Senator Phillips’ Legislation Honoring Hero War Veteran from Manhasset Passed by Senate

Senator Elaine Phillips (R-Manhasset) announced that the New York State Senate passed legislation she sponsored honoring Army Sergeant James “Jimmy” Regan, a veteran from Manhasset who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.

The legislation (S5843) would designate the section of Port Washington Boulevard between Northern Boulevard and Crabapple Road in Manhasset as “Sergeant James J. Regan Boulevard.”    This section is near the home where Sgt. Regan grew up.

“Sgt. James Regan is a true American hero and role model.  He volunteered to serve our country and did so with honor, courage and distinction during four overseas combat tours.  This honor will help ensure that his memory, heroism and ultimate sacrifice in service to our country will always be remembered,” said Senator Phillips.

Sgt. Regan was an outstanding student and All-American lacrosse player at Chaminade High School who went on to star as a member of Duke University’s lacrosse program.  Deeply affected by the terror attacks of 9/11, which killed many people from his hometown, he volunteered to serve in the US Army after his college graduation, passing up lucrative Wall Street job opportunities and law school scholarships.

He excelled in the military as well, graduating first in his basic training class, receiving the distinction of “Soldier of the Cycle” and later earning a spot in the elite Army Rangers.  Sgt. Regan served four overseas combat tours, two in Afghanistan and two in Iraq.

Sgt. Regan made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country on February 9, 2007 when his vehicle was targeted by an IED in Northern Iraq.  He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal for his brave and heroic service, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

The legislation has been sent to the Assembly.