Specialist Ryan Williams

Specialist Ryan Williams found his way into the Army through the desire to take control of the path of his life, which he had only been following and not directing for four years after high school. He celebrated his 22nd Birthday in Basic Training and trained and deployed to Iraq as an unmanned aircraft systems operator, mission commander and instructor pilot. Ryan excelled and earned the respect of his peers and leaders alike with his dedication, ambition and skill.

Falling in love and becoming a husband turned this path in a different direction, away from a continued military career, but toward a civilian field where he could continue his dedication to others and service. Shortly after returning, Ryan began training as an EMT at Lane Community College.

A far cry from aviation, medicine turned out to be his calling. The challenge of medical science along with the ability to help others matches his goal. What began as an EMT certification course has grown into an associate’s degree, several courses in biology, anatomy, physiology and chemistry, and now the pursuit of a a Bachelor of Science in human physiology at the University of Oregon, where Ryan is working towards his ultimate goal of becoming a physician.

In between the course workload, Ryan is a volunteer firefighter and EMT with Pleasant Hill Rural Fire/Rescue, providing emergency care and protecting his community in a different way.