. Since its inception, the memorial march has grown from about 100 to some 6,500 marchers from across the United States and several foreign countries. While still primarily a military event, there is now a civilian category.
On March 1-2, members of local Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Teams, (Fort Myers Police Department, Lee County Sheriff Department and Cape Coral Police Department) will participate in the “2015 Josh Hargis Ranger Ruck” to honor CPL Josh Hargis in support of Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund.
This is a 24-hour event to bring awareness and donations to military service veterans. These members of our armed forces have made sacrifices for our freedom and we must always remember their honorable deeds and accomplishments. SWAT Team Operators will wear full tactical gear as they traverse back and forth on the Edison Bridge.
Last year on January 28, 2014, active and retired members of the Fort Myers Police Department’s SWAT Team completed “The Josh Hargis Ranger Run”. This was in honor of Corporal Hargis who was severely wounded losing both legs from the knee down in Southern Afghanistan on October 6, 2013, along with other members of the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. Hargis was transported to a military hospital where millions bore witness to Corporal Hargis’ “Salute Seen Around the World”. Members of the Hargis family walked 222 miles from Fort Stewart, Georgia to the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning, Georgia during the month of February 2014 to raise awareness during “The Warrior’s Walk.”
Your donations to Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund in support of this event are greatly appreciated! Thank you for the support!
Today we honor and remember our personal Hero, Sgt. James J. Regan who was KIA on February 9, 2007 in Baqubah, Iraq while on a mission to capture a high valued target.
Jimmy was a beloved son, fiancee, brother, nephew, grandson and dear friend to so many. We will never forget the sacrifice, he and his family made for our country.
Through Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, we strive every day to keep his memory and legacy alive by helping the men he called his Brothers.
Rest In Peace Jimmy. You will ALWAYS lead the way for us!
A special thank you to the Honoring Sandrino’s Sacrifice Fund for their generous donation to Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund.
SGT Alessandro Leonard Plutino, who was known to all as Sandrino, was KIA in Afghanistan on August 8, 2011 while serving with the 1st Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment, 3rd Squad, Bravo Company. Sandrino was on his 6th deployment.
On behalf of everyone at Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund we would like to wish all of you and your families a happy and healthy Holiday Season.
As we embark upon the end of 2014, we continue to be humbled and amazed by the generosity and commitment to Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund on behalf the 75th Ranger Regiment and their families. Unfortunately, our work is far from over. The world is becoming more unstable, more unpredictable, and more likely to produce problems that will require the service of our mighty Rangers, for years to come. Needless to say the stress, tension, and pace of life our Rangers and Ranger Families endure is amazing and they need our help more than ever.
We hope you will consider a year-end gift in support of these Heroes who put so much on the line for us. Even the smallest donation will go a long way in easing the burden on these men and their families.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication. We couldn’t do any of this without you!
Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund was happy to be able to help support the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment with some Christmas cheer. 349 18 inch stockings were filled from head to toe with goodies including snacks, cocoa, itunes, gum and candy.
We know these stockings will be greatly appreciated!
It’s hard to begin to express the gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, devotion, appreciation and pride we all felt during Jimmy’s Run Down Hero Highway on Sunday. It was one for the record books. Every single person who participated in the event, whether you were a presenter, attendee or volunteer, helped make this the spectacular and memorable day it was.
To the Comfort and Higgins Families, thank you for giving us to opportunity to Honor your beloved sons, CPT Kyle Comfort and SGT Tanner Higgins, for their, and your, selfless sacrifice to our Nation.
A special thanks to:
Brother Tom Cleary, S.M., President of Chaminade High School
Col. Greg Anderson, who gave of his personal time
Phil and Lisa Taylor – American Fallen Soldiers Project
The Suffolk County Pipe & Drum Band
The Meade Brothers Band
Urban American, our Sponsor
Goldman Sachs Community Partners Program
Jimmy’s Duke Buddies – Jamie Brodsky, TJ Durnan, Matt Zash, Danny Flannery and Blake Byczek who created this event in his honor
On behalf of the Regan family and everyone at Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving Jimmy a day he would have loved.
Jonathan Reid, The Republic | azcentral.com, October 19, 2014
Five years after the roadside bomb blast that left him fighting for his life, Cory Remsburg, the Army Ranger who was honored by President Obama at this year’s State of the Union, is getting some of his independence back.
If all goes to plan, a Gilbert home that several donors are remodeling for him will be ready for move in before Christmas.
The house was purchased earlier this year for $256,000 by Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, a non-profit that supports disabled U.S. Army Rangers and has assisted Remsburg and his family since he was injured in Afghanistan on Oct. 1, 2009.
Remsburg’s father Craig said the home is a major steppingstone in his son’s recovery. Right now he lives in an apartment with a caregiver.
“They’ve taken everything that Cory needs and are accommodating that so we are very excited for this next step in Cory’s life,” he said.
Lead The Way Fund teamed up with NFL player Jared Allen and his charity Homes For Wounded Warriors to remodel the home so it fits Rembsurg’s needs.
The additions include a wheel-in pool, a therapeutic spa and a large gym for Remsburg’s rehabilitation. A separate guesthouse is being added for his caregiver and doors and hallways are being widened.
“He’ll have his pool to do his exercise, he’ll have an exercise room to do his rehabilitation, he’ll be able to live as much of an independent life as possible,” James Regan, Chairman and CEO of Lead The Way Fund, said.
Construction began this summer and is being handled by veteran-owned Peak One Builders & Restoration in Scottsdale. Ownership of the home was handed over to Remsburg for his 31st birthday earlier this year. The renovation is expected to cost about $413,000, and is being paid for by the two charities and a federal grant.
Remsburg was on his 10th deployment overseas when his platoon was hit by a roadside bomb in Kandajar. He spent three months in a coma and had to relearn how to walk and talk. Today he is blind in his right eye and his left side is partially paralyzed.
Still on active duty, Remsburg is expected to be discharged in 2015 and would like to continue public speaking and supporting various charities. This year alone he has given more than a dozen speeches and later this month will be giving a keynote speech for former First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s Institute For Caregiving.
Craig Remsburg said the home will significantly help his son’s transition to civilian life.
It “will lessen that stress and burden and allow him to do some other great things he wants to do,” he said. “Everything that will be functioning in the home will allow him to take care of himself and that’s what he wants.”
Allen, who is a defensive end for the Chicago Bears, has become close with the Remsburg family and said working with them has been humbling.
“They are just super welcoming, super friendly and appreciative,” Allen said.
He founded his charity after visiting soldiers in Iraq and Kuwait in 2009.
The goal, Allen said, is to make a daily impact on veterans’ lives. In addition to Remburg’s, his charity is working on seven other veteran’s homes, including two more in Arizona.
“I always say that I get more out of this than what I’m giving because it just humbles me to my core every time,” Allen said.
The Valley’s historic rainfall has delayed construction of the backyard, but Alex Karalexis, project manager for Allen’s charity, said Christmas is still the target.
For each home Allen and his charity remodels, they try to add something special, which Karalexis said can be difficult to do because veterans are usually reluctant to have their homes remodeled in the first place when they see the cost.
“You almost have to convince them to do the project because they always think that there is somebody more deserving,” Karalexis said.
For his special addition, Remsburg chose to have a tiki bar and a memorial.
Remsburg’s father said his son still hasn’t decided on the memorial’s details, but that it will honor soldiers who have lost their lives.
“He wanted to have something that he feels will be a memory . . . of the sacrifice that others have given,” he said. “My son has witnessed firsthand many, many of fatalities in the line of duty and . . . this is just one way of showing his respect and honor for those that paid the ultimate price.”
On Sunday, October 12, Team Army Ranger, with 90 runners strong, took to the streets of Washington, DC for the 2014 Army Ten Miler in support of the men and families of the 75th Ranger Regiment.
The weekend was a tremendous success and we could not ask for a better team of people to represent Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund.
Thank you to all of our runners and to all of the people who came out to support us.
A year ago today, in the midst of a Government shutdown, there was a mass casualty situation in Afghanistan. Two of our Special Operations U.S. Army Rangers, SGT. PATRICK HAWKINS and PFC. CODY J. PATTERSON, both with the 3d Battalion Bco, were killed. Also killed while on the mission with them were Sgt. Joseph M. Peters and 1st Lt. Jennifer M. Moreno. In addition to these casualties, several other Rangers were severely wounded.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hawkins, Patterson, Peters and Moreno families today, and always. We will never forget that these soldiers and their families gave it all to serve us. And to our brave warriors who continue to fight, heal and overcome the horrors of that day, your strength and determination to prevail is an inspiration to all.
Since the moment this tragedy occurred, Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund has continued to fulfill our promise of support to the men and families of the 75th Ranger Regiment. When the Government didn’t do its job, Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund did ours. As long as our Rangers and their families are in the fight, we stand by their side ready to support them.
On Thursday, October 9 the friends and family of SFC Lance Vogeler will be hosting the Lance Vogeler Memorial Golf Tournament in his honor at The Club @ Savannah Harbor. SFC Vogeler was KIA on October 1, 2010.
Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund is honored to have been chosen by SFC Vogeler’s loved ones as the recipient of the donations from this year’s fundraiser in an effort to give back, and help support, his Brothers in Arms.
If you are interested in taking part in this special day, and helping support the men and families of the 75th Ranger Regiment, please reach out to Ryan Rowley prior to October 5.
Course: The Club @ Savannah Harbor
Date: October 9, 2014
Time: 0800 Shotgun Start
Format: 4 Man Scramble
Entry Deadline: October 5
Price: $125/person or $500/ team
Hole Sponsorship: $100
St. John’s Athletics, in partnership with the St. John’s Army ROTC, invite you to the Red Storm 5K Run/Walk. This race will take place entirely on St. John’s University’s Queens campus and will support both student-athlete scholarships and the Army ROTC program. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Lead The Way Fund, Inc. which is a non-profit organization established to raise funds in support of disabled U.S. Army Rangers and the families. The race will start at 10AM.
Kids 12 and under are also invited to join in on the fun at the Junior Johnnies Fun Run. The Junior Johnnies Fun Runs will be broken up by age brackets and the distances will increase from 100 yards to a ½ mile. Each runner will receive a prize at the end of their race. All the Fun Runs will take place in the DaSilva Memorial Field Track/Lacrosse on campus.
Parking is available on St. John’s campus next to the start line and the Q46 bus will drop you right in front of the university if public transportation is your means of travel.
Registration & Packet Pickup: 5K Bib and shirt pick-up will occur both on Friday, October 3 from 12:00PM – 7:00PM and on race day from 8:30AM until 9:45AM in the lobby of Carnesecca Arena. Fun Run registration will continue until 11:00AM.
Amenities: The first 400 5K runners and first 100 Fun Run participants will receive a commemorative Under Armour shirt on race day and there will be special prizes for the top 3 male and female finishers as well as age group champions. Stick around after for the post-race festivities at the DaSilva Memorial Field Track/Lacrosse Complex for bananas, bagels, and coffee as well as other FREE GIVEAWAYS from SJU Athletics, Muscle Milk, Under Armour & more.
Fees: 5K Registration is $25 for SJU Students (current Storm Card must be shown at registration) and $30 for all others through 10/3. Registration will increase to $40 on race-day. The Fun Run is $10 per runner.
On September 28-October 4th, the Annual Warrior Games will take place at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado where over 200 wounded, ill and injured athletes will compete for Gold in 7 sports.
The Warrior Games is the pinnacle event in the Army’s adaptive reconditioning program for wounded, ill and injured Soldiers recovering at the Army’s 29 Warrior Transition Units (WTUs). After overcoming significant physical and behavioral injuries, these men and women demonstrate the resilience of today’s force and the spirit of competition.
Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund is pleased to be able to support the following Rangers so they could compete in this year’s Warrior Games.
SPC (Ret.) Kyle Butcher
SSG (Ret.) Charles Claybaker
SGT (Ret.) Brent Hernandez
SGT (Ret.) Dan Jagodzinski
SSG (Ret.) Caleb Perkins
We congratulate these men on being selected to participate in these games, and for overcoming their challenges, and we wish them the best of luck in their respective competitions!
Written by Dr. Cynthia Paulis, [email protected] Thursday, 04 September 2014
Jeffrey Hussey (Photo by Dr. Cynthia Paulis)
Locals run for themselves and a cause in triathalon
At 6 a.m on a blustery Saturday morning, 1600 people arrived at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park to participate in the 27th annual Runner’s Edge Tobay Triathlon and Tri-Relay Race. The participants were drawn from a wide age range. They came from all over Long Island and upstate New York, a few were from out of state, and in some cases, had disabilities. But they all came with one goal in mind — to finish.
Jeffrey Hussey, a 28-year-old Garden City resident, has done this race three times and this was his fifth triathlon this summer.
“I got into this after school. I work in finance and I started to put on a little weight. I used to play college lacrosse and I knew as an athlete, this was not what I wanted, so I got into triathlons. I lost 25 pounds, got healthier and I feel great every day.”
Sporting a camouflage outfit, Hussey went on to explain that he also runs for a reason.
“I run for Lead the Way Fund. It is a local Long Island Fund in honor of Jimmy Reagan. He was a Chaminade boy who played lacrosse and gave up a Wall Street law degree opportunity to serve in the military and unfortunately lost his life in Afghanistan at 24. I work with the Lead the Way fund and help raise money and awareness for wounded army Rangers and their families.”
Parents Bob and Deb Hussey were at the finish line to cheer their son on. Deb Hussey was beaming as her son crossed the finish line. “I am extremely proud of my son. I always have been. He does this probably eight times a year and he always chooses a wonderful [organization] to support. For the past four years, he has been running for the veterans, which is so important.”
The course starts out as a half mile swim in Oyster Bay Harbor, then a 9.3 mile bike ride through Oyster Bay, Laurel Hollow, and Cove Neck. The route is very hilly but finishes with a 2.9 mile downhill to the finish. The riders then have one more leg of the race—a 3.2 mile run through Mill Neck and Brookville, up to Planting Fields Arboretum and back down to Roosevelt Park to the finish line.
Matthew Loesch is a 36-year-old Garden City resident who works in finance and has done this 14 times. He explained how triathlon changed his life.
“It promotes discipline. Instead of going to the doctor and spending money on co-pays, I put it towards triathlon entry fees. It’s a lot of fun and forces you to get out and do things.”
ARMY RANGER LEAD THE WAY FUND AND JARED ALLEN’S HOMES FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP
TO PROVIDE A BRAND NEW, HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE HOME TO LOCAL WOUNDED WAR VETERAN
Phoenix, AZ., Tuesday, May 20, 2014 –Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund and Five-Time NFL Pro Bowler, Jared Allen, and Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors are excited to announce their recent collaboration effort to purchase, remodel and donate a handicap accessible home in Gilbert, Arizona to local wounded war veteran, Army Ranger, Sergeant First Class (SFC) Cory Remsburg. Since 2007, Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund has been dedicated to assisting our active duty & wounded elite Special Operations U.S. Army Rangers, and the families of Rangers who have been killed, with health, wellness and other financial aid programs beyond what the Government and Veterans Affairs are able to offer. The Fund has been supporting SFC Remsburg and his family since he sustained his life altering injuries in 2009.
Modifications to the home will be completed by, Veteran-owned, Peak One Builders and Restoration. Adaptations will include: widening of all doorways, installation of all new appliances and fixtures in the bathrooms and kitchens and as well as new flooring. The house will also include a large gym for Cory’s extensive rehab; a guest home for Cory’s live-in caregiver; an automated home control system; and a wheel-in pool for underwater rehabilitation with a therapeutic jacuzzi.
Additional financial contributions to this project were made by Ride 430, an annual 430 mile charity bicycle ride which is operated by The Free Wheel Foundation. For more information visit http://www.ride430.com
“When we were introduced to Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors we knew immediately that collaborating with them to purchase and modify this home for Cory was going to be a good partnership. Working together has given us the ability to make the assets we have available through our Wounded Ranger Recovery Program to go much further, stated James P. Regan, Chairman & CEO. “Cory is an extraordinary young man. Having seen how far he has come through his recovery and rehabilitation efforts, it is an honor to purchase this home for him and help him regain some of the independence he has longed for. With several other Rangers in the queue for homes, and in need of our assistance, we look forward to working with Jared Allen’s team again on these future projects,” Regan added.
“I first heard Sgt First Class Cory Remsburg’s incredible story in 2013 and knew that he was someone we needed to assist. Through current supporters of my charity, Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors, we were able to reach out to The Army Ranger Lead the Way Fund who had been helping Remsburg out since his injury in 2009. We knew right away that this was a perfect partnership between our two organizations and together we could make a true positive impact in the life of another hero. We look forward to completing this home for Cory Remsburg and continuing to work with The Army Ranger Lead the Way Fund.”
– Jared Allen
ABOUT ARMY RANGER, CORY REMSBURG:
Army Ranger, Cory Remsburg, joined the Army when he was 18 years old. He went through rigorous and specialized training to become an elite Army Ranger, and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan 10 times. He spent a total of 39 months in combat and was eventually promoted to be the leader of his company’s heavy weapons squad. On October 1, 2009, Remsburg and his platoon hit a roadside bomb in Kandahar, Afghanistan and the immediate explosion nearly killed him. He was found face down in a pool of water with shrapnel lodged in his brain. Remsburg was in a coma for more than three months and after undergoing dozens of surgeries, he is still blind in his right eye and is partially paralyzed on his left side. After years of rehabilitation centers and hospitals, Remsburg now lives at home with a full-time caregiver in Phoenix, Arizona.
ABOUT RANGER LEAD THE WAY FUND:
Lead The Way Fund, Inc. is a non-profit organization established to raise funds in support of disabled U.S. Army Rangers and the families of Rangers who have died, been injured or are currently serving in harm’s way around the world. Lead The Way Fund, Inc. will provide spouses and children of deceased, disabled or active duty Rangers with assistance for health and wellness programs and other services determined to be vital to the family’s well-being, beyond what the government can offer. For more information please visit: https://www.leadthewayfund.org
ABOUT JARED ALLENS HOMES FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS:
Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors is a non-profit organization created for the sole purpose of raising money to build or modify homes for America’s injured Military Veterans. Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors was established in October of 2009 after NFL Star, Jared Allen returned home from a trip to the US Military Bases in the Middle East. Jared was moved by the commitment, dedication and sacrifices that our soldiers make every day to protect our freedom. It is Jared’s hope that this foundation will help make the lives of wounded vets a little bit easier.
Incredible job done by all of our Tobay Triathletes yesterday! They all rocked it and it was so fun to watch them! Many of them were first-timers to a Triathlon, but all brought their A-game in support of LTWF and our Rangers! Thank you for your fundraising efforts and your dedication!
Jeff Hussey
Katie Bottini
Peter LeSeur
Nick Isnardi
Nolan Brock
Tim Carey
John O’Brien
Michael Buckley
Dan Geraghty
Check out the TOBAY Triathlon album just posted to see photos of the day and these LTWF supporters in action!
A very special thank you to Sergeant First Class Joe Kapacziewski for sending us a heartfelt signed copy of his book “Back in the Fight” along with a generous donation to Lead The Way Fund in support of his Brothers in Arms.
Thanks to the continual support of our dedicated supporters, Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund was proudly able to purchase our first home in Arizona for severely wounded Ranger SFC (RET) Cory Remsburg. In collaboration with Jared Allen’s Home 4 Wounded Warriors, which has been a wonderful partnership, we will be able to give Cory the independent life he has longed for since he sustained his life-altering injuries in 2009.
Please join us and follow the the progress as Jared Allen and his team work hard to make Cory’s dream a reality as they remodel the home to make it completely ADA accessible for him.
To read the full announcement on the collaboration between Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund and Jared Allen’s Homes 4 Wounded Warriors click the link below.
On this July 4th weekend, we ask that you take some time to remember those who fought so valiantly for the Independence of our Nation and to keep in your thoughts those who continue to stand on the front lines, every day, selflessly fighting to protect our freedom. Always remember that FREEDOM ISN’T FREE!
May God continue to watch over our Troops and keep them safe and May God Bless America!
On behalf of the men and families of the 75th Ranger Regiment, we thank you for your continued support and dedication to our Mission.
From August 19-24, 2014, The Barclays Golf Tournament returns to the Championship Course at the historic Ridgewood Country Club, in Paramus, NJ. We are excited to have been selected, for the first time, to participate in the special TICKETS fore CHARITY (TFC) fundraising program for this event. This unique initiative helps raise funds and awareness for local non-profits where PGA Tour events are held and is a great way for Golf enthusiasts to attend this prestigious event AND support your favorite charity at the same time!
75% of the net proceeds from your purchase of a One-Day ticket or a Weekly Grounds ticket will be donated by the PGA Tour to Lead The Way Fund. Tickets can be purchased through August 17, 2014.
To purchase your tickets for this event, please click the ticket options below which will take you to the Ticketmaster page. Be sure to use our unique promotional/offer code: LONGDRIVE14 (MUST BE ALL CAPS!).
GOOD ANY ONE DAY GROUNDS TICKET $65
WEEKLY GROUNDS TICKETS $125
Thank you for your continued support of our Rangers and families of the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Monday 05/26/2014 – Leslie Gaber, Duke Sports Information
When the Duke men’s lacrosse team takes the field each weekend in the spring, the players’ uniforms bear a subtle yet powerful tribute to one of their own.
On the back of the Blue Devils’ helmets, opposite the American flag, lies a small, black rectangular box with white font bearing the text “JR 10.”
The insignias honor the late Sgt. James John Regan, or “Jimmy” as he was known at Duke. The Long Island native was a midfielder for the Blue Devils from 1999-02 and was killed in action in 2007 while serving in the United States Army’s 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in Iraq.
A native of Manhasset, N.Y., Regan was born in 1980 to James and Mary Regan. He graduated from Chaminade High School in Mineola, N.Y., and went on to play lacrosse and study economics at Duke. The midfielder helped guide the Blue Devils to a four-year record of 43-21 with a pair of ACC titles in 2001 and 2002 and four NCAA Tournament appearances. He was named to the 2002 ACC All-Tournament team after scoring a career-high four goals and adding an assist as Duke defeated then top-ranked Virginia, 14-13, in the championship game.
An Academic All-ACC selection, Regan finished his collegiate career with 22 goals and four assists.
“Just a terrific personality. Always a smile on his face. His teammates just loved to be around him,” former Duke coach Mike Pressler told USA Today in 2007. “He was the kind of kid that every coach in America would be proud to call his own. I can’t imagine a better teammate or a better friend.”
Following his graduation from Duke in the spring of 2002, Regan turned down a job offer from UBS (a financial services company) and a scholarship to Southern Methodist University’s law school to enlist in the Army. Surprising many of his friends and family members, he chose to enter the U.S. Army Ranger School, emailing his former teammates the explanation “This is what I have to do.”
Regan went on to graduate first in his class in infantry basic combat training. After completing the basic airborne course and Ranger Indoctrination program at Fort Benning in Georgia, he became a member of the 3rd Battalion.
Regan served as a machine gunner, gun team leader and then fire team leader during two deployments each to Afghanistan and Iraq, as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His service in the Army was to end in February of 2008. He and his fiancée, Mary McHugh, had made plans to marry and move to Chicago upon his return to the United States, and he had hopes of becoming a social studies teacher and lacrosse coach.
Regan was killed Feb. 9, 2007 in northern Iraq when an improvised explosive device (IED) targeted his vehicle. He was 26.
Survived by his parents and three sisters, Regan was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and Purple Heart, in addition to a number of other decorations earned during his years of service. The Roman Catholic Church in Manhasset was packed beyond capacity for his funeral, including 600 flag-waving students from the local high school and many of the businesses nearby displaying his photo in their windows. He was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery.
The nonprofit Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund was founded in Regan’s honor by his family and friends, and today continues to assist wounded and fallen Army Rangers and their families through health and wellness programs and other services. “Through the Lead The Way Fund, his family and friends strive to honor his spirit, his patriotism and the way he lived his life by combining our efforts to give back to his brothers, the U.S. Army Rangers,” reads part of the mission statement.
Annual events such as “A Run Down Hero Highway” and the “Lead The Way Lacrosse Day for Heroes” support these efforts. In the coming months, LTWF has charity fund-raising slots secured for the San Francisco Marathon (July), the Army Ten-Miler at the Pentagon (October) and the New York City Marathon (November). A pair of “Shootout For Soldiers” 24-hour lacrosse games will be held in Baltimore and Long Island this summer. This year’s LTWF gala benefit was scheduled for May 21 at Chelsea Piers in New York, with CBS This Morning co-anchor Charlie Rose (Duke ‘64) as master of ceremonies.
Regan’s father serves as the CEO of the Lead The Way Fund, with the board and advisory committee loaded with many of his son’s former high school and college friends and teammates. First Lady Michelle Obama last month commended the work done by Lead The Way in a speech she gave for Joining Forces, another military support organization she founded with Jill Biden three years ago.
Although several classes of Blue Devils have come and gone since Regan’s death, his legacy continues to live on within the program. A memorial display and his framed No. 10 jersey hang outside the team’s locker room. His initials and number remain on the players’ helmets for every game.
With the return of defenseman Casey Carroll to Duke last year, the reminders of Regan’s service to his country have been even more constant.
Carroll was a first team All-America selection for the Blue Devils as a senior in 2007. He cites Regan’s story as being influential in his decision to also join the United States Army following graduation.
“It was my senior year when Jimmy Regan died,” Carroll says. “That really moved me when Coach (John Danowski) told us about his story. I found that the best way I could honor him and also blaze my own way through life would be to try to follow in his footsteps. I just set my mind to it. Fifth year of eligibility, that went right out the window for me.”
Coming from a family that had ties to military service as well, Carroll enlisted in the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment — the same unit Regan had served in.
After spending 2007-12 in the U.S. Army with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Carroll returned to Durham to pursue an MBA at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. With one year of eligibility remaining due to injury, he was also able to get back on the field for the Blue Devils, joining his teammates in honoring Regan every time they don their helmets. And although Carroll tends to shy away from the spotlight, he is eager to share Regan’s story.
“As far as we saw, he was the toughest guy in the world,” Carroll said. “He’s a guy that we all looked up to, whether guys knew of him personally or just knew of his story. I felt that would be a really great way to honor his memory.”
For more information on the Lead The Way Fund, visit leadthewayfund.org.
On this Memorial Weekend we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave it all to protect our freedom. And may we NEVER forget that there are brave men and women who continue to stand on the front lines every single day, sacrificing so much, so we can be free. Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of them and their families.
Never forget that we are the Land of the Free BECAUSE of the Brave.
God Bless our Troops, God Bless our RANGERS and God Bless America.
It is hard to even put into words how incredible our Inaugural Gala was last night. From beginning to end it was a perfect evening and exceeded every expectation. And it was all made possible by YOU our unbelievably generous and dedicated supporters.
On behalf of Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, and of the men and families of the 75th Ranger Regiment, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for helping us LEAD THE WAY!!
Army Sgt. 1st Class Cory Remsburg, who was recognized at President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address, received a hero’s award Thursday at the Bellagio.
The 2014 Homer Deakins award, given by Ogletree Deakins, recognizes Remsburg for “selfless and courageous action” that demonstrates the true spirit of giving. It comes with $10,000 he said he will donate to the Lead The Way Fund, Inc., a nonprofit organization that raises funds for disabled Army Rangers and families of Ranger who have died, are injured or currently serving.
Remsburg, of Phoenix, was nearly killed in a 2009 roadside bomb attack in Afghanistan on his 10th overseas deployment.
“It was an honor to be the face of every wounded warrior,” Remsburg said after receiving a standing ovation at the State of the Union address.
“His comrades found him in a canal face down, underwater, shrapnel in his brain. For months, he lay in a coma. And the next time I met him, in the hospital, he couldn’t speak, he could barely move,” Obama said.
“Over the years, he’s endured dozens of surgeries and procedures, hours of grueling rehab everyday. Even now, Cory’s still blind in one eye,” Obama said. “He still struggles on his left side. But slowly, steadily, with the support of caregivers like his dad Craig and the community around him, Cory has grown stronger.”
Wall Street Firm Pledges May Profits to Help Lead The Way
Mischler Financial Dedicates Memorial Day 2014 to Disabled US Army Rangers and Their Families
| Source: Mischler Financial Group
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. and STAMFORD, Conn., April 30, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mischler Financial Group (“MFG”), the securities industry’s oldest investment bank and institutional brokerage owned and operated by Service-Disabled Veterans announced that in recognition of the upcoming Memorial Day, the firm has pledged a minimum of 10% of the firm’s entire May profits to Lead The Way Fund, a nationwide organization dedicated to raising funds in support of disabled U.S. Army Rangers and the families of Rangers who have died or currently serving in harm’s way around the world.
According to Dean Chamberlain, Chief Executive Officer of Mischler Financial Group, “We take great pride in our year round support of carefully-vetted, non-profit SDV organizations that fill a critical void and provide extra assistance to disabled veterans and their families. In observation of each Memorial Day and each Veteran’s Day, we make an additional pledge to groups that are exemplary in their dedication and support of SDV communities.”
Added Chamberlain, “Given that Rangers are typically the first on the ground to protect and defend American interests and the first to encounter casualties, often during stealth operations and missions that have had the greatest impact in support of U.S. Government policy, Lead The Way is indisputably an organization that compels our special recognition and financial support.”
About Lead The Way Fund, Inc.
Lead The Way Fund, Inc. is a non-profit organization established to raise funds in support of disabled U.S. Army Rangers and the families of Rangers who have died, have been injured or are currently serving in harm’s way around the world. Lead The Way Fund, Inc. will provide spouses and children of deceased, disabled or active duty Rangers with assistance for health and wellness programs and other services determined to be vital to the family’s well-being, beyond what the government can offer. The organization’s website is located at www.leadthewayfund.org.
About Mischler Financial Group
Headquartered in Newport Beach, California with regional offices in Stamford, CT, Boston, MA and Chicago, IL. Mischler Financial Group is a federally-certified minority broker-dealer and a Service-Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise that provides capital markets services, agency-only execution within the global equities and fixed income markets and asset management for liquid and alternative investment strategies. Clients of the firm include leading institutional investment managers, corporate and municipal treasurers, public plan sponsors, endowments, and foundations. The firm’s website is located at http://www.mischlerfinancial.com
For Additional Information:
Dean Chamberlain, Chief Executive Officer
(203) 276-6646
Media Contact:
Jay Berkman / The JLC Group
203.255.0034
www.thejlcgroup.com
– See more at: http://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2014/04/30/631915/10079158/en/Wall-Street-Firm-Pledges-May-Profits-to-Help-Lead-The-Way.html#sthash.Lr2Qf0rI.dpuf
Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund is excited to announce that, through the generosity of the New York Road Runners, we have secured charity slots for the 2014 TCS NYC Marathon on Sunday, November 2nd.
To secure a slot please email[email protected].Slots will be granted on a first-come basis.
Please note:
*Team Army Ranger runners must commit to the minimum fundraising requirement of $3,000.
*Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund will be hosting a pre-race pasta dinner the night before for all of our runners.
*All Team Army Ranger runners will receive Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund running gear including a training shirt, race day pinney, visor and Lead The Way Fund backpack.
We would like to thank all of our Team Army Ranger NYC 1/2 Marathoners for their enthusiasm and wonderful efforts on our behalf! Thanks for the support!
The Army Ranger Lead the Way Fund is excited to be a sponsor of this year’s 31st Annual Best Ranger Competition at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Army Ranger teams from around the world will be mentally and physically challenged for the three days during the annual David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition on April 11-13, 2014.
We look forward to attending the events at Fort Benning and meeting more of the Ranger Community.
Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund would like to thank the US Secret Service for selecting us as this year’s charity partner for the annual US Secret Service vs FBI Hockey game which will take place at 5pm, March 15, 2014 at the Kettler Capital’s Iceplex in Arlington, VA. We look forward to a great evening of hockey and spending time with Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund’s Patriotic supporters.
Tickets will be sold at the Kettler Capital’s Iceplex prior to the game and you can also contact Larry Moores on our DC team for advanced tickets at [email protected]. There will also be a silent auction at the event!
Long-time friend of Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, wounded U.S. Army Ranger SFC Cory Remsburg, was honored tonight by the President during his State of the Union Address and sat next to First Lady Michelle Obama!
Cory is an inspiration to everyone who meets him and we are all so proud of how hard he has worked and how far he has come – no one deserves this honor more!
We would like to thank Durham Academy, Cardinal Gibbons High School and all the Lacrosse teams from the South East that are participating in the upcoming ‘King of Spring Face-Off Classic’ March 7-10 and have been fundraising on our behalf. We would also like to thank event corporate sponsors Brine Lacrosse, OT Sports, Triangle Orthopaedic Associates and Fusion Lacrosse for embracing our Mission and supporting us throughout weekend. We are looking forward to a fantastic weekend in Durham, NC!
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Fifth Annual King of the Spring Face-Off Classic
set for March 7-10, 2014, in Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill, N.C.
Top high school lacrosse teams to raise awareness
of nonprofit supporting Army Rangers and families
DURHAM, N.C. – Nearly 30 of the nation’s top high school lacrosse teams will compete in the fifth annual Brine King of the Spring Face-Off Classic, scheduled for March 7 to 10, 2014, in the Triangle area of North Carolina. Joining hosts Durham Academy and Cardinal Gibbons High School in sponsoring the event are Brine Lacrosse, OT Sports, Triangle Orthopaedic Associates and Fusion Lacrosse.
This year’s tournament aims to raise awareness of Lead The Way Fund, a nonprofit that supports disabled U.S. Army Rangers and the families of Rangers who perished, were injured or are serving in harm’s way. The focus on Lead The Way Fund honors Jimmy Regan, a former Duke University lacrosse player who was killed in action in 2007 as an Army Ranger serving in Iraq. King of the Spring director and Durham Academy varsity boys lacrosse coach Jon Lantzy coached Regan when he was an assistant coach at Duke.
In addition to the high school action, the event will feature a collegiate match pairing the Richmond Spiders and Vermont Catamounts on March 8 at Durham County Stadium. Richmond coach Dan Chemotti said he’s looking forward to both the competition with Vermont and the opportunity to “show appreciation for both the Lead The Way Fund and all those who protect our nation’s freedom.”
“The Lead The Way Fund, the late Jimmy Regan and the Regan family are all very close to my heart, so when Jon Lantzy proposed bringing our Vermont game to Durham County Stadium to support such a selfless charity, it was something we felt honored to be a part of,” Chemotti said. “For about six years, the Lead The Way Fund and college lacrosse have been supporting one another through Jim Regan Sr.’s efforts. One goal we have on the day is to expand awareness to those in attendance and to provide perspective to our student-athletes.”
The tournament’s focus on Lead The Way Fund is dear to the hearts of event sponsors like OT Sports. The North Carolina-based lacrosse uniform manufacturing company will supply four teams competing in special charity games Friday, March 7, (Charlotte Latin vs. Durham Academy and Charlotte Catholic vs. Lake Norman High School) with special camouflage uniforms in honor of the fund and will offer tournament-themed socks to both players and fans, with proceeds donated to the fund.
“The Spring Face-Off Classic is a great opportunity to help local communities and programs raise money and support Army Rangers and their families who have sacrificed so much to give us the freedoms we enjoy,” said Scott Gollnick, vice president of sales and marketing at OT Sports. “This event brings together some of the best local and national lacrosse programs, and, more importantly, brings attention and exposure to the sacrifices that Jimmy Regan and others have made and continue to make each and every day.”
Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund is excited to announce that, for the first time, we have obtained slots at the NYC Half-Marathon which takes place on Sunday, March 16, 2014 in New York City.
The 2014 NYC Half will take runners on a spectacular 13.1-mile tour of NYC. Led by a talent-packed roster of American and international elites, runners will stop traffic in Manhattan, from Central Park through Times Square to South Street Seaport!
Please note that all runners are required to meet the minimum Lead The Way Fund fundraising requirement of $1500 and cover NYRR entry fees of $250.
All members of Team Army Ranger will receive Lead The Way Fund racing gear including performance training shirts, hats, visors, gear bag and more.
To join Team Army Ranger or for more information about this great running event please email [email protected] with interest.
What an incredible day!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you to each and every one of the 1100 people who braved the cold weather and came out to support us today. Between the volunteers, participants, the Rappuhn, Nicol and Richards families, The Remsburg family, The American Fallen Soldiers Project, Jerry Sheehan & Dan McNally, the NYPD Bomb Squad representatives, General Richard Clarke, Deacon Frank Bice, our Army Rangers, our singers Dave Delaney and Judith, our sponsors Bank of America and Adrenaline Lacrosse, and every one in between the love and support was palpable. You are all amazing and from the bottom of our hearts we thank you!
What an amazing job by all of our NYC 2013 Marathon Runners on Sunday, November 3rd!!! Our runners were an incredible and inspiring group of people and we were so proud to have them represent us. We also can’t say enough about all of the family and friends who supported them and, in turn, supported us. It is because of you that we continue to be able to provide support our Rangers and their families when they need us.
A host of nonprofit groups provided nearly $1.1 million and offers of additional help when the government shutdown cut aid to troops and their relatives, most notably 29 families whose uniformed loved ones died during the closure — some in combat.
The largest commitment was $700,000 divided among 28 of the families by the Fisher House Foundation, a group that builds residences on military hospital grounds for use by the relatives of casualties. The foundation is waiting for contact information on the last family, says spokesperson Jody Fisher.
In addition, a small Long Island-based nonprofit that assists Army Rangers has paid out nearly $100,000, according to Robert Hotarek, president of Lead the Way Fund.
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society provided more than $194,000 in financial assistance to 137 current or retired sailors, Marines and their families impacted by the shutdown, says Shelley Marshall, communications officer for the group. The money went for such expenses as travel costs for families visiting wounded or injured service members or traveling to Dover, Del. to meet remains of deceased troops, she said.
In many cases, groups expanded ongoing programs designed to offer military members emergency cash.
Army Emergency Relief provided $87,000 to 42 soldiers and their families during the shutdown for issues ranging from rental assistance to travel costs to moving expenses, says spokesman Guy Shields.
Lead the Way Fund stepped in after two Army Rangers, along with two other soldiers were killed during a night mission Oct. 6 against a compound in southern Afghanistan.
A suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest and other hidden bombs exploded as Rangers closed in during that assault on a compound, says Lt. Col. Brian DeSantis, a spokesman for the 75th Ranger Regiment.
The dead were Sgt. Patrick Hawkins, 25, of Carlisle, Pa., and Pfc. Cody Patterson, 24, of Philomath, Ore., both Rangers; and Sgt. Joseph Peters, 24, of Springfield Mo., a military police investigator; and 1st Lt. Jennifer Moreno, 25, of San Diego.
“Those (nonprofit) organizations — we, really, as the Ranger Regiment and, really, as a country owe them a debt of gratitude, because they were able to support four families that had just experienced a loss,” DeSantis says. “(They) banded together to make sure that four Gold Star families got everything they needed through that very difficult time.”
The Fisher House assistance was in the form of $25,000 “gifts” to those four families and the families of 25 other troops who died during the government shutdown from Oct. 1-16. Lead the Way Fund offered assistance for burial and/or travel costs for families of the four soldiers who died in Oct. 6 attack.
The shutdown prevented the Pentagon from providing an immediate $100,000 “death gratuity” to families of service members who died or were killed. Military funds for transporting families to meet the returned remains of their loved ones or to visit them at military hospitals were also canceled.
Congress eventually reinstated the death gratuity and other support payments before the shutdown ended.
The Pentagon this week identified eight other nonprofit groups that offered or provided assistance during the government shutdown. Officials in several of the groups said donors were clamoring to donate after hearing news of the suspended death gratuities.
Groups offering assistance included Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, which provided interest-free loans to furloughed Coast Guard federal civilian employees during the shutdown, said executive director Barry Boisvere. Others, according to the Pentagon, were the Dignity Memorial network of 1,800 funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers; the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation, Air Force Aid Society and AmVets.
JPMorgan Chase also offered assistance during the shutdown. The financial institution previously founded a jobs hiring program that with a coalition of companies has hired 92,869 veterans since 2011, says spokesperson Shannon O’Reilly.
On behalf of Lead The Way Fund, we cannot thank all of our Army Ten-Miler runners enough for the incredible support and spirit displayed this weekend in DC. Everyone did an unbelievable job running and fundraising and we were honored to have all of you as part of Team Army Ranger. We hope to have you all on our team again next year!
LI charity helps families of U.S. soldiers slain, hurt in Afghanistan attack
A Long Island charity has stepped in to cover funeral and other costs for the loved ones of American soldiers killed in an Oct. 6 attack in Afghanistan.
Since the attack, which killed four U.S. soldiers and seriously wounded more than a dozen others, the Manhasset-based Lead The Way Fund has provided some $50,000 in emergency cash to help the families of two of the soldiers make funeral arrangements, said founder James Regan.
Regan, of Manhasset, said the fund provided another $30,000 to help the loved ones of injured soldiers cover the travel, lodging and other costs incurred as they have rushed to military hospitals where the soldiers have been treated.
“There is a dramatic need to get this done,” said Regan, whose son, James, was killed in Iraq in 2007.
Families of troops slain in battle typically receive a $100,000 “death gratuity” from the federal government to help cover funeral and other costs not otherwise borne by the military. But until the Senate passed a bill Thursday lifting the shutdown ban on payments, families of the Oct. 6 bombing had to find a way to cover expenses on their own.
Regan said his charity has been offering assistance to the families of Army Rangers since his son, James, 26, a member of the Army’s 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Regiment, died in an Iraqi bomb blast.
So far, his organization has distributed more than $1 million in donated funds, Regan said.
“It’s to honor Jimmy, first of all,” Regan said. “To honor a son who served his country.”
Melissa Albaugh, a family coordinator with the 1st Ranger Battalion, in Savanna, Ga., said because members of military communities are bonded by the common experience of worrying about the safety of loved ones, they often depend on nonrelatives for support when tragedy strikes.
Since the government cannot legally pay for the expenses of nonrelatives, she said, funds from Lead The Way have frequently allowed grieving families to invite comforting friends along in their time of need.
For example, when his son was killed, Regan said the government paid costs incurred by the family, but not for James Regan’s fiancee, Mary McHugh. She had to pay her own way to his burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
“The military can’t cover the cost of a friend, who may be a vital part of your support network at an excruciatingly painful time in your life,” said Albaugh, whose husband was with Regan’s son when he was killed. He survived the blast.
“Lead The Way means you feel supported, and that people who understand what families are going through can be there,” she said.
Dear Friends and Supporters of Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund,
On behalf of Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund and the 75th Ranger Regiment, we would like to thank you for the outpouring of support for our Special Operations Army Rangers and their families. Since our inception in 2007, our Mission has been to fill the gaps that that government cannot for our wounded and disabled Rangers and for the families of Rangers who have paid the Ultimate Sacrifice. This is no exception.
This situation has just started to unfold. The needs for these wounded Warriors, and for the families of our Fallen Rangers, are going to be tremendous. It is our moral obligation to support them, even more so now that our government is unable to (or has chosen not to).
We are in constant contact with our liaisons in DC, at the Unites States Special Operation Command Care Coalition and with the 75th Ranger Regiment to ensure that they will all receive the support they need and deserve. We will be funding the funerals, and we can assure you that all of your donations are being appropriated in the proper manner to support the immediate needs and recovery of these Rangers of the 3rd Battalion B Co and their families.
God Bless our Rangers, God Bless their families and God Bless America.
WASHINGTON — Family members of four Americans killed in combat in Afghanistan over the weekend won’t be flown at government expense to Dover Air Force Base to view the return of the soldier’s bodies to the U.S., a result of the government shutdown which also will delay death benefit payments to the families.
The bodies of the four soldiers will arrive at Dover tomorrow, according to military officials.
A spokeswoman for the Army Ranger regiment said the families of the fallen soldiers have opted to travel to Dover. The founder of the Army Ranger Lead the Way Fund said his organization would pay for the expenses.
“We are stepping in,” said Jim Regan, whose son was killed in Afghanistan in 2007. “We are going to take care of anything that needs to be done.”
Mr. Regan said he has been working with the Ranger regiment and the Army’s casualty assistance officer to make sure the families receive money for the travel. Other charities, including a group led by Oliver North, have also offered to help pay for the expenses.
Normally, the Pentagon pays airfare so that families can be present for transfer ceremonies at Dover, where U.S. troops killed in action are returned home. But because of the shutdown, the Defense Department is not allowed to pay the travel costs, according to Pentagon officials.
The Pentagon also pays families a $100,000 death gratuity when troops are killed in combat, and provides burial benefits as reimbursement for funeral and internment costs.
While charitable organizations are scrambling to raise money to pay for travel to Dover, lawmakers are working on a fix that should allow the Pentagon to pay the death benefits, according to House Republican aides. Congressional aides said a vote could come as early as Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. “We are moving very quickly to address this,” said one Republican aide.
U.S. Army
1st Lt. Jennifer M. Moreno, 25
Because of the shutdown, however, the death gratuity and burial benefits will be delayed until the Pentagon has legal authority to pay them. Officials said the money would be paid when the government restarts.
“Unfortunately, as a result of the shutdown, we do not have the legal authority to make death gratuity payments at this time,” said Lt. Cmdr. Nathan Christensen “However, we are keeping a close eye on those survivors who have lost loved ones serving in the Department of Defense.”
Advocates for military families, deploring the delay, said they hoped charitable groups would be able to step in to help with travel expenses.
“If one family doesn’t receive their benefits, it’s one family too many,” said Kathy Moakler, government relations director for the National Military Family Association.
U.S. Army
Pfc. Cody J. Patterson, 24
Death gratuities will be paid once funding is restored, and officials believe they will reimburse families’ burial costs. Less clear are travel expenses for families going to Dover Air Force Base to meet loved ones killed in action.
Pentagon officials have been warned against criticizing Congress directly, but reacted angrily to the restrictions on death benefits.
“If the Department was allowed to make death gratuity payments at any point during shutdown, they would’ve been paid with great relief,” said a defense official.
Before the shutdown, Pentagon officials had warned publicly that death benefits would be delayed if a resolution to fund the government was not found.
U.S. Army
Sgt. Patrick C. Hawkins, 25
A House Republican aide said that lawmakers are currently writing a bill that would cover funeral costs, travel expenses and other items for the families of the soldiers killed in action. A vote may come as early as Tuesday evening under a fast-track measure that requires a two-thirds majority for passage.
“This is something that Republicans and Democrats both agree on — we’ve got to come up with a fix,” Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R., Okla.) said.
Four U.S. soldiers killed Oct. 6 by an improvised explosive device in Kandahar province. The four killed included two Army Rangers, Sgt. Patrick C. Hawkins, 25, and Pfc. Cody J. Patterson, 24. Also killed was an Army Criminal Investigation Division special agent, Sgt. Joseph Peters, 24, and 1st Lt. Jennifer M. Moreno, 25, a cultural support team member working with the special operations task force.
Some payments will continue to be made to families, including survivor benefit payments, which come out of retirement funds, as well as a payments made to spouses called the Special Survivors Indemnity Allowance.
Participate in the Army Ranger Lead the Way Fund’s most anticipated and best-attended annual event with your corporate logo, signage, marketing opportunities and more. Our largest and most patriotic event is also the most costly to produce (last year over 1100 people were in attendance). Every corporate sponsorship dollar frees up more funds to go directly to wounded or deceased U.S. Army Rangers and their families.
This family-friendly event raises funds for U.S. Army Rangers and their families and includes:
4.5 mile roundtrip run/walk around Battery Park, passing Ground Zero and the Statue of Liberty
Festive brunch at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers
Music and special presentations from the American Fallen Soldiers Project to the families of Fallen Rangers and 9/11 First Responders
Patriotic corporate-branding opportunities with a targeted audience of over 1100 people
CORPORATE HERO — $5,000 Donation
Free entry for 10 corporate guests, includes all activities
Corporate logo appears on two large signs, on event brochure and a podium mention
10 Lead The Way hats and event shirts
CORPORATE LEGEND— $10,000 Donation
Free entry for 20 corporate guests includes all activities
Corporate logo appears on two large signs, podium mention, screen shots and event brochure
20 Lead The Way hats and event shirts
CORPORATE PARTNER— $25,000 Donation and Event Naming Rights
Free entry for 40 corporate guests includes all activities and LTWF hats & event shirts
Includes Event Naming Rights
Corporate logo appears on two large signs, screen shots, podium mention, Lead the Way Fund event T-Shirt and in event program
Private “Ranger salute.” Guests meet privately with true American heroes.
Please email [email protected] with interest in sponsoring this special day.
We appreciate your consideration and support! RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!
We will NEVER forget the brave men, women, children and First Responders who lost their lives on 9/11. We will NEVER forget the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our Country since 9/11 and we will NEVER forget the brave men and women in our Armed Forces who are are still on the forefront every single day putting their lives in harm’s way to protect our freedom.
Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund would like to thank all of the volunteers from the SGT Patrick Gass AUSA Subchapter, serving the 2D Ranger Battalion, for their participation in the ‘Honor The Fallen Relay Run,’ July 28-29. A special thank you to CPT Max Ferguson, of 2/75, for devoting his personal time to organizing this incredibly well-executed fundraising event on our behalf. The event was a huge success and the money raised from will serve his “Brothers” and their families well.
The 168-mile relay run honored Fallen Rangers from the 2D Battalion and the family they left behind. It was a tremendous community event that had great participation from a wide variety of people. This significant feat could not have been accomplished without the many community efforts that brought it all together, and we thank you all for your efforts, involvement and support!
On June 16th, a wonderful welcome home Skydiving Boogie fundraising event was held for the Rangers of 1st Battalion, returning home from Afghanistan, and on behalf of the Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund. The event was held at the Statesboro / Bullock County Georgia Municipal Airport in Statesboro, Ga. and the host organization was The Jumping Place Skydiving Center.
Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund would like to extend a very special thank you to event coordinators Richard Turner, Arlo Pace, J Schrimsher II, Jenni Breda and Cathy Kloess, owner of The Jumping Place Skydiving Center, for their incredible efforts. In addition to the aforementioned, many people dedicated their time and efforts to helping to make this a successful event including:
Sponsors:
Arlo Pace of The Skydiving Outlet, Deland Jay S. and Aerodyne – Paraclete XP Skyventure Flight-1 Vigil United Parachute Technologies
Event Staff:
Tyler Dawdry (Pilot)
Cathy Kloess (Pilot)
Marcus Finley (Packer)
Kibang Lee (Tandem Instructor)
Ed Kloess (Instructor)
Shannon Kloess (Manifest)
Rangers:
Stephen Travers
Ryan Redfoot
Jonna Reinhardt
Zac Brown
Thank you again to all who supported this event. We are already looking forward to next year!
Congrats to Jon Denning who participated in the NYC Triathlon this past weekend on behalf of Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund! He had quite an incredible finish and truly put forth an outstanding fundraising effort! Thanks for the support Jon!
On Sunday July 28¸ 2013, The SGT Patrick Gass AUSA Subchapter, serving the 2D Ranger Battalion, will proudly embark on a 168-mile “Honor the Fallen Relay Run,” on behalf of the Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, and in honor of all Fallen Rangers from the 2D Battalion and the family they left behind. The fundraising event is scheduled to start at the Veteran’s Memorial in Milton, Washington and will continue through the night until the team reaches Fort Clatsop, Oregon, at the end of the Lewis and Clark trail, on July 29, 2013. The official route includes: Milton to Dupont (23.8 miles); Dupont to Olympia (17.9 miles); Olympia to Rochester (15.6 miles); Rochester, WA to Astoria, OR (111 miles). The official Sendoff Ceremony, hosted by the VFW Post 11401 and city of Milton, will be held at the Milton Community Park at 11:30 am on July 28, 2013.
Donations for the run will go directly to Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, a non-profit organization established to raise funds in support of families of U.S. Army Rangers who have died, have been disabled or who are currently serving in harm’s way around the world. The funds raised provide spouses and children of deceased, disabled or active duty Rangers with assistance for health and wellness programs and other financial aid programs, beyond what the government can offer. Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund was created in honor of Sgt. James J. Regan who was killed in Iraq while serving with Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.
“Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund has long been a tremendous support to the Ranger community and is always prepared to step in during Ranger family emergencies to help in any way they can,” stated CPT Max Ferguson. “Donations in support of the organization allow Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund to continue to serve Ranger families. As volunteers, we are honored to support both the SGT Patrick Gass AUSA Subchapter and the Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund through this historic event,” Ferguson added.
SGT Patrick Gass, the namesake of the AUSA Subchapter, served as a Colonial Ranger before volunteering to participate in the Lewis and Clark expedition to serve as the team’s head carpenter. When the Senior NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) on the expedition died, SGT Gass was selected to step up and serve as the Senior NCO. His carpentry skills were also vital to the “Corps of Discovery” as he made canoes, shelters, and likely lead the building of Fort Clatsop, where the expedition stayed the winter of 1805-1806. On the return trip home, Captains Lewis and Clark each led reconnaissance teams along the route while SGT Patrick Gass led the remainder of the team back East.
This event ties the legacy of SGT Patrick Gass with the AUSA Subchapter named in his honor – by starting at the Milton Veteran’s Memorial where the subchapter was founded. Runners will run using the SGT Patrick Gass flag as their baton along the route, bringing the flag down to the end of the Lewis and Clark Trail at Fort Clatsop in a special tribute to former Ranger, explorer, and namesake to the organization now dedicated to supporting 2D Ranger Battalion.
To donate in support of this event, please visitwww.leadthewayfund.org (click Support our Participants/ Team Patrick Gass) OR www.firstgiving.com (Search: Honor The Fallen).
If you are interested in supporting or helping promote the event, please contact: [email protected]. For more information about Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund please visit www.leadthewayfund.org
We are excited to announce that we have been able to secure slots again at the TOBAY Triathlon in Oyster Bay, NY on Saturday, August 24th; the Army Ten-Miler in Washington, DC on Sunday, October 20th; and at the 2013 ING NYC Marathon on Sunday, November 3rd.
We hope that you will be able to join Team Army Ranger and race for us any of these great events or just come out and cheer for our racers. All participants will receive Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund racing gear. See below for details on how to obtain a slot for these events. For further details please visit our website at www.leadthewayfund.org.
Lead The Way Fund will have tents at the races to further raise awareness for the work we do on behalf of our U.S. Army Rangers and their families.
Tobay Triathlon:
When: Saturday, August 24, 2013 What: 1/2 mile swim, 15k bike and a 5k run Where: Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park, Oyster Bay, New York Cost: Through the generosity of the Tobay race organizers, slots are available at the discounted price of $50 per slot.
Racing Requirements for Tobay Triathlon:
*To be considered for a slot on Team Army Ranger for Tobay please email your indication of interest to[email protected]by Friday, June 7th.
* Please note that in order to qualify for a slot each participant is asked to raise a minimum of $500. We will discuss multi-race participants on an individual basis.
When: Sunday, October 20, 2013 What: The Army Ten-Miler Where: The Pentagon – Arlington, VA Cost: Each entrant is responsible for the $65 race entry fee
Lead The Way Fund has secured these slots through the Military Community Partner Program and will have a tent at the pre-race Expo at the DC Armory. We will also have a tent immediately following the race in the Hooah Tent Zone.
Racing Requirements for Army Ten-Miler:
*To be considered for a slot on Team Army Ranger please email your indication of interest to [email protected] by June 15, 2013.
* Please note that in order to qualify for a slot each contestant is asked to raise a minimum of $750.
In the wake of the 2012 NYC Marathon cancellation due to Hurricane Sandy, we have been generously granted additional slots on Team Army Ranger for the 2013 ING NYC Marathon on Sunday, November 3. Slots will be granted on a first-come basis. Please respond with interest to Mary McHugh at[email protected] by Friday, June 7th.
Racing Requirements for the ING NYC MARATHON:
*The minimum fundraising requirement for marathon participants is $3,000.
*Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund will be hosting a pre-race dinner the night before for all of our runners.
*All Team Army Ranger runners will receive Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund running gear.
We look forward to your participation at these events and we thank you for the continued support!
A very special thank you to Major Dan Kearney (pictured here with his wife Laura) for fundraising on behalf of Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund in support of his participation in the Boston Tough Mudder. We are so honored to have Major Kearney as a part of our Team!
Wounded Army Ranger SFC Cory Remsburg came home to Gilbert, Arizona this week to a well-deserved hero’s welcome after years of rehabilitation for injuries sustained in Afghanistan. Mary Regan, pictured here with Cory, Craig and Annie Remsburg, was one of the honored guests at the celebration.
SFC Cory Remsburg is a true American hero and an inspiration. Through programs like our Wounded Ranger Assistance Program and our Ranger Recovery Program, Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund has been able to support Cory and his incredible family throughout his entire recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
As long as our Special Operations Rangers and their families are in this global war on terrorism, we will be there to support them.
On this Memorial Day weekend we honor the life of Sgt. James J. Regan and ALL of the men and women in our Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedom that our Nation cherishes. We will never forget these brave soldiers who have given their lives for our country and may we never forget the soldiers who continue to fight for our freedom every day.
In the words of President John F. Kennedy – “Every generation of Americans must be expected to do their part to maintain freedom for their country and freedom for those associated with it…there is no final victory in a difficult and dangerous world.”
We would also like to thank you, our Patriotic supporters. Your continued support of the Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund helps to ease some of the tremendous burden that our Special Operations Rangers and their families bare.
Thank you BTIG for including us in your 11th Annual Commissions for Charity Day on Wall Street on May 14th!! And thank you so much to everyone in the financial industry who were able support us with your commissions today! Every bit of the funds we raise goes towards helping our U.S. Army Rangers and their families who need our help so we truly appreciate it!
RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!
Celebrity Traders to Join BTIG Commissions for Charity Day
NEW YORK, April 15, 2013 — BTIG LLC, a global financial services firm specializing in institutional trading and related brokerage services, will host its 11th Commissions for Charity Day on May 14, 2013. The annual Charity Day will once again feature celebrity “guest-traders” on BTIG’s trading floors across the country to help raise money for a variety of children’s charities.
Since it began hosting its Commissions for Charity Day in 2003, BTIG has raised close to $25 million and has donated those proceeds to over 350 nonprofit organizations. This year’s annual event will support many organizations that deal with important children’s issues including:
Among the celebrities that are expected to join BTIG this year are the following: Michael Strahan, Tom Coughlin, Victor Cruz, Justin Tuck, Eli Manning, Phil Simms, Joe Girardi, Mark Teixeira, Joe Torre, Reggie Jackson, Rex Ryan, Mark Sanchez, Nick Manchego, Victor Cruz, Lynn Swann, Petra Nemcova, Jeremy Roenick, Jim Boeheim, Steve Schrippa, Miss America Mallory Hagan, Kaitlin Monte, Hannah Storm and Michael J. Fox.
“We’re proud that our clients and employees have this opportunity to work together with our celebrity traders and other special guests to make such a profound impact on so many peoples’ lives,” said Steven Starker, Co-Founder of BTIG. “The excitement surrounding this year’s event is a strong indication that we will have another successful day. We look forward to being able to support a number of charities that are important to our clients and celebrity guests.”
About BTIG
BTIG LLC is a premier institutional brokerage and fund services company. BTIG continues to build its global franchise around a broad and experienced group of professionals who are leaders and experts in their respective fields. Founded in 2002, BTIG, including through its affiliates, employs more than 400 professionals in five different countries. BTIG serves customers worldwide and offers services in: Equity Trading, Fixed Income, Futures Trading, Convertible Securities, Equity Derivatives, Foreign Exchange, Prime Brokerage, Outsource Trading, Direct Market Access, Capital Markets, Equity Research and Corporate Access. BTIG has ten domestic offices: New York, San Francisco, Dallas, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Greenwich, Red Bank, Atlanta and Orinda. The firm also has four overseas affiliates: London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney.
A special thank you to the NorthFace Endurance Challenge Series for selecting Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund as your local non-profit partner for the event at Bear Mountain State Park May 4-5th. The event was terrific and we were honored to be a part of it. We are already looking forward to next year!
Congratulations again to all of our Team Army Ranger runners! You all did an amazing job and we were proud to have you represent Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund! Well-Done!
CPT Austin Commons – 50-Mile
Dan Lamonaca – Marathon
Jeff Hussey – Marathon Relay
Katie Bottini – Marathon Relay
Dana Lamonaca – Marathon Relay
Valentina Salkow – Marathon Relay
Lauren McGrath – Marathon Relay
Alexi Caputo – Marathon Relay
Shannon Mertz – Marathon Relay
Bobby Condon – Marathon Relay
Chris Woods – Half-Marathon
Bunker Blake – Half-Marathon
Evan Green- Half-Marathon
Michael Byrne – Half-Marathon
Tim Lawton – Half-Marathon
Wounded Army Ranger SFC Cory Remsburg came home to Gilbert, AZ last week to a well-deserved hero’s welcome after years of rehabilitation for injuries sustained in Afghanistan.
Cory Remsburg is a hero and an inspiration and Ranger Lead The Way Fund has been honored to have been able to help support Cory and his family throughout his recovery efforts.
We are so proud of you Cory and thrilled for you and your family that you are home for good!
Rangers Lead The Way!
___________
Phoenix, Arizona
WOUNDED ARMY RANGER COMES HOME TO HERO’S WELCOME
GILBERT, AZ – A wounded Gilbert man received a hero’s welcome home Saturday.
U.S. Army Ranger, 30-year-old Cory Remsburg, came home for good after years of rehabilitation for his injuries.
Cory’s family is happy to have him home, and they say they’re really thankful he’s even alive.
His friends, family and fellow veterans gave Cory a warm welcome as he returned.
A crowd was there as his family’s car turned into the flag-lined driveway.
Cory suffered severe brain trauma in an explosion in Afghanistan about four years ago. He lost one of his fellow Rangers in that IED attack.
Now he’s walking and talking again, and happy to be home.
“He’s working hard to try to find that independence. And that’s what we’re here to do. Help him find that,” said Cory’s dad, Craig Remsburg.
He’s become an inspiration to his family and all of the people who came out to thank him for his service. They sang songs, prayed and greeted Cory one by one.
Cory’s parents say he led a very active lifestyle before the attack — he enjoyed running and skydiving when he was home. He was on his 10th combat rotation when he got hurt.
Cory’s parents say they’re sure he’ll find ways to stay active. They think he might even start cycling, since one of his “welcome home” gifts was a new bike.
They know Cory has a long road ahead of him, but they say they’re with him every step of the way.
“He’s dealing with it head on. And you’ve got to be a proud parent, knowing that your kid is down and out, but he’s not letting that stop him,” Craig said.
“We are the blessed ones. We were the ones that got our son back,” said his mother, Annie Remsburg. And never forget that there’s so many that didn’t come home. There’s so many more that are still out there, so don’t forget them.”
Wounded Army Ranger Joe Kapacziewski’s new memoir “Back In The Fight” (St. Martin’s Press) has hit the bookshelves. The book details his incredible return to combat after having his leg amputated. He is the first soldier in Army history to return to combat after an amputation.
Joe is a true hero and has been a friend to Ranger Lead The Way Fund since its inception. He has run the NYC Marathon on our team and he continues to support our mission of providing assistance to our U.S. Army Rangers and their families.
Please consider supporting him by buying his book, which is now available on Amazon.com.
Celebrity Traders to Join BTIG Commissions for Charity Day
NEW YORK, April 15, 2013 — BTIG LLC, a global financial services firm specializing in institutional trading and related brokerage services, will host its 11th Commissions for Charity Day on May 14, 2013. The annual Charity Day will once again feature celebrity “guest-traders” on BTIG’s trading floors across the country to help raise money for a variety of children’s charities.
Since it began hosting its Commissions for Charity Day in 2003, BTIG has raised close to $25 million and has donated those proceeds to over 350 nonprofit organizations. This year’s annual event will support many organizations that deal with important children’s issues including:
Among the celebrities that are expected to join BTIG this year are the following: Michael Strahan, Tom Coughlin, Victor Cruz, Justin Tuck, Eli Manning, Phil Simms, Joe Girardi, Mark Teixeira, Joe Torre, Reggie Jackson, Rex Ryan, Mark Sanchez, Nick Manchego, Victor Cruz, Lynn Swann, Petra Nemcova, Jeremy Roenick, Jim Boeheim, Steve Schrippa, Miss America Mallory Hagan, Kaitlin Monte, Hannah Storm and Michael J. Fox.
“We’re proud that our clients and employees have this opportunity to work together with our celebrity traders and other special guests to make such a profound impact on so many peoples’ lives,” said Steven Starker, Co-Founder of BTIG. “The excitement surrounding this year’s event is a strong indication that we will have another successful day. We look forward to being able to support a number of charities that are important to our clients and celebrity guests.”
About BTIG
BTIG LLC is a premier institutional brokerage and fund services company. BTIG continues to build its global franchise around a broad and experienced group of professionals who are leaders and experts in their respective fields. Founded in 2002, BTIG, including through its affiliates, employs more than 400 professionals in five different countries. BTIG serves customers worldwide and offers services in: Equity Trading, Fixed Income, Futures Trading, Convertible Securities, Equity Derivatives, Foreign Exchange, Prime Brokerage, Outsource Trading, Direct Market Access, Capital Markets, Equity Research and Corporate Access. BTIG has ten domestic offices: New York, San Francisco, Dallas, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Greenwich, Red Bank, Atlanta and Orinda. The firm also has four overseas affiliates: London, Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney.
The Lead The Way Fund is pleased to announce that, through the Army Ten-Miler Military Community Partner Program, we have been able to secure slots again at the Army Ten-Miler on Sunday, October 20, 2013 in Washington, DC.
We hope that you will either join Team Army Ranger and race for us or just come out and cheer for our racers. The Lead The Way Fund will have a tent at the pre-race Expo at the DC Armory which will further raise awareness for the work we do on behalf of our U.S. Army Rangers and their families.
Lead The Way Fund will also have a tent immediately following the race in the Hooah Tent Zone.
When: Sunday, October 20, 2013
What: The Army Ten Miler
Where: The Pentagon – Arlington, VA
Racing Requirements
To be considered for a Lead The Way Fund slot please email your indication of interest to [email protected] by June 15, 2013.
* Please note that in order to qualify for a slot on Team Army Ranger each participant is asked to raise a minimum of $750. Once you have been registered we will provide you with the information to set up your individual fundraising page on the FirstGiving fundraising website.
*Each entrant will also be responsible for the $65 race entry fee which can be donated to LTWF as part of your fundraising efforts.
** Each participant will receive Lead The Way Fund gear including a visor, a light-weight running top and a gear bag.
We look forward to your participation and we thank you for the support!
If you had told anyone what had happened on the back lacrosse field at Manhasset High School Saturday afternoon between Chaminade and the Indians, they probably would have said you were making it up or that it was scripted out of a Hollywood feel-good movie, too good to be true.
The Flyers took the 10-3 victory – that was believable and expected, given their dominance this year – but how they got there still makes the tale.
Before the season, senior attacker Ryan Lukacovic was awarded the No. 19 jersey based on a vote of his teammates, the same number Jimmy Regan, a Manhasset native, had worn as a member of the Flyers before going to Duke and winning a pair of ACC championships for the Blue Devils. Regan later became of the U.S. Army Rangers, the special forces division, only to lose his life in Iraq in February 2007 during his fourth tour of duty at the age of 26.
“We miss Jimmy dramatically, obviously, it’s something that you don’t get over, but you learn to deal with it,” said his father, James Sr. after the match.
“When you look back at it, what can I say – I lost my son. I don’t want to get into politics with you, I don’t want to do all that, but it’s terrible when you lose somebody like that.”
Regan, who is also a coach for the Flyers, started the “Lead the Way” fund to help families and discharged members of the Rangers and Chaminade and Manhasset play a non-league game each year that also acts as a fundraising event for the non-profit.
And there in the middle of it all was No. 19, fittingly scoring the first goal of the game. The three-year varsity player would go on to score another goal and another, notching his latest hat trick this season.
“Ryan shows a lot of poise out there, he’s going to be a tremendous player down at the University of Virginia,” Regan would say after handing back “Reg’s Rock” – the black-quartz trophy bestowed upon the winner of the annual game – to the Flyers, who now stand even with the Indians, having won it each three times.
“It’s great to get a win for him,” Lukacovic would say, his words vague enough to apply to either father or son.
Under Armour had also made sure that several Chaminade players dressed the part, sending star-spangled cleats to Tim Muller, Tom Zenker and John “Shoeless” McDaid in honor of Regan.
The sun even made a cameo appearance, parting the grey overcast in the fourth, a heavenly ovation for the Flyers as the clock wound down on another dominating performance.
“I definitely thought about it after it happened,” Lukacovic said after the win about opening the scoring. “It was definitely Jim looking down on me. I pointed to coach Regan so I just had a feeling Jimmy was definitely involved, that wasn’t just another goal.”
Wearing the No. 19 jersey as Jimmy Regan once did, in the annual matchup against Manhasset dedicated to the former Flyer, Ryan Lukacovic smiled at Chaminade assistant coach James Regan after scoring the game’s first goal.
“I definitely thought about it after it happened and I thought it was definitely Jimmy looking down on me,” Lukacovic said. “I pointed to coach Regan and thought Jimmy was definitely involved. This was unbelievable.”
Jimmy Regan was a Manhasset native and All-American lacrosse player for Chaminade. He graduated in 1998 and led Duke to two ACC championships. He died in Iraq during his fourth tour of duty as an U.S. Army Ranger in February 2007. Regan’s father, James Sr., established the “Lead the Way” fund to honor his son’s memory and Chaminade and Manhasset have played a game for the past six years that also acts as a fundraiser for the foundation.
Led by Lukacovic’s hat trick, Chaminade defeated host Manhasset Saturday, 10-3, in the non-league contest and evened up the annual series known as “Reg’s Rock,” at three games apiece.
Longtime Chaminade coach Jack Moran said the senior attack’s character, work ethic and service to the school epitomized what Jimmy Regan stood for and therefore made it an easy choice to bestow the No. 19 upon him before the season. Matt Graham wore the number last year before graduating.
“Ryan’s the best athlete in the school and yet he’s the manager of the band,” Moran said. “We’re really happy that he’s leading us right now.”
Chaminade led 5-1 at halftime, playing fast, but also playing smart. John McDaid scored two goals, and Jonathan Patterson and John Tigh each had one in addition to Lukacovic’s three.
Lukacovic scored three minutes into the second half. He notched his third a few minutes later after coming from behind the net to put Chaminade ahead 7-1 and put the game away. McDaid finished with three goals and Tigh had two for the Flyers.
Kris Clarke won 13 of 17 faceoffs and Chaminade rarely turned the ball over, racking up possessions and maximizing the clock.
Duke-bound goalie Danny Fowler didn’t receive much action as a result, but relished playing a game in honor of a hero who had ties to Fowler’s present and future schools.
“I was told Jimmy was a guy who made you want to be the best you can be and it just drives you to want to play your best for a game like this,” Fowler said.
Wearing cleats displaying an American flag design in honor of Regan, Tim Muller diligently defended Chaminade territory, holding Manhasset’s top scorer, Mike Fahey, without a goal.
“I tried not to let Mike get to the goal,” Muller said. “But more importantly, it’s a great cause and it was just great to win for coach Regan.”
Before the game, coach Regan said his son’s memory would be served well regardless of the outcome.
“I know Jimmy was looking down smiling at this game,” Regan said.
On behalf of the Lead The Way Fund, we would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who came out to Manhasset High School to support us on Saturday at our Lacrosse Day For Heroes “Regs Rock” Event! It was an amazing day of lacrosse, between two of the best High School lacrosse teams in the country, and a great turnout in honor of an incredible person, Sgt. James J. Regan.
Regardless of the outcome of the games, ALL of the boys on the Chaminade & Manhasset Varsity and Junior Varsity teams played their hearts out, and we know they made Jimmy proud. A special congratulations to Ryan Lukacovic from Chaminade for having been bestowed the honor of wearing Jimmy’s #19 jersey this year. Well-deserved!
We would like to extend our gratitude to the staff at the Manhasset Public Schools, Chaminade High School and the Manhasset Booster Club for their generosity and assistance in continuing to make this day happen. The day went off without a hitch. Thank you to the Chaminade & Manhasset coaching staff for their unwaivering support in preserving Jimmy’s legacy. And thank you to Emory Parker for singing the National Anthem and Tim Burke for playing the Bag Pipes, they both did a great job!
Thanks again to MSG Varsity for their great coverage of the event; to Newsday for their beautiful article; to Geoff Walter at Mineola Patch for the great coverage and photos; and to the Manhasset Press for always supporting us!
We are so grateful to you all!
RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!
All photos are courtesy of Geoff Walter at the Mineola Patch.
