Veterans Archives: Preserving the Stories of our Nations Heroes

Tracing Major Ryan Reynolds' Path: From Small-Town Athlete to Esteemed Officer and Family Legacy Bearer


Listen Later

Send us a text

Ever faced a crossroads that completely rerouted the trajectory of your life? Major Ryan Reynolds shares his compelling narrative, where a high school athlete from Lennon, Michigan, becomes an esteemed military officer. Raised in a family where service ran deep, Ryan's candid conversation peels back the layers of his upbringing—the influence of a father employed at General Motors, a mother caring for others in a convalescent center, and a sister whose own retirement from the military marks the family's enduring legacy. We explore his transition from the sports fields of Durand Area High School to the disciplined ranks of the Army and National Guard, uncovering the resilience and resolve that propelled him forward.

This heart-to-heart with Major Ryan doesn't shy away from the road less traveled, revealing the pivotal moment a college expulsion for a youthful indiscretion set him on an unexpected journey. The aspirations of a college education and a youth ministry career came to a halt, leaving Ryan to navigate the uncharted waters of his future. He opens up about embracing the military path, not just as a necessity, but as a proud continuation of his family's tradition. Join us as we traverse the intricate interplay of Ryan's personal challenges and the echoing call of duty that shaped his story—a tale that might just inspire you to reexamine the compass guiding your own life decisions.

Support the show

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Veterans Archives: Preserving the Stories of our Nations HeroesBy Bill Krieger