Central Region: Bay City, MI
Ryan Hageness, VetREST Michigan Chapter Director
Ryan has spent his entire adult life in the service of his country and community. At 19 he joined the Marine Corps Reserve while finishing college, eventually graduating with a double major in History and Criminal Justice from Saginaw Valley State University. Before graduation, Ryan deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the fall of 2006. Ryan’s battalion fought in what is now known as the Third Battle of Fallujah. Ryan served as a Fire Team Leader and participated in over 50 mounted/dismounted combat operations. The deployment was a success in freeing the people of Fallujah, but that success came with a heavy cost in casualties to his battalion. Ryan’s unit was honored with a Navy Unit Citation for their work in an area known as “The Triangle of Death.”
Upon returning home from combat Ryan suffered from symptoms of PTS and sought out the help of fellow veterans. In doing so, Ryan discovered another mission of purpose: being there for brother and sister veterans. Over the course of the last 10 years, Ryan has continued to serve others as a local city Police Officer, a Children’s Protective Services Investigator, and currently serves as a Federal Police Officer. In all these career fields, Ryan has seen and experienced tragedy and knows firsthand the debilitating effects PTS can have on a person. Helping others through their tough times is Ryan’s passion. He has also previously volunteered with another 501(c)(3) directed at helping veterans and first responders who suffer from PTS. In his spare time, Ryan studies history as an amateur historian, and gives presentations on George Washington and his leadership qualities. Ryan lives with his wife and their three children in Bay City, Michigan.
Ryan has spent his entire adult life in the service of his country and community. At 19 he joined the Marine Corps Reserve while finishing college, eventually graduating with a double major in History and Criminal Justice from Saginaw Valley State University. Before graduation, Ryan deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the fall of 2006. Ryan’s battalion fought in what is now known as the Third Battle of Fallujah. Ryan served as a Fire Team Leader and participated in over 50 mounted/dismounted combat operations. The deployment was a success in freeing the people of Fallujah, but that success came with a heavy cost in casualties to his battalion. Ryan’s unit was honored with a Navy Unit Citation for their work in an area known as “The Triangle of Death.”
Upon returning home from combat Ryan suffered from symptoms of PTS and sought out the help of fellow veterans. In doing so, Ryan discovered another mission of purpose: being there for brother and sister veterans. Over the course of the last 10 years, Ryan has continued to serve others as a local city Police Officer, a Children’s Protective Services Investigator, and currently serves as a Federal Police Officer. In all these career fields, Ryan has seen and experienced tragedy and knows firsthand the debilitating effects PTS can have on a person. Helping others through their tough times is Ryan’s passion. He has also previously volunteered with another 501(c)(3) directed at helping veterans and first responders who suffer from PTS. In his spare time, Ryan studies history as an amateur historian, and gives presentations on George Washington and his leadership qualities. Ryan lives with his wife and their three children in Bay City, Michigan.
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