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Howard O. Scott Award Winner: Staff Sgt. Stephen Ryan

Unit: 951st Maintenance Company

Howard O. Scott Citizen-Soldier of the Year Award winner, Stephen Ryan’s wife shares a story about her husband with Washington National Guard Adjutant Major General, Bret Daugherty and 1SG John Ecclestone. /Courtesy photo

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Howard O. Scott nominee Staff Sgt. Stephen Ryan, 951st Maintenance Company, was named this area's Citizen-Soldier of the Year.

"This award represents an outward demonstration of a love for others in need,  a willingness to sacrifice one's self, serve mankind, and faith in God's undying love."

Receiving praise is the last thing that Stephen Ryan wants while he delves into what embodies an exceptional Citizen-Soldier.

However, when you are as committed to this nation and your community as Ryan is, then it's hard to not be noticed.

Ryan received Pierce County's 32nd Annual Howard O. Scott Citizen-Soldier of the Year Award at the Kiwanis Club of Tacoma luncheon on April 16th at the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Tacoma.

He may have not have been present to receive his award (he is currently at Advanced Leader Course) but his wife and his 1SG were both present to accept the award.

Realizing how much Ryan's wife has dedicated and sacrificed to support her Servicemember spouse, this made her receiving the award that much more emotional.

First Sergeant John Ecclestone of 951st Maintenance Company was one of the key nominations for Staff Sgt. Ryan.

Ryan is a valued NCO who has served the Washington army National Guard with distinction for more than 12 years.

Regarded as one of the best practitioners in the maintenance community, Ryan helps run the Standard Army Maintenance System Enhanced (SAMS-E) for the Guard.

During the last six years, Ryan has volunteered countless hours with the Pierce County Friends and Athletes (PCFA) organization.

The PCFA is one of the largest independent Special Olympics programs in Washington.

This organization provides spiritual, social, educational and athletic opportunities for developmentally-disabled youth and adults in an inclusive environment.

Ryan assists with the bowling and track and field events in preparation for the Washington State Special Olympics.

Along with his dedication to disabled youth and adults, Ryan also volunteers regularly with his church.

He is the head usher at Lakewood New Hope Community Church where he also spent more than a year as a board member.

Steve and his wife Cathy assist members of their church with the care of a child with Down syndrome and a young man with multiple mental conditions.

The patience required to assist those with disabilities is something that many of his fellow Guardsmen admire.

After the Pierce County shuttle suspended its handicap rides to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Steve was once again an exceptional Citizen-Soldier.

Steve stepped up and regularly provided a much needed ride to a wheelchair bound employee of Waller Hall.

Although Staff Sgt. Ryan wasn't present for this award, he prepared a response for the event.

"I am very moved and honored to receive the Howard O. Scott Award as Pierce County's Citizen-Soldier of the Year.  

None of the work that I do is for recognition but to glorify God and demonstrate the spirit of the National Guard.

Thank you for acknowledging the efforts of all Citizen-Soldiers' involvement in the community.

Surely there were several worthy nominees for this award and their efforts should not go unnoticed.  I thank each one of them for their unselfish works.  It is with them that our state, county and cities are better places to work and live.

By placing others before ourselves we can learn that selfless service is its own regard and is still a cherished trait that is valued.  

Most Citizen-Soldiers are tireless workers in their communities performing menial tasks, helping their neighbors and taking care of their families.

By placing others before ourselves, we are emulating our leaders."

The compassion and patience demonstrated on a daily basis by this Citizen-Soldier clearly shows why he was selected as the winner of the Howard O. Scott Citizen-Soldier of the Year Award.

LINK: Howard O. Scott Nominee Staff Sgt. Adam G. Rice

LINK: Howard O. Scott nominee Spc. Narine K. Towle

LINK: Howard O. Scott nominee Maj. Brian Nelson

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