No matter who you are, having an unfortunate incident or two happen in your lifetime should not become a reason to miss out on adventure and on doing things that you have always wanted to do. When you are a war veteran and a Navy SEAL to boot, the “unfortunate incidents” can become life-changing and physically and psychologically draining ordeals; but true to form, these are the very people who never let anything get in the way.
An article by Eric Wilkinson of King 5 news shares how war veterans do not let difficulties and disabilities get in the way of seeking adventure. Sunday’s feature shares the story of Navy SEAL Ryan Job and his return to Washington to help a fellow soldier in his attempt at climbing Mount Rainier.
Job is no ordinary SEAL. During a mission in Iraq 3 years ago, he took a bullet in the eye and is now completely blind. He shared how he is now unable to drive or see his kids, but that did not stop him from bagging a 980-lb elk through a special camera-operated scope. Where does he get the strength? From a rather simple concept — instead of focusing on the things that he can no longer do, he set his sights on the things that he could do. So last year, Job climbed Mount
Rainier with Camp Patriot, a Washington-based organization that helps wounded and disabled war veterans take on adventures that one might think are no longer possible.
This year, Ryan Job is back in Washington. Having conquered Rainier last year, he is bent on being of assistance to his fellow wounded war veterans who would like to go on the same adventure. Among them is Special Ops soldier Mario Barragan, who sustained massive injuries to the face after an IED attack in Afghanistan. He has had eight surgeries, and believes that if he can conquer Mount Rainier, he has what it takes to hurdle all other challenges that may yet wind up in his path. He has, after all, three more years of active duty left and may well be called back to the war.
July 8th, 2009 - 8:46 am
I am Ryan Job’s grandmother and am so encouraged and touched by Ryan’s attitude to press on with his present condition of total blindness to bring light in the path of other wounded vets who have sacrificed their lives for our dear old USA. God bless them all and I personally thank them. It is still heart breaking to know this handsome young man’s outward appearance has changed, but not his inward attitude. God does have a plan for his life and Ryan has touched many lives and will continue to do so. Camp Patriot and Sentinals of Freedom have played a great part in his recovery and I thank them and because of them Ryan has a mission to fulfil. My desire is for others who follow these news update reach deep into their pockets and offer support that is so needed to support this wonderful work.
September 30th, 2009 - 2:33 pm
Very sad news about Petty Officer Job’s death on 24 September.
No cause reported.
What is especially puzzling is the lack of local (Phoenix-area)coverage of his death.
Only press reporting came from Seattle and Issaquah, Washington.
I wonder why.
He was a great role model, and especially with his work helping other disabled veterans.
May he rest in peace.
October 2nd, 2009 - 1:57 am
[...] July this year, we shared with you the admirable story of Navy SEAL Ryan Job and his adventures, despite the challenges that beset him after sustaining injuries while in the [...]
March 31st, 2010 - 12:50 pm
I met Ryan while in Iraq and was very impressed as well as proud to have been in his presence and with some of his team. I learned that one of his team was wounded in action while on a mission in a nearby village, but never heard who it was. His loss will be felt by all I am sure. He was a great man and hero in my eyes.