SSgt. Ryan Kelly (Retired)

Born on August 13, 1980, Norfolk,VA, the son of an Army officer, enlisted in the Army Reserves as a civil affairs specialist following high school. He pursued his education along with his military career, graduating from the Defense Language Institute where he trained as a French linguist.

Ryan served in Bosnia in support of peace keeping operations, and was deployed to Iraq in April 2003 with his unit, the 490th Civil Affairs, out of Abilene, Texas. In July of 2003, while stationed in Iraq, he was on his way to a conference about rebuilding the country?s schools and hospitals when his convoy was ambushed with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The insurgent attack destroyed his right leg below the knee.

During his year-long recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., the 24-year-old learned to walk with a prosthetic leg. He also connected with John Melia and the staff of the Wounded Warrior Project. The Project helped Ryan deal with his frustrations and challenges about the transition back to civilian life. "John was one of my go-to-guys when I needed to vent," said Kelly. "He gave me encouragement and information that I needed at a time when I felt very much in the dark."

His life took another unexpected turn when he decided to marry his current wife, Lindsey, who was also stationed in Iraq. After Kelly was injured, the couple was determined to be together ? whatever it took. They arranged to married by phone ? with Lindsey in Iraq, Ryan in D.C. and his mother-in-law standing in for her daughter. Lindsey was then allowed to return home to be with her husband, and stayed by his side for his remaining time in the hospital.

Today, the Kellys reside in Prescott, Arizona and Ryan volunteers part-time with the Wounded Warrior Project, a cause close to his heart. Ryan was an integral part of the lobbying effort to enact landmark legislation enabling disabled veterans to have disability insurance ? whereas previously they were only eligible for life insurance.

?I have a greater sense of empowerment now,? said Kelly. ?I never thought I would have any say in the legislative process. I?ve found a voice I never had before.? Through his lobbying efforts and work with the Project, Ryan honors his commitment to his fellow wounded warriors. 

Ryan Kelly is the recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Valor. He is currently attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ, where he is working on a degree in aerospace studies with a minor in Helicopters. He hopes to fly helicopters for a first responder organization (city/state police, fire or EMS, or for the federal government.