Local Marine Makes Us Proud

How many people avoid confrontation? How many people avoid going to places where fights often occur? How many people avoid walking down a block that a bunch of rowdy kids are “hanging out” on? Well we here at home have the option of avoiding such conflicts. Our young men and women in the armed services face dangers every day that we can’t imagine. Like the emergency personnel on 9/11 who ran into the buildings as we ran out. Sergeant Eddie Ryan is one such hero. What’s amazing is this Purple Heart recipient from Ellenville New York, talks of “getting back to the boys” in Iraq even though he received two gun shot wounds to the head. Well that’s a Marine. That is Eddie Ryan.

I recognize the Marines teach honor, strength, determination, pride and survival. Eddie Ryan clearly has all of that and more. When I read about his family and how they handle this and how they support him, I can see Eddie must of had a lot of those qualities long before the Marines.

When I read about the projectile entering above his right eyebrow and into his frontal lobes, then another through his left jaw and out his chin I thought no way, there's just no way. But then again he is an American, a Marine and a Ryan and none of them quit! God bless him and his family.

Sgt. Ryan is at Helen Hayes Hospital, a great rehabilitation hospital. My daughter's grandmother volunteered there for many years. I heard many encouraging stories and I'm sure he is getting wonderful care. I live halfway between Ellenville, NY and Helen Hayes Hospital. I don't personally know Ryan but it hurts just the same.

The Ryan's are going to need some extensive work done too their house. Wider hallways, larger bathroom and ramps and I'm sure much more. Paul Brooks and the Times Herald Record have done a great job informing us. I've read about contractors, a couple of them from my neighborhood too, willing to help. That is so inspiring. I heard someone even applied at ABC for “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” I'm praying they get it. When I see what Sgt. Ryan and his family have sacrificed the least I could do is break the lock off my wallet too. It could never equal what the volunteers in our communities, emergency workers, police and armed services sacrifice but it is better then doing nothing.

I did not write this to raise money. Hell there is not much traffic at my blog anyway. The Ryan's never heard of me. I wrote this because I’m proud of my country and very proud of those who sacrifice for it. If you are interested you can help by visiting Eddie Ryan’s website and donating a couple bucks. Remember it’s what we do as Americans. We live in the most benevolent country on the planet. Give, it’s an awesome feeling.

God Bless America.