The Lead The Way Fund is sponsoring its fourth care package drive for US Army Rangers currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. This continues to be a great way to show gratitude to our brave soldiers while honoring the memory of Sgt. Jimmy Regan, who died serving our country a little over a year ago. The overwhelming generosity of the community is what has made this project such a huge success in the past. Please help us let the troops know that they are not forgotten, and that we appreciate their service. Here is a list of supplies the Rangers like to receive:

Zone Bars (or other protein bars)

Snacks - granola bars, beef jerky, cookies, Crunch 'n Munch, trail mix, etc.

Candy and gum

Wipes

Visine

Chapstick w/SPF

Sunscreen

Lotion

DVDs and CDs (new or used)

Magazines (new or used, but not too outdated) - sports, fitness, cars, entertainment, financial, etc.

Playing cards, Sudoku, crosswords

Nerf balls, Frisbees

Paperback books

Dip (Skoal, Copenhagen)

Cigars

Notes of support and appreciation

Artwork created by your children

Drop-off deadline: Wednesday, March 12

Location: 828 Park Avenue, Manhasset (White brick house on the corner of Park and Morse).

If you have any questions, please call Ali Regan at 627-2269.

Below are some copies of thank you letters from Rangers who have received our packages over the past year. If you have a minute please take a look at them. We hope that when you read how much they appreciate these packages and the love and support that go along with them, you will be inspired to continue to contribute to this worthy endeavor.

Sent on behalf of the Regan Family

'What you do for us is just as important and just as appreciated as what we do for all of you.'

A sampling of letters sent from soldiers who have received past care packages:

Dear Regan Family,

Over the past couple months we have received packages from parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, etc. We have enjoyed them all very much, and we know that they care for us. However it takes a bigger heart and much more love to send things to people you have never met, or maybe even never heard about before. It is for that reason that we thank you for not only the care packages, but for your thoughts and prayers. Please continue to give. It is greatly appreciated.

With much thanks,

Ranger AJ

Dear Regan Family,

I would like to extend my gratitude for the care packages that we have received. Nothing brings up morale like mail and let me assure you that your packages are the best we've ever seen. It means a lot to us to be able to see how much thought you've put into the contents of your boxes. Although I think the biggest morale booster is the handmade cards from the children. They never fail to fill the room with laughter and it means a lot to us to see that the children stand behind us. I don't know how much feedback you've received in return for the packages you've provided us with, but I just want to ensure you that you are making a world of difference to us, and it means so much to us that you have been taking this much of your time to put these boxes together for us.

We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. God bless.

Ranger Thompson

Dear Community,

We have received so many packages and wonderful letters and words of

encouragement and understanding. I and everyone else appreciate this with all of our hearts. What you do for us is just as important and just as appreciated as what we do for all of you. The support and letters are what fuel every day with that something special which keeps us going every day. I am sorry that I cannot tell you abut our daily activities but there is so much positive that everyone here is doing. Again words cannot express what you and all of the families and children do for us every day. Thank you and love everything all of you are doing.

Kevin

Dear Regan Family,

My name is Sgt. Christian Twyman. I served in the same unit as James Regan but in a different battalion. Myself and my fellow comrades just wanted to thank you for the great care packages and the support your community has shown. I wanted to write a letter to the children of

Munsey Park Elementary School to thank them for the wonderful letters they wrote to us. I'm not sure how much contact you have with the students but I was hoping you could let them and everyone who contributed know that we received your packages and we all can't thank you enough.

To the children and faculty of Munsey Park Elementary School, on behalf of myself and my fellow brethren, I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful cards and drawings you sent us.

They made our day. We hung every last one of the letters in our hallway so everyone could see, and I have to tell you they are awesome. It is children and folks such as yourselves that give us the drive and determination to win this war and believe me we are winning. Words cannot explain the emotions that ran through my body while I read every card that we received. I, along with some of my other brothers here, got a little emotional while reading them. Not because we were sad, but because we were so amazed that you kids took the time out to think of us and that means more to us than you will ever know.

I did not have the honor of serving alongside of Sgt. James Regan but his loss is felt throughout our organization. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country and that is something that we will never forget. He and his family will forever be in our thoughts and prayers.

We just want the entire community of Manhasset, NY to know how much we appreciate your care packages and for just thinking of us. If there is anything that myself or my unit could do for the Regan family or the community of Manhasset, NY you just say what, where, and what time and we will be there for you folks. If there is anything that I could do for anyone, answer any questions for the kids, anything - just ask. I will give my personal email for anyone wanting to write back. Again thank you all so very much and may God bless you.

Sgt. Twyman RLTW!!

PS. There are some things that we are not allowed to write about over the Internet, like our unit or what we are doing over here, just know that we are all in great spirits and morale is high. Keep in touch and let me know if there is anything that I could do.