Portion Of Port Washington Boulevard Named After Fallen Solider

A portion of Port Washington Boulevard was renamed in memory of Sgt. James. R. Regan, a Manhasset native who was killed in Iraq in 2007.

Friends and family of Regan, elected officials, local veterans and emergency services personnel attended a dedication ceremony on Thursday.

“Sgt. James Regan is an American hero and role model," Sen. Elaine Phillips said in a press release. "This honor will help ensure that his memory, heroism and service to our country will always be remembered. Giving one's life for their country is the highest act of patriotism possible and Sergeant James Regan was a true patriot."

The portion of road renamed "Sergeant James J. Regan Boulevard" is located between Northern Boulevard and Crabapple Road.

Regan was a scholar-athlete at Chaminade High School who went on to attend Duke University on a lacrosse scholarship. He helped lead the Men's Lacrosse Team to two ACC Championships and graduated in 2002 with a degree in economics. Regan then went on to defend his country as a Fire Team Leader with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment.

The 10-year anniversary of his death was this year. Regan was killed by an improvised explosive device in northern Iraq on Feb. 9, 2007.

Following his tragic death, friends and family created the Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund "LTWF" to keep Regan's memory alive and honor his character, courage and dedication.

Since it began 10 years ago, the Army Ranger LTWF has provided programs that assist the ongoing needs of Rangers and their families. Rangers can face emotional and financial stress on the battlefield, in rehabilitation or while transitioning into the next phases of their lives. The LTWF is currently focused on building adaptive smart homes for the severely wounded Rangers and expanding the Ranger Transition Program, which helps Rangers interested in advanced education and careers transition back to normal life.

For more information about Army Ranger Lead The Way Fund, visit www.leadthewayfund.org.

Phillips’ legislation of renaming the boulevard was signed into law by the Gov. Andrew Cuomo earlier this year.

Image via Office of Sen. Phillips: Senator Elaine Phillips dedicated a portion of Port Washington Boulevard to Sergeant James J. Regan, a Manhasset resident who was killed in Iraq in 2007.