Help Billy raise money

I’m Billy Lansberry. I spent 23 years in the Army as an infantryman and Airborne Ranger and retired as a Command Sergeant Major. Then I taught JROTC and coached Raiders. I used to tell my cadets, “Welcome to the greatest show on earth, because it’s about you.” I also told them I loved them. I meant it then, and I still do.

In April 2024, blood clots put me in an ICU in Atlanta. I was lucky to make it home. Around that time, it took me about an hour to finish a 5K. This past October, at 63, I ran one in 26:09. I’m proud of that time. I’m even prouder that I kept showing up on the days when progress was hard to see.

That’s part of what I mean when I say The Standard Doesn’t Retire. I spent years asking young people to give their best, look after their teammates, and leave things better than they found them. I still owe them the same example I asked them to set for each other.

I’m running the Gasparilla Half Marathon to raise money for Special Operations Warrior Foundation. The foundation helps provide educational opportunities for children of fallen Special Operations personnel and children of Medal of Honor recipients. It also provides immediate financial assistance to severely wounded, ill, and injured Special Operations personnel.

I’ve had the privilege of watching young people grow into adults and build lives of their own. Some of my former cadets still call me Sergeant Major, and I’m still cheering for them. That’s what makes this cause personal for me. I want these kids to have people in their corner, too, for as long as it takes them to find their own way.

If you’re able, I’d be grateful for a donation. Sharing this page helps, too. And if you’re one of my former cadets reading this, I hope you know I’m still proud of you.

Billy Lansberry
The Standard Doesn’t Retire