Ryan has served the military and veteran community of Wisconsin for over 15 years in various capacities, including working for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veteran Outreach and Recovery Program and assisting homeless military and veteran population throughout the state of Wisconsin with homelessness, AODA, mental health, transition assistance, education, employment, VA claims, suicide prevention, and community services. Ryan has worked alongside county veterans service officers, student veterans, and nonprofits focused on leadership and development. Moreover, Ryan was a DoD Career Readiness Counselor for the Wisconsin National Guard assisting with employment and financial literacy skills for service members, veterans, and families.

Ryan served honorably in the Wisconsin Army National Guard for six years. Ryan was an infantryman with A Co. 2-128th INF RSTA, deployed to Iraq in 2009-2010 with A. Co 132nd BSB. He then reclassed after deployment to ammunition specialist. During and after service, Ryan attended college using his VA education benefits and earned two technical diplomas in welding, an associate degree in criminal justice, and a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology with a minor in criminal justice. Additionally, he is 19 credits from his Master of Social Work degree.

Ryan’s certifications include VA claims, both in Wisconsin and nationally, and he is also QPR certified. Ryan is extremely active in his local military and veteran community in Wisconsin. Ryan is the former director of Dryhootch Rock County, former president of Desert Veterans of Wisconsin-Fox Valley Chapter, and former senior vice commander of VFW Post 2778. Ryan was awarded the Future 15 Award in 2019 as one of the top 15 Young Professionals in the Fox Valley in Wisconsin. When Ryan isn’t helping his fellow veterans, he is spending time with his daughter, working out, or practicing at the shooting range.