ELM CITY, NC, U.S.A. U.S. ARMY CPL, HHT, 1ST SQDN, 12TH CAV, FORT HOOD, TX 03/05/2007, BAQUBAH, IRAQ
CPL Russell graduated from Southern Nash Senior High School in 2004. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 2004 as a Combat Medic. He was deployed to Iraq in October 2006. He re-enlisted on January 13, 2007 for five years. After his present tour in Iraq, he would have been assigned to Walter Reed Medical Center.
Ryan’s commanding officer attended Ryan’s funeral service. LTC Morris Goins offered the family and friends insight into the type of medic Ryan was. He told several stories of how Ryan did his job. The one I remember the most is the one about a little Iraqi girl that had been hit by sniper fire. As he worked trying to save this little girl, Ryan knew that without taking her back to base she may not make it. He pleaded with his commander to let him take her for more medical help but also needed the permission of her parents to provide additional care for her. Ryan did not persuade his CO or the child’s parents to help her, but at least he tried and tried everything to save her.
This was the man that Ryan had become, caring, dedicated and knowledgeable. He was respected and well liked among fellow soldiers. We know he was doing what he wanted to do and what was important to him. This helps us get through each day. The Russell Family