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Keep on, Be strong and Lead the Way! #10
I often receive comments and questions about routinely ending my emails and posts with the salutation, “Keep On, Be Strong and Lead the Way!” The backstory stems from two exceptional men named Peter K. Ortale and Sgt. James P. Regan.
Peter Ortale was a college friend and teammate of mine who excelled in extraordinary ways at everything he applied himself to do. A year ahead of me in school, Pete was our team captain his senior year. To all who knew Pete, he was the team leader the first time he set foot on any field. Pete, while not large in stature, was a scrappy guy from Philly who always showed up like David taking on Goliath. He often willed our teams to win on incredible game performances and was best known for always looking out for the person struggling the most in any given moment, whether on or off the field. Pete’s battle cry in practice and in games echoed through our heads throughout college. In our memories since 9/11, that cry to overcome pain and adversity grows remarkably louder, “Keep On, Be Strong!” Pete made everyone around him better. Pete was killed in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. He was known to have survived the initial blasts as he made a couple of phone calls and was last seen leading those around him to safety. Pete wore the #10 jersey during his 4 years at Duke.
Sgt. James Regan was also captain of the lacrosse team at Duke where he followed in Pete’s path 15 years later playing the same position and excelling on and off the field as a leader among leaders. Despite a clear path to obtain a law degree and pursue a lucrative career on Wall Street, James Regan responded to the call to serve others when he volunteered for military service in 2004 significantly moved by the events of 9/11. James’ natural leadership qualities resulted in his quick rise through the ranks and he deployed twice to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan as an Army Ranger assigned to Company C, 3rd Battalion, 75th Regiment. Sgt. Regan was killed in battle in northern Iraq in February 2007. James also wore the #10 jersey during his 4 years at Duke.
While I did not know Sgt. James Regan personally, the tragic events of 9/11 ultimately brought me and his parents together through the “Army Ranger Lead the Way Fund” which they created in memory of their son. Like Peter Ortale and Sgt. James Regan, Lead the Way is entirely motivated and dedicated by service to others in need.
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