Our fifth Hometown Hero courtesy of Robert’s Heating and Cooling is Ryan Stevenson!
Derek was nominated by his wife, Danielle. Her nominating letter is below:
I am writing to nominate my soldier, and husband, Ryan Stevenson. Ryan graduated high school in Kokomo, Indiana, and shortly after, made his vow to his family and country. Ryan was very passionate about his roll and committed to being the best that he could be. Ryan was always pushing his own limits, supporting peers throughout their military journey, and over all, a great advocate for something he truly believed in.
Throughout his career, he received two bronze stars and many more additional awards. Ryan also served multiple tours and countless injuries, in the 22 yrs and 4 months served.
After retirement, he wasn’t quite ready to give up on the goals had set for himself. He pushed on. Ryan joined Team Rubicon. Team Rubicon is a veteran, volunteer, disaster, response clean up team. Ryan quickly grew to be the logistics manager. His commitment and determination led him all over the country to aide in natural disasters.
Ryan was severely injured in an accident on a personal vacation. This changed everything. All plans of the 22 miles a day and his hike at Whitesands. All the things. Ryan was defeated. Ryan started rehabilitation and used that as fuel to get him back to him again. Ryan joined a local American Legion and was not only a rider and adjutant, but also hosted and participated in day events put on for the patients of the VA hospital. He took an active roll as an officer for a few years with them.
Hiking was therapy for all of us. Mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional. We started clearing miles of rail line in help the development of the Flint Hills Trail. During this time, Ryan and I opened our business. Ryan wanted to expand the knowledge to the public about PTSD and alternative options in CBD. Through out the operation of the store, we made many connections and aided in more lives than we can count. Many of which were local Veterans. We were a hub for resources and aide.
He kept going. Ryan was elected on the local School board. We are local boosters as well. When Ryan was finally going to take a step back, a new opportunity arose. He’s now Kansas State Coordinator for the American Discovery Trail. Something he’s always dreamed of hiking.
His grit and determination is admiring. His empathy for others, admirable. He’s not only been a committed soldier to our country, but our children, community, and his peers. Ryan’s selfless acts of kindness are what makes him who he is. From the front lines, to coaching. Convoys to caravans. He’s everywhere, doing everything, out of love, and we are so proud of him for every bit of it.
An award is a congratulations, however nominations are gratitude shown for charisma and excellence. Because of that, I think my husband would be a wonderful recipient of a *gift of gratitude* from all of us and a well deserved break to enjoy.
For being this week’s Hometown Hero, Ryan receives 4 tickets to an upcoming K-State football game, as well as a $100 maintenance gift card from Kia of Manhattan and a $50 gift card to RC McGraw’s.
His name is also entered in our grand prize drawing, a complete Furnace/AC replacement from Robert’s Heating and Cooling! We’ll draw that winner on Nov. 10!
Nominate a veteran you know who deserves recognition for being an outstanding soldier and member of the community here!
