Recognition of Army Ranger Community Leaders

GallantFew’s Darby Project will recognize six members of the United States Army Ranger community at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 29th at the National Infantry Museum as a part of Ranger Rendezvous, a full week of activities surrounding United States Army Rangers and hosted by the 75th Ranger Regiment. The Darby Project honorees are committed to advancing the interests of the Army Ranger community through service to active duty, veteran Rangers and their families.

2017 Army Ranger Community Leader Honorees Are:

Brigadier General (retired) Joseph Stringham of the National Ranger Memorial Foundation

Master Sergeant (retired) Leroy Petry of Operation Proper Exit

Master Sergeant (retired) Jesse Yandell of American Dream U

Master Sergeant Ray Castillo of the USSOCOM Care Coalition

Mrs. Shelia Dudley of the Sua Sponte Foundation

Miss Kristina McNichol of the Will County, IL Veteran Affairs Superintendant

“For us to accomplish our mission it takes the collective efforts of multiple organizations.  These individuals set the standard and deserve to be recognized for their selfless service,” says Bryce Mahoney, Darby Project Director.

All awardees will receive a commemorative plaque and will have the opportunity to provide brief remarks about the importance of continued service to the Ranger community.

Darby Project and Social Fitness

The idea of social fitness (one of the five points of the GallantFew STAR) can take on many different shapes and forms.  Darby Project recognizes the importance of the principles of service and hard work.  They also recognize the value of service organizations working together to complete the mission.  Shared responsibility and a commitment to one another is a strong example of being socially fit and balanced.

Darby Project is a division of GallantFew, a peer-to-peer mentoring and assistance organization for US Army Ranger veterans and their families.  Their primary mission is to facilitate a successful transition from active duty to civilian life filled with hope and purpose. Interested in making a donation?  Visit the Darby Project website. 

GallantFew is a non-profit charitable organization committed to the prevention of veteran isolation by connecting new veterans with hometown veteran mentors, thereby facilitating a peaceful, successful transition from military service to civilian life filled with hope and purpose.  STAR Fitness System stands for self-training and responsibility, except GallantFew changes responsibility to response-ability. The five points of the GallantFew STAR are: Emotional Fitness, Physical Fitness, Social Fitness, Professional Fitness and Spiritual Fitness.

Gold Star mom, Jill Stephenson, will also be attending Ranger Rendezvous and signing her recently released book Heart of a Ranger.  Her tribute book is a true story about her son Cpl Ben Kopp.  This is one you don’t want to miss.

Heart of a Ranger: The True Story of Cpl. Ben Kopp, American Hero in Life and Death