We will send a Birthday Card straight out to him.

What a fantastic man :)

Cheryl,

   Card and note went in the mail 2 days ago to you for that Iowaegan. Having turned 30 last fall, I assured him it's not nearly as bad as it seems.  So glad you put up the request.

The Wisconny native,  Sara D.
 

Sara,  ( and everyone!)

   Thanks for giving Ryan some reassurance that 30 isn't the beginning of the end! (Since I'm only a couple years from 50, it doesn't mean as much coming from me--he figures I can't remember back that far!  

  I think what's hardest for him is that his two deployments as a National Guard member have sidetracked the plans he had career-wise.  Now he will come home at age 30 feeling that he's not at the place he wanted to be by this point in his life.  He told me that it's  really tough to go from being a leader of men in life-and-death situations to taking orders in a "menial" job.  A big part of his identity disappears after he's no longer wearing that uniform.  I'm sure there are many more returning veterans who have this same difficulty assimilating once they are home.

  Anyway, it's so great of you all to raise his spirits on his birthday. I REALLY appreciate it!!

Hi Cheryl,

I'm going to mail out Ryan's card Saturday, and I also want to send a small pkge. Is there anything he likes that I can send to brighten his day (besides a plane ticket home). Book, movie, candy, cards to send home, disposable camera, etc?

Thanks, Jo

Hi Cheryl,

I sent Ryan a card and pkge, have you heard from him at all? Thanks! -Joanne

libral40:

Sara,  ( and everyone!)

   Thanks for giving Ryan some reassurance that 30 isn't the beginning of the end! (Since I'm only a couple years from 50, it doesn't mean as much coming from me--he figures I can't remember back that far!  

  I think what's hardest for him is that his two deployments as a National Guard member have sidetracked the plans he had career-wise.  Now he will come home at age 30 feeling that he's not at the place he wanted to be by this point in his life.  He told me that it's  really tough to go from being a leader of men in life-and-death situations to taking orders in a "menial" job.  A big part of his identity disappears after he's no longer wearing that uniform.  I'm sure there are many more returning veterans who have this same difficulty assimilating once they are home.

  Anyway, it's so great of you all to raise his spirits on his birthday. I REALLY appreciate it!!

....and he can't enlist because he would not retain his rank.     So hard....

cj/

LongIslandgirl:

Hi Cheryl,

I sent Ryan a card and pkge, have you heard from him at all? Thanks! -Joanne

Jo,

  The last I heard from Ryan was Sun. when he said not to send any mail after March 15. My daughter IMs with him several times a week, and he is doing fine. Haven't heard if he's gotten any birthday stuff yet! I'll keep you posted if I hear from him. Thanks!

Ryan is absolutely a hero for more than one reason as I have read these entries!!  What an awesome thing for him to do!  He and my son have the same birthday who will be 26! 

Sorry I just found this forum .  I would certainly have sent him something for his birthday!

Jean

Hi Al!l

I just wanted to let you know that Ryan arrived at Fort McCoy, WI this morning!! He had been in Kuwait since Monday after leaving Iraq. His family is obviously ecstatic--he'll be back in Iowa later today or tomorrow.  He is still listed in current contacts on the AS website, and he posted a thank you for his birthday wishes on April 12th in case you missed it.  Thanks so much to all of you who made his 30th b-day a memorable one!!

Hugs from WI,

 Yay! His family must be soooooo excited to have him home. Thanks for sharing!

Hooray for Ryan. Looks like they are having a blizzard in his honor. Thanks for "introducing" us to Ryan.

Pam