SGT Ryan Long

Gloucester, VA

Motivated by his family’s long tradition of military service, Ryan Long enlisted in the Army in 2008.

On March 11, 2012, Sergeant Long was serving as a construction engineer with the 365th Engineer Battalion in Afghanistan when his vehicle drove over an improvised explosive device (IED). He sustained a traumatic amputation of his right leg below the knee, left leg injuries, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

He was medically evacuated to Kandahar Airfield for immediate treatment before transferring to Landstuhl, Germany. Stateside, he spent more than three and a half years at Walter Reed Medical Center undergoing treatment and multiple surgeries.

Ryan and his wife, Vanessa, are parents to Mariah, Jaiden, and Angelina. Ryan participates in handcycling with the Achilles Freedom Team and Semper Fi & America’s Fund, and enjoys snowboarding, golfing, fishing, ATV riding, and traveling. He is also pursuing a bachelor’s degree in animal science and behavior through Unity Environmental University’s online program. His goal is to train and work with service and companion animals for Veterans and first responders.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Ryan is choosing to build his home in Virginia, where he currently resides.

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