First and foremost, thank you for visiting my fundraising page!
This October 21st, I will be participating in the Army Ten Miler. I will be running for the LEAD THE WAY FOUNDATION.
This foundation supports fallen and wounded Army Rangers and their families from my former Army Unit, The 75th Ranger Regiment.
I joined the 75th Ranger Regiment in 2005. I was a medic as well as an infantryman. I finished my time in service last year in 2011. I was deployed 5 times. 3 to Iraq (2007-2008) and Afghanistan twice (2009-2010). During my time in the 75th Ranger Regiment, I met extraordinary men who all did extraordinary things for their country and fellow countrymen.
To become an Army Ranger, a man must be a three-time volunteer in order to get the opportunity to serve amongst the best. Each step takes more and more physical and mental strength in order to pass. The end result is a group of men who have put their heart, soul, and muscle into becoming one of the best fighting forces that the United States has to offer. Every Ranger is there because he wants to be. No Army Ranger is a Ranger by default. The brotherhood that forms amongst these men is unmatched, can not be described in words, and is my primary motivation to do what I can to support any of these men and their families in a time of hardship.
Ultimately, every single one of these men knew the dangers they would face by becoming a Ranger, and they all continued to drive on. All gave some and some gave all. They are not asking for any assistance, and some may even be too stubborn to accept it; that is just how they are hard-wired; However, the Lead the Way Fund is a foundation that actively seeks to assist these injured/deceased men and their familes. The foundation was also started by the father of one of my fallen comrades, SGT James Regan.
Any donation is extremely appreciated by me, the families of my injured and fallen brothers, the Lead the Way Foundation, the military community, and the United States of America! Thank you very much and please feel free to contact me for any more information on the Lead the Way Foundation, the men of 75th Ranger Regiment, or anything else you would like to know in order to provide any assistance!
Thank you!!!
Joe Costigan
* Updated October 16th, 2012
Goal Met on October 17th, 2012 - Increased to $3500! Thank you all so much! Every dollar goes towards helping out these Rangers and their families!