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    From a boy to a man - Staff Sgt. Andrew Guffey - US Army Reserve Command Public Affairs

    From a boy to a man

    Photo By Sgt. 1st Class andrew guffey | Staff Sgt. Ryan Veltman, an ammunitions specialist, 377th Theater Sustainment Command,...... read more read more

    FORT MCCOY, WI, UNITED STATES

    06.26.2013

    Story by Staff Sgt. andrew guffey 

    U.S. Army Reserve Command

    FORT MCCOY, WIS – Staff Sgt. Ryan Veltman, ammunition specialist, 377th Theater Sustainment Command, (TSC) native of Sunshine, La., is competing in the 2013 Army Reserve Best Warrior Competition, Fort McCoy, Wis., from June 23 to 28.

    Veltman finished second at the 377th TSC portion of the competition but at the last minute was called to compete at the U.S. Army Reserve Command level. Veltman concentrated on building up his endurance enabling him to compete at a higher level. “If it wasn’t for my command I wouldn’t be able to compete at this level, it was truly a team effort,” said Veltman.

    In December 2000 Veltman enlisted into the Army Reserve when he was just 17. During land navigation in basic training the twin tower were hit and shortly after completing training his unit was deployed. “It took me from being a child who wanted college money to an adult who was willing to serve my country in any way I can,” said Veltman.

    After being in the Army Reserve for five years Veltman made the decision to go active duty and serve his country full time. Once his active duty enlistment was complete he felt it was time to go back to school and rejoined the Army Reserve.

    Veltman is currently using his Army Reserve benefits to complete college, he currently has an associate in art degree from Wake Technical Community College and plans to attend N.C. State.

    Veltman wants to become an Army officer, but Special Forces is really where he wants to be and is currently researching is options for this transfer. Veltman has deployed twice with 7th Special Forces Group to Afghanistan and hopes he will be able to serve with them again. “It will be fun either way,” said Veltman.

    Veltman enjoys reading, shooting sports and competing in martial arts and is working toward getting level three combatives certified to train members of his unit.

    Determination drives Veltman to be the best he can be, whether at school or on the battle field, nothing stands in his way to accomplish what he wants.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 06.26.2013
    Date Posted: 06.27.2013 09:24
    Story ID: 109357
    Location: FORT MCCOY, WI, US
    Hometown: SUNSHINE, LA, US

    Web Views: 153
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN