Duke, Durham make America proud

I want to thank the cities of Manhasset, N.Y., and Durham, N.C., as well as Duke University.

Recently while working, I read an article in a national newspaper about Duke alumni and University lacrosse player, Army Ranger Sgt. James J. Regan, hometown Manhasset, N.Y. He was killed Feb. 9 in Afghanistan. The article explained in detail his life in his hometown and at Duke while he was a student athlete. Myself a veteran and ex-United States Air Force fighter pilot, the article made me very proud and thankful for Sgt. Jimmy Regan.

The next day as a Delta Airlines pilot, I had the pleasure of flying the Duke women's lacrosse team from San Francisco to Cincinnati. In my job I meet/see many groups and teams of all calibers from all over the country. I had a short conversation with the team and coaches. They all impressed me, and again I found myself in a two-day period being proud and respectful of Duke University.

My goal in writing this letter is to thank the Manhasset and Durham communities, but most of all Duke University's student body, faculty and alumni. Your academic and athletic hard work, commitment and most of all your sacrifices are not going unnoticed.

Rory Blackburn

San Antonio, Texas