LTWF was honored to have sponsored a Ranger retreat at 2/75. The Rangers learned how to better understand where they are morally, spiritually and ethically in order to set goals and become who they want to be in the future. 50 Rangers attended the resiliency training that incorporated hiking, camping and whitewater rafting. Please continue to support us and help us to help them for events such as these.

To all who made our visit with our son possible, 

Thank you so very much! It was very good to be able to spend time with Ben. Being in a Vet home for him at such a young age because of the brain injury he has is a rough ordeal but he seems to have adjusted and has a lot of men supporting him. 

We were glad to be able to see this and really appreciate you for helping us get out to see him. We know it will be what it is. 

We are so very thankful for an organization like you to help those like us who just don’t have the resources to travel and see their son or daughter who has fallen in harm’s way. 

Again wethank you in a big and might way. 

As Ben’s father, like my wife said – you all are a real blessing. Jan and I thank you lovingly. 

Jan and Mike Rye. 

I want to thank everyone at Lead The Way Fund for your kindness and overwhelming generosity during this difficult time in my life. 

I have been amazed at the love and appreciation shown for my husband and the sacrifice he made. I have been even more amazed by the the support show to me in the past few months, especially from the Ranger family. 

Thank you again, 

Stevie Meddock 

Thank you for the support your organization has provided to my family over the last couple of years as my wife fought her battle with multiple myeloma. She lost her fight 109 days ago. Nothing prepares you for this kind of loss, but the assistance you provided helped us tremendously, and allowed her to devote more of her precious energy to fighting the disease. I cannot find the words to properly express my gratitude. You are doing great things for people in their times of need, and I thank you for it.

Alex Wright MSG (Retired) Aco, Bco, HHC 2/75

Members of Lead The Way Fund,

On behalf of 2d Ranger Battalion, CSM Boyer and I cannot thank you enough for the continued support and dedication to our Rangers and their families. Your quick response in getting the members of the Meddock family out to see Cameron in his final moments is something I am sure they will never forget. We, as well as the family, are extremely grateful.  We would love to host you here on the compound in the near future. 

Very Respectfully, 

Robert McChrystal

CDR/ 2/75 

Dear Lead The Way Fund, 

Thank you for the check I recently received from the Fund, covering my rental car expense while at JBLM in Tacoma, WA at my Ranger son’s bedside. He was receiving medical care at Madigan Medical Center from December 2 – December 18th. 

My son, SSG Roderick Coday, was wounded in a close combat situation in Afghanistan on November 24th, it was his 5th deployment. He was shot in his right dominant hand. He still has all his fingers and his thumb, but the damage to his hand was severe. 

Thankfully, he’s going to be fine long term. He’s undergone 8 surgeries to date including a skin graft and bone graft, and he’s finally on the road to recovery. He has up to a year of rehab ahead of him but I know he’ll attack it with the same focus and dedication that being a Ranger has taught him. His surgeon anticipates he will regain about 85%-90% function in the hand and thumb. We’re extremely grateful that his injuries weren’t more severe and that he is alive and on the mend. 

Your very generous donation during this very stressful time eased my mind considerably. I made a second trip back to WA two weeks ago to take care of him after his final surgery. Your kind donation really helped to defray the considerable unanticipated travel expense. 

The Fund also provided my son with a generous donation right after he was wounded; that money helped him with unanticipated living expenses as he got settled back at JBLM.  I believe he thanked the founder of the Fund in person by phone, but I wanted to express my appreciation as well, it really made a difference for him. 

Rangers Lead The Way!

Melissa Coday 

Dear Lead The Way Fund, 

I do not know how to address or thank you for the generous Casualty Assistance Grant. I remain unable to express my gratitude and regard for the man and unexpected acts of generosity, kindness and support that has come my way. I am particularly touched by the degrees of care from the Rangers, their extended organizations and family/families. 

It is inadequate to send a simple card.  I hope to convey my appreciation and to acknowledge the impact of the fund. 

Respectfully, 

Betty Palmer 

Dear Jim, Mary, Jill and Staff. 

We would like to give you our heartfelt thanks for all your hard work in honoring Dale (Sgt. Dale Brehm).  Words cannot express our appreciation. The event was moving and brought us much comfort.  

Thank you for remembering and honoring Dale. 

Yours truly, 

Ed & Laura Vawter and Family, Pete & Raini (Brehm) Gomez and Family 

Dear Jim & Mary,

I have sat down to write a version of this note many times and I can never come up with the right words to express myself, but I feel compelled to try and put into words what the Lead The Way Fund contributions have meant to 1/75 during our time here.  Your efforts have completely reduced the volunteer burnout to near 0%. The Leaders don’t have to spend our team at bake sales and car washes. we can just concentrate on bringing our folks into the Ranger family, giving them the resources they need and creating this family atmosphere by having fun together at the events we are able to plan and have because of your donations.

As someone who has grown up in the Army, and done it herself, I can tell you without any amount of hesitation what you are doing for us makes an enormous difference to our people. I’ve never been in a Unit so well taken care of by a philanthropic organization.  We were able to have countless company parties, two fall festivals, 2 Christmas parties, 2 volunteer recognition ceremonies, a gun safety class, two cross fit classes, self defense classes, childcare and the list goes on and on!

You have helped bring us closer because people show up and have fun together, forging the relationships that are so valuable. We are a tight bunch and I hope you feel as proud as I do knowing you all helped make that happen.

We absolutely love you and what you’ve been able to help us accomplish.

THANK YOU!

Kris Brown

Thank you all for your help in getting my children and I airfare to and from Savannah at the passing of my husband. I will never forget your kindness when we just didn’t know what to do next. My husband’s passion in life was serving our country as an Army Ranger (as was your sons)! My husband was devastated when he was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and couldn’t stay in Battalion any longer. I will also never forget the years you sent gift cards to our children at Christmas. I am so grateful and will never forget the kindness you have bestowed on my family.- T. Ryan

Dear Lead The Way Fund,

Please accept my thanks for your outstanding support of 3d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment during our recent deployment in support of Operation FREEDOM’S SENTINEL.

I was injured during combat operations in Afghanistan on the 15th of June this year. I arrived at Walter Reed about a week later and one of the first people to come see me was
a representative from your organization. I cannot thank you enough for being there for my wife and child, helping her and assisting with her needs. I appreciate the former
Rangers and supporters coming in for moral support.

I am happy to tell you that my recovery has been going very well and I hope to be returned to duty very soon. Thanks to you and many others my morale remains very high,
my recovery remains rapid and I’ll soon be able to continue to pursue the enemies of our nation.

Once again, I just wanted to thank you for all the help and support you have, not only shown me and my family during my time at Walter Reed, but the support you have shown
the 75th Ranger Regiment throughout the years. In these troubled times of our country, your organization has shown me and many others what we continue to fight for.

SSG Thomas

Thank you Lead The Way Fund!! Words cannot express how helpful your wonderful donation was at our time of need. We are all so grateful for your organization. You let us know how much you care.

The Wheeler Family

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

Forever grateful – The entire Pesce Family

Dear Lead The Way Fund,

Thank you. I speak for the 320 Rangers and Families of Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 20 Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in extending a heartfelt thank you to the Lead The Way Fund. Over the course of the last 18 months HHC has utilized many of the funds from donations provided by the Lead The Way Fund to support HHC Ranger Families. At each opportunity, I take the time to share the story of the Lead the Way Fund and its great cause, from which we directly benefit. I believe it is important for The Lead The Way Fund to know exactly how these funds assisted HHC Ranger Families, and the impact your organization has had on the Company’s well-being.

The Lead the Way Fund has made HHC a better company, and for that I am forever grateful. Please know that your contributions are neither taken for granted nor wasted, and that Sergeant Regan’s legacy shines bright through your continued efforts.

BRIAN PETERSON CPT (P), IN Commanding

My name is Brittanie, and I am the widow of a KIA Ranger from 3/75. I write today to share my personal account of how the Lead the Way Fund assisted me during the single most painful, upheaving, and tragic situation of my life.

Some of you may remember the budget sequestration that occurred in OCT 2013. It was during that time that that my husband, Patrick, and four of his comrades [Cody, Joe, Jenny, and Jany (K9)] were killed, as well as several other soldiers were severely injured. I remember well-meaning friends calling and asking “how are you going to pay for the funeral if the government is shutdown?!” In my shock and devastation, that was something that I hadn’t even thought about… However, I did not have to fret for long, as my CAO reassured me that a couple of Ranger charities had offered their assistance and that I should just focus my energy on healing. The Lead the Way Fund was one of those charities. They were there from the beginning and continue to be a source of support and strength for me to this very day. They made me rest assure that my husband would receive a dignified funeral, and that he would never be forgotten. Additionally, they also made sure that I was given peace of mind until I was able to get up on my feet.

When time passed and this tragedy ebbed from the minds of many, the Lead the Way Fund’s generosity and sincerity did not fade away. Every year they host Jimmy’s Run Down Hero Highway, a 4.5 mile Run/Walk/Stroll and celebratory brunch in New York City. All proceeds from the day go to support the families of our US Army Rangers who have been killed, disabled or are currently serving in harm’s way around the world. In conjunction with The American Fallen Soldiers Project, they present memorial portraits to the families of two Fallen Rangers. This year, two years after the boys’ death, they honored Patrick and Cody by hosting our families for this incredible, cathartic event. They were altruistic, respectful of our pain, and took care of absolutely everything.

The Lead the Way Fund has my full confidence, support, and appreciation. I find it most important to note that its founders, Jim and Mary Reagan, founded this organization in memory of their son, Jimmy, who was killed by an IED in Iraq in 2007. This charity exists to honor their son, and it exists to honor the Fallen as well as the Wounded. From the little time that I have spent with the Reagan’s, the love of their son is so palpable. They have channeled this devastating tragedy into a means of serving our community and making their son proud.

Dear Lead The Way Fund,

We wanted to thank you greatly for the amazing gift card you gave us for Christmas. It helped us provide the most amazing Christmas for our two daughters. Your thoughtfulness means the world to us. Our four year old told us this was the ‘best Christmas ever!’ which was the best present we could have received.

The holidays have been a bit more stressful since my husband was injured, not only monetarily but because the anniversary of his injury falls in December. Your love and support truly helped us have a wonderful holiday season. We can’t put into words how much it means to us and how grateful we are.

Thank you again.

The B. Family

Lead The Way Fund has been great to our family in the past two years since Kyle’s accidents. They have truly been there for us since day one and we couldn’t ask for a better organization to represent us. They are always keeping us informed with any information we need and always calling to make sure we are taken care of.

Lead the Way have truly gone above and beyond for us. After Kyle was released from the hospital, three months after his accident, he was still in a hospital bed at our apartment in San Antonio, Texas. The only way he was allowed to move to a normal bed was it had to be a tempur-pedic bed due to all the injuries on his bottom side. We had been on a wait list for almost two months waiting to get a bed. Lead the Way Fund called us and asked what we needed and we had a bed within 10 days of that phone call.

This last fall we were flown to New York City for the Lead the Way Fund Gala. We had an unbelievable experience and cannot thank this organization enough. They took care of our flights, our transportation, hotel, food, and even gave us spending money while in the city. The people we met on this trip were truly amazing and so supportive of this organization and what their goal is for our Rangers. Before the event Jim had a sit down interview with Kyle and it was so personal that I teared up watching. This organization truly cares for our Rangers and what happens after their accidents and even after their service.

Many other things they have contributed to us, is clothes, backpacks, duffel bags for travelling, and gift cards during the holidays. Lead the Way Fund has also discussed with Kyle and I about building our forever home. Even though we are not quite ready for our forever home we are truly thankful for this opportunity they have left open for us when the time is right. This organization has truly become family to us. We could not ask for anyone else to spend the time and money to get to know our story and our family on a personal basis. The contacts they have with each and every soldier they oversee is amazing and we can never thank them enough for the love they have shown us.

Kyle & Taylor Emmons

My husband was wounded in June 2015. We decided that since I wouldn’t be working during his treatment, and with the future of his health unknown, I should go back to school and finish my last couple prerequisites.  The next day, Lee Dougherty from Lead the Way Fund contacted us and handed us a check to cover our immediate financial needs and more.  Not only did Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund provide us with financial assistance, but it has provided us with lifelong friends and support in this difficult time in our lives.

Ava Rousu

My name is Taylor Hargis and I am the proud wife of Joshua Hargis, a U.S. Army Ranger. My husband was severely injured while on deployment to Afghanistan in 2013. Before I was even reunited with my husband I was being handed a check from Lead The Way Fund to help with anticipated expenses to come. We were personally contacted and kept in touch with, to check our progress and to assure that we were taken care of. Lead The Way Fund has made it thier mission to take care of Rangers and Ranger families, my family has personally benefited from the generosity and genuine care of this incredible organization and it’s donors. We are so genuinely appreciative of all Lead The Way Fund has done for us, thank you is just not enough.

Rangers Lead The Way!

Dear Lead The Way Fund,

Thank you for your generous donation to the Alpha Company Family Readiness Group over the last 6 months. The Lead The Way Fund continues to assist the Ranger Regiment and the Nation by delivering much needed funds that are critical to caring for our Rangers and their families.

With the amount of training and deployments that the Ranger Regiment executes it would be very challenging to fill the funding needs required to run our FRG programs. Your organization takes that burden from us and truly enables our Company to care for our Ranger families and ensure they receive the information and support they need.

Rangers Lead The Way!

MAJ M.

Dear Lead The Way Fund,

We greatly appreciate the selfless service and continuous contributions from your organization. Your support and care for our units is significant, and you help change lives and strengthen families.

Ranger M.

Dear Lead The Way Fund,

The Rangers of Delta Company, 2d Ranger Battalion wanted to extend our deepest gratitude for your unwaivering support and for your recent donation to the Family Readiness Group (FRG). The money is used to strengthen our unit readiness by keeping our families informed and prepared to support our Nation’s needs at any time.

Rangers Lead The Way!

CPT H .

Dear Lead The Way Fund,

Words cannot express the gratitude in receiving the extremely generous gift cards that you sent our family. You have blessed us immensely! You have enabled us to give our children the presents they wanted for Christmas. It is an honor and a blessing to receive this gift card in SGT Regan’s name. The support the Regan family has given to the Army Rangers is extraordinary!!! From the care packages for them and the monitary donations for their spouses and children and your continued support of the injured and Fallen Rangers and their families is awe inspiring! We are humbled by your dedication and commitment! Thank you and may God Bless all of you!

Respectfully,

The R. Family

I decided to run this race for something bigger than myself, to honor those in the Ranger Regiment, their families and our fallen Rangers especially Spc. Cody Patterson, Sgt. Patrick Hawkins KIA October 2013.

Flashback to 2013: Their 18th combat rotation into a war zone since 2001, the Rangers of 3rd Battalion Ranger Regiment deployed to Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. On a mission not long into their deployment they unknowingly landed on a mine field. The occupants of the complex were aware of their arrival and willing to sacrifice themselves to kill as many US soldiers as possible. After suicide bombers and multiple IEDs went off, 4 US soldiers were killed and countless others were injured. The mission was a mass casualty. Yet, heroes emerged that night, from running through mine fields with complete disregard for their own safety to pull the injured out of harms way, provide life saving care on the battlefield, crawling on hands and knees to detect explosives in the dirt in order to get to those injured to flying back home with the fallen to return them to US soil and their families. That’s what these men did that night and the days following. That’s what makes them extraordinary.

Among those killed were Sgt Joseph Peters, 24, 1st Lt. Jennifer Moreno, 25, and 3rd Battalion Ranger Regiment soldiers Sgt. Patrick Hawkins, 25,  Spc Cody Patterson 24.

Since then 40 purple hearts, 1 Silver Star, 2 Distinguished Service Crosses(second only to the medal of honor), 11 Bonze Stars with Valor, and 18 Army Commendation Medals with Valor have been awarded to the soldiers from that night.

The Rangers of 3rd Battalion, Bravo Company, have not only become friends, but family to me and Gerard. The Ranger community is unlike any other group of people you will ever meet. From the first “Hello, nice to meet you,” they are there for you, today, tomorrow and always.

I ask you to consider making a donation of any size to this great foundation. You can be sure your money will go directly to those in the Ranger Regiment. I can’t thank you enough!

RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!

Medal of Honor Recipient SGT Leroy Petry shares his personal thoughts on Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund and the benevolent work we do on behalf of the 75th Ranger Regiment.

Dear Jim,

I wanted to thank you for the Lead The Way Fund decision to assist with travel for family members to Dover AFB for the dignified transfer of our Fallen service members. I know you are personally aware of the importance of these ceremonies for these families and how it honors the service and sacrifice of their Soldier. These are very turbulent times in our Nation. Our military is fortunate to have dedicated citizens like you that are always willing to go above and beyond in support of our troops.

We very much appreciate the continued support you and your family have given to our Soldiers, their families and our Army for so many years. Army Strong!

Sincerely,

General Raymond T. Odierno
Chief of Staff, United States Army

Mr. Regan and Board Members of Lead The Way Fund,

Thanks so much for your financial contribution in support of our 40th Anniversary activities over 2-3 October 2014. Our Rangers, past and present, as well as our families had a great time at this event.

Thanks for all that LTWF does for Rangers and Families of 2d BN – your unwaivering support will always be appreciated.

Sincerely,

LTC Jay Bartholomees, CDR 2/75 RGR

Mr. Regan,

Thank you for everything that you do for our Rangers and their families. In my first Company Command at Fort Bliss our FRG struggled to do fundraisers to support even the most meager FRG events. With the help of the Lead The Way Fund, here in 2d Battalion, we can focus on more important tasks and truly support our Rangers and their families.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help from out here in the Pacific Northwest. I will gladly volunteer my time to aid in any way that I can.

Gratefully,

Delta Company Commander

I am writing on behalf of the 2nd Ranger Battalion and the 40th Anniversary Celebration event we had on our installation earlier this month.  We wanted to express our appreciation for the contribution you made to the American Lake Club in order for us to hold our Social Event.  The event proved to be a major success with over 400 former Rangers attending to reminisce, reacquaint, and just have fun.  This event was entirely made possible by your organization and we could never thank you enough.

CPT STEVEN R. GILBERT

BATTALION S5, HQ

2D BATTALION, 75TH RANGER REGIMENT

My name is Sgt Tom Block. I was injured October 5, 2013 in southern Afghanistan. The injuries that I suffered were the loss of my right eye, limited vision in my left eye, multiple shrapnel and burn wounds, a collapsed left lung, and a broken foot.  I was treated at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, MD for over a month, and the Lead the Way Fund was able to assist with transportation costs for my family to be there to support me during my recovery. When I finally returned to Fort Benning, I moved into a house because the barracks were not wheelchair accessible. The Lead the Way Fund was able to provide the means to set up a fence in the yard for my dog. They also supplied me with a TV that is large enough for me to see, which is set up to our computer and will allow me to complete my degree. And then again, when I was named the 2014 Military Times’ Soldier of the Year, the Lead the Way Fund was there to show support to one of its Rangers. I can’t thank them enough for all that they’ve done over the past year.

God Bless America and Rangers Lead the Way!