On Sunday, Sept. 19, more than 400 participants came together to “Remember and Celebrate Jimmy” as well as all the precious lives lost over the past 20 years. This event is typically held annually in Manhattan on Hero’s Highway (West Side Highway), but this year it was brought back to Manhasset, the hometown of Sgt. James J. “Jimmy” Regan.
Who’s Jimmy?
Regan was an exemplary scholar-athlete at Chaminade High School where he was recognized for his academic, sports and community achievements. As a result of his academic record and his All-American award on the lacrosse field, Regan was recruited by Duke University on a lacrosse scholarship. While a student-athlete there, he led the Duke team to two ACC championships. He graduated with a degree in economics and was poised on the brink of a happy and fulfilling life before he made a life changing decision.
Deeply affected by the terror attacks of 9/11 Regan rejected lucrative Wall Street job opportunities and law school scholarships to volunteer for a military service.
In February of 2004, Regan decided to enlist and join the Army and was assigned to company C, 3rd Battalion in the 75th Ranger Regiment. While serving four tours of duty for the 3rd Battalion, he was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which targeted his vehicle in northern Iraq in February of 2007.
Regan’s four tours were split between Afghanistan and Iraq, both of which are considered the deadliest place to serve. Instead of backing down, Regan paid the ultimate sacrifice standing up for the freedoms of his country. Shortly before his death, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant where he led his brothers with pride and honor. The loss of Regan was an immense tragedy to everyone who knew and loved him. He left behind his loving fiancee, his parents and his three sisters.
Through 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.
About The Race
At the race in September, runners ended their race at Mary Jane Davies Park on Plandome Road in Manhasset. The run passed by the home where Regan grew up, the elementary school he attended and the field named in his honor.
Post-run activities were held at the park including entertainment by the Meade Brothers Band, kid-friendly activities (face painting and coloring books), food and more. The event raised more than $60,000 that will go directly back into supporting Army Rangers and their families.
Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund would like to thank all the runners and families who participated in this event and exceeded all of the fundraising expectations. Thanks also to Brother Tom Cleary (president of Chaminade High School), the Atwell, Sarcona, Brodsky, and Vlahos families, the Town of North Hempstead, Mark Sauvigne and the Manhasset Park District, the Village of Munsey Park, the Hon. Barbara Donno (mayor of Plandome Manor), Nassau County Police and the 6th Precinct, Tommy Susco, the Meade Brothers, the Army lacrosse team and Coach Joe Alberici and the whole Duke, Chaminade and Manhasset communities.
What Is Lead The Way Fund?
Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, Inc. is an active duty, casualty assistance, recovery, transition and veterans organization that provides financial support, beyond what the government and the VA can offer, to the U.S. Army Rangers and the families of those who have died, have been disabled or who are currently serving in harm’s way around the world. Lead The Way Fund currently has programs to aid the specific needs of Army Rangers. These programs range in efforts of physical care and rehabilitation to wounded or ill Rangers, activities and financial support for the Family Readiness Groups and family members of Rangers, support for spouses and dependents left behind by the heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Homes are also built from the ground up to have full accessibility for severely wounded Rangers. The fund also offers educational help and guidance for those who want to enter the workforce after serving and most importantly, provides an outlet to focus and improve on the mental health of Army Rangers. With the creation of these programs, it is the fund’s mission to lead these Rangers back.
Visit www.leadthewayfund.org to learn more about the organization and how to get involved.
