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!

Mr. Regan and Lead The Way Fund members,

I want to take the time to say thank you for all the tremendous work you have provided over the years for our beloved organization.

As the Physician Assistant for 2/75th, I got to see firsthand the immense impact your support provided our rangers and their families. The lifeline you provided for an often overburdened and failing system offered comfort in the most trying times.

I want you to know that all the hard work and dedication you have poured into this cause has made a huge impact on the lives of many. I again send a sincere thank you for all that you do.

RLTW!

John Slevin, MAJ (Retired)

Dear Lead The Way Fund,

Please accept our thanks and appreciation for your superb effort during our recent deployment in support of “Operation Enduring Freedom.” The support you provided to the families of our Fallen Rangers proved to be the foundation for others to emulate. Every member of the 3d Ranger Battalion has expressed heartfelt gratitude in your assistance to our family members.

People speak of their patriotism and pride themselves on their devotion to this great nation, but you have demonstrated that your words are backed by your deeds. As Commander of the 3d Ranger Battalion, I thank you for your partnership with us in supporting these great American families!

Please accept my humble thanks and deep appreciation for your commitment to the Ranger family. Your actions inspire and fuel my confidence in the faithfulness and goodness of the American people in support of their troops.

Rangers Lead The Way!

Sincerely,

Patrick J. Ellis
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army
Commanding Officer

Dear Lead The Way Fund,

Thank you for your generous donation to the Alpha Company, 3/75 Family Readiness Group. Your generous donation is greatly appreciated and will be used for upcoming Pre-Deployment events.

Lead The Way Fund support continues to allow our Company the flexibility to host events commensurate to the service of our Rangers. We appreciate your support and friendship.

Rangers Lead The Way!

CPT Paul Rothlisberger
Commander, Alpha Company, 3d Ranger Battalion

Dear Lead The Way Fund,

Thank you very much for your recent donation to Headquarters & Headquarters Company 3/75 Family Readiness Group!

Your contribution to our FRG is greatly appreciated. Over the past year, we were able to have welcome home events, monthly company  barbeques, Ranger spouse and children events, and other much appreciated events that support the wellness of our company.

Thank you for your generosity. HHC is a large family and we value the assistance provided.

Rangers Lead The Way!

Sincerely,

George M. Morris
Major, U.S. Army
Commanding Officer

We just wanted to write to you and thank you for the packages that you have sent to us. It means so much more than just the items inside the boxes. We truly appreciate your incredible generosity and thoughtfulness. We continue to honor James’ memory by taking the fight to the enemy on a daily basis and taking care of our fellow Rangers in all of life’s aspects. Your patriotism will always inspire us as Rangers and the American people to continue to support the war effort for the sake of the men and women who are currently fighting it. Again, thanks does not begin to describe our gratitude for the actions you have taken and are taking to support us and our families. God Speed to you in all that you do.

-The Men of Bco.

I want to personally thank you for your dedication and support. Know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers as we continue the road less taken. Your strength and support, care and kindness directly impacts us all within the Battalion and the Regiment.

May God Bless you in your lives. You all are my heroes and make our efforts so much sweeter.

Thank You!
SFC S. 3/75

On 16 May 2012, I was shot in the head while trying to rescue a wounded Afghan Special Operations Soldier.  The Lead the Way Foundation has helped me and my family with lodging, and other expenses when I was in the hospital.  They have been there for me and my family every time we have needed them.  Please help me give something back to this great organization.
– SSG A.

I dove headfirst into Department of Defense and Army Regulations as well as Joint Ethics laws when I began working as a Family Readiness Support Assistant. I was surprised and disheartened to discover how severely restricted fiscal activities, particularly fund raising, had become for Family Readiness Groups. FRGs were not only severely restricted but also have no way to ask for help.

Family Readiness Groups are only allowed to raise funds from within their military community. They must compete against each other for prime fund raising opportunities and there is always paperwork involved. Frequently the process is so frustrating that many FRGs make the decision not to fundraise in the military community.

This leaves FRGs with one community in which to fund raise: their unit. How demoralizing to have to raise funds from the people you are serving in order to provide decent morale–boosting activities. A vicious circle; selling blankets, baked goods, jewelry, cups, candy grams…anything to interest the men and women to spend money. So much work for so very little reward.

Then something amazing happened. Something that has brought hope, vitality, and a much-needed moral boost to the men and women here. The unit was approached by a benevolent organization (Lead The Way Fund, Inc.) that wanted to assist the men and their families. After many legal reviews and meetings, support for the FRGs began to arrive.

Many FRG’s were hesitant to use the resources at first. With guidance, encouragement and assurance, FRGs began to make plans. The FRGs were and are able to plan events such as trips to the zoo, outings for spouses during deployments, trips to soccer and baseball games, many holiday events, welcome home celebrations, volunteer appreciation, and so much more.

I cannot fully convey the importance of these activities in a letter or article. I will tell you that, without the opportunities that are now available, life for families would be much harder. Morale would drop drastically. I wish that you could see the comfort and relief that Lead The Way Fund, Inc. support provides to FRGs and leadership, as I do.

Lead The Way Fund, Inc. support is invaluable to the health of the unit and its families. Their efforts and their desire to serve our nation’s heroes reflect greatly upon them. I thank them from the deepest parts of my being for their unwavering support to the men and women of 2d Ranger Battalion.

Rangers Lead The Way!

-2/75 Family Readiness Assistant

Thank you for sending packages to the Rangers deployed to Afghanistan. We received three tremendously large boxes at our location and shared them with all of the Rangers who work here. Many of them are newly assigned to the unit so I took the time to explain who James was and what he meant to our unit. I also explained what your family and organization are doing for Rangers and their families.

Your generosity lets these men know that people at home care, and the timing of these gifts is particularly heartening. Some of our Rangers will be away from home for their first Thanksgiving and Christmas, so these gestures mean a great deal.

As a professional soldier, I admire your family and your willingness to turn your loss into something that helps so many others. Your family represents everything that makes our Nation worth defending and your kindness in spite of great suffering gives me hope for our future.

Please accept my gratitude on behalf of the men of 3d Ranger Battalion in Afghanistan.

3d Battalion Executive Officer D.

On behalf of the Rangers of 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, thank you for your generous contributions to our unit while deployed in support of the Global War on Terror. We are humbled by your support in memory of SGT James J. Regan who honorably served our nation.

The Lead The Way Fund, the Regan Family, and the community of Manhasset, NY continue to provide inspiration and a small taste of home to deployed Rangers in combat. Our Rangers share the same enthusiasm for the items that SGT Regan enjoyed himself. Your desire to serve is a reflection of the spirit and patriotism which makes this great Nation strong, and serves as an example for our young Rangers.

Your contributions in honor of SGT James J. Regan do credit to your organization, the Regan Family and the community of Manhasset, NY. Your thoughts and prayers for teh Rangers of 1st Ranger Battalion are greatly appreciated as we continue our fight against the enemies of this great Nation!

Rangers Lead The Way!

– LTC 1/75

Charlie Company, from within the 1st Ranger Battalion, would like to fully extend our true thankfulness and appreciation for the generous donation that you have made to our Company’s Family Readiness Group. Our Company has worked hard throughout the last year, holding many Company fundraisers with the hopes to raise enough funds so that we may provide positive activities and events for the families within our Company. We can honestly say that without your gracious donation, we would not have been able to provide the amount of morale events within the past year that we did; and we are completely humbled by your generosity and kindness.

Because of your donation, we have been able to provide numerous events for the wives and family members of our Rangers during the multiple deployments that are experienced as “routine” among Ranger families. Our Company FRG has been able to extend invitations to family dinners, seasonal festivities and other social events that help to create a sense of “normalcy” during a very abnormal time for so many within our Company. The Fall Festival that we held during deployment helped to bring together wives and children for fun activities, as well as create an opportunity for the social and emotional bonding that is crucial during times of deployment and separation from our loved ones. The monthly dinners that we have been able to provide help to bring together the wives within our Company and have ultimately helped to create friendships that will last not only during deployments, but for a lifetime.

We have also been able to utilize the funds that you and the Lead The Way Fund have donated in order to send our condolences to family members of our Fallen Rangers. Throughout this past year, we have experience a tremendous amount of compassion towards the families of the three Rangers that our own Company has lost: SSG Kevin Pape, SGT Martin Lugo and SPC Christopher Wright; and it has been through the use of your donation that we have been able to express our emotions and support through the purchasing of flowers and personal gifts for these incredible families.

I do not feel as though we will ever be able to express, through words, what your generous donation has been able to afford us; but we can honestly say that the opportunities that we have been able to offer our Ranger families would not have been possible without the presence of your donation and the presence of your kindness and compassion. Thank you for all that you have done and for all that you do for the families of Rangers; your continuous gifts help to create bonds, experiences and memories that strengthen us both as individuals and as a whole within the entire Ranger Family.

Sincerely,

Charlie Company Family Readiness Group – 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment

I wanted to take this time to formally thank you, your family, and the Lead The Way Fund for your generous contributions to the E Co. Ranger family. Your contributions have allowed the E Co. Family to build a stronger bond amongst each other, but more importantly provide a heartfelt appreciation to the men and women for their hard work as a Support Company for the Best Battalion in the United States Army. We are blessed and thankful to have you and your organization in our lives and we don not take your actions for granted, nor treat them as an expectation, but rather a wonderful gesture and unmatched commitment you have to not only our Ranger family, but the entire Ranger family, most importantly the Gold Star Family members who have given their son in support of our cause and will NEVER be forgotten. It is people like yourself and your family that make the Ranger Regiment the greatest organization in the world and an honor to be a part of. I just hope that E Co. can continue to make you proud and hold the selflessness value that you entrust in us and personally exercise daily! Always remember that your son holds a special place in our hearts and WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN…it is men like him that I thank God for bringing into this world to set a standard and an expectation of what a complete Ranger, Leader and Man needs to resemble for others to follow! Again, your contributions are of the highest level of generosity and selfless service and are appreciated at all levels of our our Ranger family. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO.

RANGERS LEAD THE WAY

Echo Company, 3/75