SFC Ryan Allen Gloyer, US Army

SFC Ryan Allen Gloyer was born on April 6, 1982 in Torrance, California to parents Richard and Lurene Gloyer. Ryan was the second of three children, Matthew the oldest and Justin the youngest. At the age of six, Ryan and his family moved to the outskirts of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At an early age it was clear to his family that Ryan was going to be a part of an elite special forces group. From the time he could dress himself, he chose to wear all camo outfits and march around the house. One of his favorite games to play was to have his older brother, Matthew, tighten multiple belts around him to see if he could escape. He would also play “Army” with his little brother, Justin. Once the two took it so far as to booby trap the boards that made a bridge across a creek bed and sat in the distance to watch their neighborhood friends fall straight through into the water. His interest in the military became increasingly more evident every time he visited Pop’s house (Ryan’s grandfather, a World War II veteran who was a part of the invasion of Normandy). He carried around Pop’s Army canteen and other small items that were saved from the war and as he grew older he enjoyed reading passages from his grandfather’s war diaries. One item Ryan kept from childhood was a “Special Forces” hat given to him by his mother during an early birthday. He wore the hat so often by middle school the words had already started to chip off but he continued to wear it. The hat is still hanging in his closet today. As Ryan progressed through grade school his heart wasn’t set on standard academic classes instead he preferred to read survival books and be outdoors. By the time Ryan entered Seneca Valley High School, he had already set himself apart from his peers due to his unique style, charisma, and ability to make anyone around him laugh. Growing up he was a natural athlete, proving this to be true by lettering in both Soccer and Track & Field by his sophomore year and every consecutive year thereafter. In addition to his athletic abilities, Ryan was a born thespian, taking part in his high school’s choir and musical theater programs. His musical talents proved to be as proficient as his athletics, achieving placement in the District Chorus. Ryan went on to continue his education at Thiel College in Greenville, Pennsylvania. Throughout his college experience, Ryan continued to affect those around him in a positive way as a resident assistant, student teacher, performer in musicals and theater, and member of numerous student groups. He graduated with dual degrees in Psychology and Early Education along with the academic honors of Magna Cum Laude. Ryan swears it would have been Summa Cum Laude honors had he not missed one choir concert to lead an event as the president of the Organization of Black Collegiates (maybe his SF team nickname of “Big Black” is all making sense now). After graduation, Ryan chose to finalize his teaching degree by teaching a fourth grade class but knew it was not his calling in life. There was no doubt that the Army was where he needed to be. He chose to enlist as a non-commissioned officer because he wanted to experience every facet of Army life that any soldier under him would have to go through. Since the day Ryan enlisted on December 28, 2004, he had a goal and steadfast determination to be a Green Beret. Along Ryan’s journey to becoming a Green Beret, he served with the 82nd Airborne division, graduating the Airborne Course in May 2005 with the William Red King Award (which he claimed he only received because he was the only one willing enough to unclog the toilet). Ryan graduated the Ranger Course in April 2006, receiving his Ranger tab, before leaving on his first tour of duty to Afghanistan. During this first 15-month deployment Ryan made valorous achievements in support of Operation Enduring Freedom which earned him the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device and the Meritorious Service Award. He then entered his second 12-month tour of duty to Afghanistan in 2009, which led him to receive the Army Commendation Medal under Task Force Fury. In April 2010, Ryan was selected to be inducted into the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club due to his dedicated leadership, exemplary professionalism, and high standards of excellence. Following in December 2010, Ryan left the 82nd Airborne division to be a Instructor for the Pre- Ranger course. After taking every opportunity to improve his military career, Ryan chose to go through the Q-course for the third time. As the saying goes “third times a charm,” in September 2014, Ryan achieved his dream of graduating the Q-Course and donned his Green Beret. Upon graduation, he immediately went to John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center & School to complete Military Free Fall training. He was then assigned to 2nd Battalion of 10th Special Forces Group, ODA 0224, as an 18-Echo with Russian Language. With ODA 0224, Ryan deployed to the Republic of Congo in May of 2015 and, finally, to Afghanistan in June 2016. Ryan has been awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his heroism and complete dedication to his country in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel on November 3rd, 2016. For those who were lucky enough to know Ryan on a personal level, he was always animated and fun-loving or just trying to show off his vocal and break dancing skills any chance he got. This deemed him another SF nickname of “All-American Cadence Calling Champion- three hours-no repeats.” He was a man of many stories, historical facts, and strange hobbies, but it made him one of a kind. He truly set the standard of what a soldier was suppose to be. He cared about each of his men, making it his duty to not only make sure they were combat ready but to make sure they were confident within themselves to live out a happy life. Throughout his entire life, Ryan embraced the concept that an individual can pursue any dream if they have the determination, discipline, courage, and fortitude to overcome obstacles, and above all else continue to improve one’s self no matter their achievements. Ryan’s next dream was to start a family with the love of his life and fiancé, Sierra. May SFC Ryan A. Gloyer rest in peace, looking down on all of us yelling “Rangers lead the way!” Arrangements under the direction of Murphy Funeral Homes, Arlington, VA.