“This is just something that happened to me,” Job said. “I can’t change it. What are you going to do, stop living? It just made me take a different approach. I had goals and plans that had to change.”

JobRyan

Ryan Job & his guide dog

"He didn't back down from any challenge," said a friend, Tyler Lein, of Scottsdale, Ariz.

Ryan Job, who grew up in Issaquah, Washington died Thursday morning, Sept. 24th after major reconstructive surgery at Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix. He was 28.

Mr. Job's younger brother, Aaron, served three tours of duty in Iraq with the Marines. The Seattle Times profiled the Job family during Aaron Job's deployments in 2003 and 2004.

Ryan Job, left, and his brother, Aaron

A story on Ryan Job, a former (medically retired) Navy SEAL, reaching the summit of Mount Rainier appeared in July 2008. Three combat injured veterans - two blind, one missing his right leg - we are talking about superior performance! All three veterans: Ryan Job, Chad Jukes and Joey Martinez III summited Mt. Rainier. Less than 50% of all climbers make it to the summit of Mt. Rainier. Due to the extraordinary makeup of these vets and their climbing team, the group made the 8-hour grueling climb getting to the summit (14,410 feet). They spent about an hour at the summit, then started their descent about 9 am. and arrived back in Camp Muir at 2:55 pm, for a total climb time of around 12 hours.

Ryan, 2008

Ryan

Camp Patriot Mt. Rainier climb '08, photos by Seacat Photography

His mother, Debbie Job, of Issaquah, said her son had taken on the challenge of blindness with the same strength with which he confronted other challenges in his life.

"He was determined not to be a disabled guy," his mother said Friday by phone from Arizona.

Ryan climbing Mount Rainier

Ryan Job prefered to focus on what he could do. The Issaquah native returned to Washington state this past July on a new mission - help his fellow war wounded conquer Mount Rainier. Photos are on flickr. See the July 2009 interview video clip -http://www.king5.com/video/index.html?nvid=377438

Ryan graduated from Jones International University with a 4.0 after he was wounded and was working for General Dynamics in Arizona.

Ryan Job underwent an eight-hour surgery Monday to rebuild his face and repair his eye socket. The recovery seemed to be proceeding smoothly, his mother said, though her son reported some discomfort Wednesday night. A nurse checked on him at 3:30 a.m. Thursday. He was found unresponsive at 5 a.m. She said the hospital had not determined the cause of death.

"It wasn't supposed to happen like this," said Debbie Job. "It's a total shock."

Neighbors of the Job family on the Sammamish Plateau recalled Ryan Job as a strong, physically active young man who had been determined to join the elite Navy special-operations force, despite the grueling training regimen. Mr. Job regularly swam across Beaver Lake a few miles from his home and ran for hours before dawn, said Neil Iovino, a neighbor who watched the Job boys grow up.

Trident

"His goal was to be a Navy SEAL and it didn't matter how hard it was," Iovino said.

Ryan Job was born in 1981, the eldest of three children. He graduated from Sammamish High School in 1999 and joined the Navy in 2002. Mutual friends in San Diego, where he trained for the SEALs, introduced him to his future wife, Kelly. The couple married in 2007.

2007

Ryan Job was on patrol in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006 when a sniper's bullet struck his rifle. Pieces of the shattered weapon tore through his face, destroying one eye and severing the optic nerves of the other. [Ryan Job was wounded on the same mission as Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class (SEAL)  Marc Lee, who later died and was posthumously awarded the Silver Star-Read more in the book SEALs: The U.S. Navy's Elite Fighting Force (pg 202) by Mir Bahmanyar, Chris Osmani]

After his injury, Mr. Job spent time in military hospitals in Maryland, Florida and finally Palo Alto, Calif.

He and Kelly moved to Arizona in 2007 with the help of the Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation. The California-based organization assists armed-forces veterans severely injured in the line of duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

The foundation found a condo for the couple to live in, arranged for furniture and helped Mr. Job enroll in an online college program to complete the business degree he'd begun at the University of Washington.

Ryan and Kelly Job

"He was a great spokesman for the organization," said Lein, whose father, Howard Lein, founded the Arizona chapter of the Sentinels.

A 2007 story in The Arizona Republic quoted Mr. Job as saying he and his wife wanted to return the generosity others had shown them.

Job and Spieth

"Once I'm back on my feet, we'd like to help the next group of guys make the same transition."

Debbie Job said her daughter-in-law is pregnant with the couple's first child. She is due in May.

His brother, Aaron Job works with the Orange County Sheriff's Department and hopes to find a job in the Seattle area, his mother said.

In addition to his mother, wife and brother, Mr. Job is survived by his father, Eric Job, his sister, Kelsie, and his grandmother Barbara McCormick of Sammamish.

Funeral Services will be on Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 11:00 AM. Scottsdale Bible Church 7601 E Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ. A celebration of life will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00PM (1800 hrs to 2000 hrs)

Marriott Hotel 16770 North Perimeter Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 502-3836

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to either Camp Patriot, www.camppatriot.org; Sentinels of Freedom, www.sentinelsoffreedom.org; or the Naval Special Warfare Foundation, www.nswfoundation.org.

From Robert Vera, Co-Founder, Iron90.com:

 What are the odds?

I believe that there are no coincidences in life. There are people and events that shape our lives and things are as they should be for a reason. Perhaps this is our destiny. There are people who come into our lives that change them forever. Their presence is powerful, it sends a ripple through us and all who we meet. Their names alone are enough to motivate us to set worthy goals and to press on to finish difficult tasks. Ryan Job is this person in my life. Ryan and I met this past summer, the meeting was totally "by coincidence". In June a friend was in town visiting me from Boston. What are the odds that anyone would come visit me in Phoenix in the summer?

He had never been to Phoenix before and he came to work with me to train a group of clients at 5:30 one morning. One of my clients later emailed to tell me that her friend trains with a former Navy SEAL named Ryan Job and wanted to know if my friend knew him. I asked Steve and he smiled wide and said yes, he and Ryan were good friends. This was in June 2008, my friend Steven had not seen Ryan since BUDS training back in 2003. What are the odds?

Ryan and I met and began training together to prepare him for his goal; the ascent of the 14, 411 foot  Mount Rainier. What are the odds that a blind guy would be able to climb a mountain?

 Early each Saturday morning we put on our Heart Rate Monitors and hiked together on the various peaks that surround Phoenix. He would lead, I would call out directions from behind with my hand on his shoulder. We would pass young able bodied people all the way to the top where we would turn around to descend now facing the people that we had passed.

On the way up many were curious why I had my hand on his shoulder telling him where and how to step, now seeing Ryan they realized from his scare and closed eyes that he is blind. What are the odds that blind guy would pass you hiking?

On one occasion the people that we passed stood aside to let us come down and then without any warning or a single word, they broke out into spontaneous applause. Ryan asked me what was going on. I did not want a Navy SEAL to know that I was crying so I muttered, "keep going, I will tell you later". Tears streamed down my face as I walked behind him thinking; who is leading who?

My favorite book in the Bible is the Book of Job. It's about a man who has lost everything and finds the courage to walk by faith not by sight. What are the odds that now a blind man named Job was walking in front of me leading me by his faith not by sight?

Many who pray, including me, often request a sign or a clue that they are doing in life what they should be doing. Apparently, God knows that I sometimes miss his subtle suggestions, so he found a blind guy named Job to lead me early one morning on a desert trail then gathered a group of total strangers together to clap loudly as we passed by so that I would not miss his clue. (Thanks for tip, I got it).

On July 10, 2008, a little less than two years after Navy SEAL Ryan Job cheated death on a rooftop in Iraq, he stood atop the roof of Mount Rainier (See Seattle Times Story). As he did two F-15 jets flew over him to salute his achievement. What are the odds?

Ryan has gone on to challenge himself in other areas of life, he creates his own opportunities because he works hard at everything he does. We are all very grateful for Ryan's and for his fellow veterans service to our country. We are also grateful to all the organizations that support them especially Camp Patriot.

What are the odds that Ryan Job will continue to inspire more people and go on to conquer more summits? Very good!

Ryan is on the right

USN SEAL Lt. Daniel Cnossen is a member of SEAL Team One based in Coronado, CA. He is also a 2002 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. Dan is a Topeka, Kansas native.

Lt Daniel Cnossen

He was seriously injured while operating near Kandahar, Afghanistan on September 8th, 2009. At this point, he has had both legs amputated at the knee. He may need to have these amputations revised later on in the week in order to better fit his prosthetics in the future. He has an open book pelvic fracture, as well as extensive deep tissue and internal wounds to the lower half of his body. From the waist up, everything else is great; no brain damage, no paralysis, no torso or facial injuries.

Dan is a truly inspirational person. Please visit his website often.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

 ~Lost Heroes of Operation Redwing~

Daniel R. Healy

July 17, 1968-June 28, 2005

Never Forget

DanHealyDedication

From Marcus Luttrell: "...scrambling aboard, came the massively built Senior Chief Dan Healy, the man who had masterminded Operation Redwing, who apparently looked as if he'd been shot as he left the barracks." "He loved us all with equal passion ... He guarded his flock assiduously, researched every mission with complete thoroughness, gathered the intel, checked the maps, chats, photographs, all reconnaissance. Also, he paid attention to the upcoming missions and made sure his kids were always in the front line. That's the place we were trained for, the place we liked to go."

LTMICHAELMURPHYNewportInvite

Lost Heroes of Operation Redwing

Michael P. Murphy

May 7, 1976-June 28, 2005

Never Forget

Naval Station Newport to get new command, dedicate new pool

By Richard Salit

NEWPORT — The arrival of a new command — and with it 20 military positions and 40 civilian jobs — will be cause for celebration at Naval Station Newport on Wednesday.

And the following day, Navy brass will gather to dedicate a $4.5-million pool that will be used to train the rapidly rising number of students who come through Newport every year.

The two events underscore how Newport has emerged from the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process with a bright future as a Navy education center. The federal initiative resulted in the downsizing, closing and consolidation of many military installations.

The Center for Service Support shut down in Athens, Ga., late in June, and will resume operations here on Wednesday in Fitzgerald Hall on Coasters Harbor Island. The command oversees 13 Service Support schools around the country that provide training in administration, logistics and media for 12,000 officers and sailors annually.

“It’s a big deal,” said spokeswoman Lisa Rama. “It represents more employment in this state.”

Many of the civilian employees in Georgia chose not to relocate, which will result in the need for hiring in Newport, Rama said.

Officer Candidate School returned to Newport in 2008 — after a 15-year absence — bringing with it not only jobs but close to 1,000 students who go through the program each year. Chief Warrant Officer/Limited Duty Officer School also arrived last year.

The Navy Supply Corps School, also being relocated from Athens, is slated to open in new facilities in January, bringing 2,500 students a year, 100 active-duty positions and 80 civilian jobs.

By 2010, the number of students attending educational programs in Newport is expected to increase by 3,600 from the pre-BRAC levels.

Construction of the pool, in an 11,280-square-foot building, began in March 2008. It will be used for combat and survival training, including basic swim instruction and man-overboard exercises. The pool is next to Callahan Hall and was built by Consigli Construction, of Milford, Mass. Training will no longer take place at the pool built on the base in 1945 during World War II.

SEALGraduation

The new pool will be dedicated to Lt. Michael P. Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, N.Y., a 2001 graduate of Navy Officer Candidate School who was killed in action while conducting counterterrorism operations in Afghanistan in 2005.

His four-man Navy SEALs team was covertly conducting reconnaissance east of Asadbad, in Kumar Province, when discovered by local nationals. The team soon found itself surrounded and under attack by about 50 fighters allied with the Taliban.

Under heavy fire, Murphy left cover to radio for support. He was shot in the back and dropped the transmitter, but he picked it up, completed the call and then rejoined his team.

A helicopter arrived to rescue the SEALs. But a rocket-propelled grenade hit it, killing all 16 men aboard, before it could land. Three of the four SEALs, including Murphy, died in the battle.

Murphy was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2007. Members of his family will attend the dedication.

http://www.mullady.com/  See for more info about the youtube video-

This song is for ALL the military members that are or have served honorably in every branch. GOD Bless the Marine Corps, the Air Force, the Coast Guard, the Reserves, the Navy, the Army and the Allied Forces. This music was inspired by the Fallen Warriors of Operation RedWing, their families, the "LONE SURVIVOR" and every person that has ever served this country with honor! We Will Always Remember the 11 Navy SEALs and 8 Army Nightstalkers (160th SOAR) that we lost on June 28th 2005 during OP RedWing!

Memorial at NavySEALs.com OR Wikipedia Operation RedWing

This tune was Co-Written by Grammy Nominated songwriter Steven Dale Jones. This emotional heartfelt tune is performed by up and coming artist Leland Grant (see more below the tribute video). The director of the video is Retired Navy SEAL Brett Lynch. We offer a special thanks to Former Navy SEAL Sniper Richard Dudley for his help with this project and many other things. In addition CDR Gregory P. Geisen for putting together the tribute at PETCO park for the families. Plus Marcus and Patrick Robinson for the book of course Peter Berg for making THE "LONE SURVIVOR" movie.

The Executive Producer of "No One Gets Left Behind" created this video so that people would have a clear picture of the selfless actions our military members take on a regular basis. It is hard to explain the depth of their commitment. This tribute was created so that kids and parents together could understand the intensity of the American and Allied Military Mind Set. Plus to express to our service members that we are truly grateful for them, that their actions are noticed and that they are loved.

As a honorably discharged veteran MuLLady (after the video read below for a word from MuLLady) jumped at the opportunity to be the Executive Producer on this project. Each day he directs his thoughts of honor to the brave souls that have created the world that allows him the freedom he experiences. GOD Bless America and A World United!!

We celebrate the diversity of the military and acknowledge individuals from all races and all backgrounds that make up the American and Allied military today and throughout history.

Be sure to remember in the deepest part of your soul the ones that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Keep these brave warriors in your thoughts daily. Direct the emotion of LOVE to the people that keep us safe. We are able to feed our families, build our businesses, LOVE the people close to us and pursue happiness because of the men and women that make sure "No One Gets Left Behind".

From the Navy SEAL's blog by USNAVYSEALSTORE.com 

White House Honors SEAL Families

Before former President George W. Bush finally bowed out of his term as the country’s Commander-In-Chief, he paid tribute to some of the most dedicated citizens that America has ever and will ever see: the families of fallen SEALs, our heroes.

In early January the former president went to Norfolk, Virginia, to attend the christening of an aircraft carrier that was the namesake of his father, former President George H.W. Bush. He also visited as part of the trip the Navy SEALs headquarters in nearby Little Creek. It was there that he was reminded of the story of what has gone down in history as the worst loss of U.S. Navy SEALs: Operation Redwing.

Operation Redwing has been documented in our blogs since late last year, as it made heroes out of Navy SEALs, honored separately and individually. We have Exeter seeking to rename a bridge after Daniel Healy and awards posthumously given to Lt. Michael Murphy and his comrades in Team 10. The only survivor of the mission, Marcus Luttrell, has written a book about his ordeal. Operation Redwing was a rescue mission carried out in Afghanistan in 2005.

Going back to Washington with this story in mind, Bush set invitations to the families of the soldiers – Navy SEALs and Army Night Stalkers – who fell victim to enemy fire on that fateful day more than three years ago. It was, indeed, a touching invitation, as it certainly was not enough to honor only those who gave up their lives for their country. The families they left behind gave up a lot as well, and they all deserve to be recognized.

The reception was held at the White House on January 14, less than a week before President Obama’s inauguration. The former president gave a short message of appreciation and condolences and met privately with each soldier’s family. Other dignitaries such as former Secretary of State Condolezza Rice, former Vice President Dick Cheney and the admiral of the Navy were also present during the affair.

Armed Forces Honored on Military Island

Susan Frederick (R) presented Lt. Michael Patrick Murphy’s mother, Maureen Murphy, with her son’s Torch of Freedom award. (Catherine Yang/The Epoch Times)

NEW YORK—People gathered around Military Island in Times Square on Sunday afternoon to honor our troops and give Lt. Michael Patrick Murphy, posthumously, the Torch of Freedom award, which was accepted by his mother Maureen Murphy.

The award was presented by Susan Frederick, member of the board of directors of the Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard & Airmen’s Club (SSMAC), Ms. Frederick was introduced by Col. Smith, Commander of Fort Hamilton.

Lt. Murphy was the first to be awarded a medal in the current war in Afghanistan, and had been the first U.S. Navy member to receive the United States’ highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, since the Vietnam War.

Also to receive a Torch of Freedom Award was Aretha Franklin, but Ms. Franklin was absent for unknown reasons. Franklin, recently named 1 singer of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine, held a benefit concert at the Nokia Theater in Times Square at 7 p.m. Sunday night.

The SSMAC and NewYork.com, an online media outlet dedicated to tourism, leisure, and entertainment, sponsored the event. The event was hosted by NBC4 co-anchors Pat Battle and David Ushery.

Though Franklin did not perform, the event still consisted of many musical numbers, some performed by artists picked from NewYork.com’s City of Fame, a Web site where artists can upload videos to exhibit their talents. One of the contestants from the site, Big Shai, had been chosen to participate in the opening act for Franklin’s evening concert. Also present was Laura Izibor, a singer, songwriter, and producer with an R&B style, who also opened for Are concert.

Along with the City of Fame artists, Sgt. Elizabeth Quiniones sang the National Anthem with the Color Guard present. Five members FDNY Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, two on snares and three on bagpipes, participated as well. In addition to the musical festivities, the Marines also hosted a Toys for Tots donation site.

By KEITH MORELLI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 17, 2008

Save for a few relatives, probably no one at the commemoration ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base this morning really knew Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor or Lt. Michael Murphy.

The two Navy SEALs weren't from Tampa; they grew up on opposite sides of the country. They had different interests.

Murphy, of New York, loved to read and graduated with honors from Penn State with degrees in political science and psychology.

Monsoor, a California boy, relished riding around in his Corvette and snowboarding.

The two probably never met, but they are together now -- forever. Their names are etched in granite at a Special Operations Command memorial at MacDill Air Force Base. The two were remembered as true American heroes, each having earned, with his life, the Medal of Honor, the highest award for courage the military has to offer.

MacDillAFB

Today's ceremony drew more than 1,000 people, including civilians and service personnel from every branch, even Gen. David Petraeus, head of Central Command, which has its headquarters at MacDill.

A slide-show montage was preceded by the landing of three paratroopers, each carrying U.S. flags that had flown over the Pentagon, two of which were presented to the families of the medal recipients.

It's been more than three years since Murphy was killed. Still, his father's eyes tear up with grief and pride when he talks about his son. As he set the wreath of yellow daisies and carnations in front of the granite tile, Dan Murphy, who was wounded in Vietnam 40 years ago, wiped his eyes with a white handkerchief. He kissed his fingertips before touching them to the etched stone bearing his son's name.

"What's significant," Murphy said after the ceremony, "is that Michael was true to himself right to the end. We've always taught him to protect others, and that was always his nature.

"So it didn't surprise us when we heard what he did."

Murphy, 29, was killed during a reconnaissance mission in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005. The Navy said that Murphy was leading a four-man team looking for a key Taliban leader in the mountainous terrain near Asadabad "when they came under fire from a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position," the official citation states.

"Mortally wounded while exposing himself to enemy fire, Murphy knowingly left his position of cover to get a clear signal in order to communicate with his headquarters. While being shot at repeatedly, Murphy calmly provided his unit's location and requested immediate support for his element. He returned to his cover position to continue the fight until finally succumbing to his wounds."

SpecialOperationsMemorial

Murphy was raised on Long Island, N.Y., and excelled at ice hockey. His Navy biography states that he was an avid reader, with tastes that ran from the Greek historian Herodotus to Tolstoy's "War and Peace." His favorite book, the biography says, was Steven Pressfield's "Gates of Fire," about the Spartan stand at Thermopylae.

Keep reading here and view more photos.

FORGED CLOTHING

Earlier this year an East Coast SEAL Team lost three of it’s members during missions in Iraq. ForgedClothing designed the Gold Team shirt in memory of their fallen brothers and they donate 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these shirts to the families of those three who gave their all.

Nate Hardy, SEAL, 29, enlisted in the US Navy in 1997 and is survived by his wife, 7 month old son, parents and brother.

Mike Koch, SEAL, also 29, enlisted in 1998 and had a fiancé, parents, brother and sister.

Luis Souffront, EOD, 25, enlisted in the Navy 2000 and is survived by his fiancé, mother and father.

Please help these families during this holiday season!

For purchase and to learn more about their mission, go to http://www.forgedclothing.com