Z-Rock’s ‘Harvest Jam American Hero’

Over the last few weeks, Z-Rock, along with our sister station Quick Country 96.5, has been asking you to tell us about an "American Hero" in your life and you responded. This is one such response. This came to us from a listener named Brianna. She nominated Ryan McSweeny, a retired Marine. Brianna wrote:

"I could say that Ryan McSweeny is a retired Marine but that would be a lie. Just like NCIS' Gibs always says, "Once a Marine, always a Marine." Im only going to give a short synopsis of why this guy is...well awesome. Ryan's full story is his and only the true gravity of it can be seen and soaked in when/if he decides to share it. Ryan was an active duty Marine that sustained significant injuries on a mountain in Afghanistan and, point blank, should NOT have survived. Being a stubborn Marine, and thanks to one bad ass Corpsman, he miraculously did. Now in 2016 Ryan is a dedicated husband, father of two, and student going to school at RCTC. He would like to be, get this, a history teacher. This guy. This is a man that makes you say wow and drives home what it means to appreciate the sacrifices of others. He is also a testament to a successful life after injury and the military. What life can be if you don’t give up. Semper Fi."

Ryan won a huge gift basket and a $100 Visa gift card from First Alliance Credit Union and he will be among other heroes honored on the "American Heroes" stage this weekend at Harvest Jam 2016.

Thank you to Ryan and ALL the men and women in our Armed Forces, past and present and their families, for their service and their sacrifice.