[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENT OF SSG STEPHEN RYAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2013

  Mr. SMITH OF WASHINGTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate SSG 
Stephen Ryan on being honored with the Howard O. Scott Citizen-Soldier 
of the Year Award from the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber's Military 
Affairs Committee. He is a valued NCO who also serves in the Washington 
Army National Guard with distinction of more than 12 years.
  The Citizen-Soldier Award is given to an exemplary Soldier, Airman, 
Sailor, Marine, or Coast Guardsman who demonstrates Mr. Scott's belief 
that giving back to the community is one's responsibility.
  SSG Ryan has excelled in each position he has held throughout his 
career. He is highly regarded in the maintenance community as one of 
the best practitioners of the Standard Army Maintenance System Enhanced 
(SAMS--E) in the Washington National Guard.
  His off duty work with the 951st Maintenance Company's Family 
Readiness Program is a tribute to his unit and fellow soldiers. He 
continues to volunteer and devotes his personal time to the men and 
women of the 951st as a leader and mentor of our Citizen Soldiers.
  For the last six years SSG Ryan has volunteered often with the Pierce 
County Friends and Athletes (PCFA), one of the largest independent 
Special Olympics programs in the State. He also is the head usher at 
Lakewood New Hope Community Church, where he spent a year as a board 
member.
  The Citizen-Soldier Award memorializes Howard Scott who grew up in 
Tacoma and served his nation when called upon during World War II. He 
returned to succeed as a banker in Tacoma--giving of much his time to 
community service organizations, believing that service is a core 
responsibility.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize SSG Stephen 
Ryan. His dedication to serving our community is an inspiration to 
others.

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