HOOVER, AL, USA
U.S. Marines
LCPL, H&S CO, 2D TANK BN, 2D MAR DIV, CAMP LEJEUNE, NC
FALLUJAH, IRAQ 04/15/2006
Ryan always had the desire to serve others. His ultimate goal was to become a police officer, and felt that after taking criminal justice classes at a local community college for a year, he would best be served by the training offered by the Marine Corp.
Ryan was a source of motivation for others . He was an overweight adolescent when he decided to enlist, and had to get in shape. He lost over 50 pounds, and started running to attain his goal. He arrived at Parris Island in January of 2005. He had met the weight and could perform all aspects of the physical exam, except the chin-ups so he got put in a conditioning platoon. Many of the guys give up at that time, but he would not be denied. After 5 weeks, he was able to do the chin-ups and moved into a platoon. I know all of the parents were proud of their Marine at graduation, but we were especially proud of his commitment and desire.
At the SOI, he was chosen to be in the Scout Platoon of 2nd Tanks at Camp Lejeune. He was so excited to deploy on March 25 of 2006. He wanted so enthusiastically to serve. Only 3 weeks after deployment, he was killed by a roadside bomb just north of Fallujah.
We will forever miss him, but am grateful for God’s blessing that we were able to share 19 years with him. He is our source of inspiration.
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