Known Soldier

I was looking forward to Railbird writing another piece for the site. He has some great stories...he spoke regularly with a sitting Federal Reserve Chairman when he worked for the Fed.

This story is not one I envisioned and is a tough one to tell.

A close friend of his recently lost a son.

Jimmy Regan turned down a job offer from UBS in 2004 to enlist in the United States Army.

He skipped Officer Candidate School to join the Rangers and subsequently graduated first in his class of 400.
These are Railbird’s words.

This is the story of a hero
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Jimmy Regan was a kid who had it all----

brains, athletic ability, a close-knit and loving family, and a humble, fun-loving personality that inspired everyone that ever met him. He grew up in Manhasset, Long Island, went off to Duke University to hit the books, and to play the game he so loved, lacrosse. Later, after leading his team to the ACC championship, and with the Twin Towers tragedy fresh in his mind, Jimmy enlisted in the Army.

Jimmy could’ve taken the easy, safe path................a cushy job on the Street, a full ride to law school, even a non-combat role in the Armed Forces. Instead, he opted for the front lines, with an elite unit of the Army Rangers.  He did two tours in Afghanistan, chasing the Taliban and Al-Qaeda through the bleak and foreboding mountain passes.......

Then he went off to Iraq. Predictably, Jimmy thrived in the Army. He was fearless and athletic, learned Arabic, and his rare leadership skills were duly noted and recognized. Over the holidays, before his second tour, he was promoted to sergeant. And he got engaged.

Jimmy Regan was killed in action in Iraq on February 9, 2007

Sometimes on the Street, with our flickering computer screens and constant barrage of upgrades and downgrades, we lose sight of the things that REALLY matter. Like courage, and unwavering, selfless pursuit of the common good. It is high time that we recognize the contributions of those that, all too often, we take for granted. Let us celebrate this Jimmy Regan, this beautiful young man, our favorite son.

God bless Jimmy Regan.
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Sgt. James J. Regan was laid to rest this week at Arlington National Cemetery

Donations can be made to: Jim Regan Scholarship, c/o Chaminade Development Office, 340 Jackson Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501 or to: Special Operations Warrior Foundation, P.O. Box 13483, Tampa, FL 33681-3483, www.specialops.org. Donations may be made in the name of Sergeant Jim Regan and mailed in or made online.

We will never forget Jimmy or the others

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