GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – For the first time ever, a local veteran is being recognized as Northeast Wisconsin’s Veteran of the Year.
“This is a small way we can recognize veterans in our community and their great work,” said Congressman Mike Gallagher. “We received over 40 nominations. That totally blew us away in terms of participation, as well as the stories we got from World War II veterans to Vietnam to Gulf War to post-9/11 veterans.”
Gallagher presented Army National Guard veteran Ryan Lonergan with a certificate and Congressional Record highlighting the recognition. Lonergan, who was selected for this award by a committee of local veterans and community leaders, was chosen because of his work to support veterans as they transition back to civilian life.
“Every day, Ryan is out there helping veterans with jobs and career preparation. He uses his platform on the Fragout podcast to share stories as well as highlight resources that are available to veterans in the community,” Gallagher said.
“This is extremely overwhelming,” Lonergan said. “Nothing I do is about making money. Anyone can make money, not everyone can make history. By collaborating with everybody, that’s what we can do…Helping veterans and everybody this community – if you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to achieve things, you want to go together. That’s what we’re doing…I firmly believe that we can change the quality of life for the people around us – and that’s not just ourselves, but our community.”
He says he grew up in a relatively poor household, and that his lackluster football skills likely wouldn’t land a scholarship – but he still wanted to serve. So he enlisted.
Lonergan served in the Army National Guard for six years including a tour of duty in Iraq. During this time he received awards such as the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device. He’s hosted numerous events in Northeast Wisconsin to allow veterans to share their stories of service.
Lonergan says he’s not a big fan of receiving attention, other than his podcast. But the recognition of the award is bigger than just him.
“This gives the opportunity to other veterans to share their story and learn how to be vulnerable, learn how to share your story, learn how to talk about it – because if we really want to fill those gaps in our society, then we have to share our failures but also our successes and find people that support us in every way shape and form,” Lonergan said. “The attention coming from this is beneficial because then there are spotlights on things that the veteran community needs to work on together. So that’s what I’m most excited about…We can’t take the money to the grave, but my daughter just got to witness this and everything that happened here today is going down in Congress. So leaving something behind for the next generation to build off of – that’s what it means to me.”
In Lonergan’s nomination, the individual who nominated him said:
“I believe Ryan Lonergan should be Veteran Of The Year because of his larger-than-life pursuit to serve the veteran community in many different forms. This is more than a passion; it is his life’s purpose to elevate the quality of life, expand networks, and share community resources with all veterans he meets.”
“I tell everybody who comes on my podcast, I don’t care what you did or didn’t do in the military. All I care about is how you’re using your military experience to help improve your friends, family, and community,” Lonergan said.
The committee selected Lonergan based on the following criteria:
Service: The veteran demonstrates selfless service to our nation and Northeast Wisconsin through public service or volunteering,
Excellence: The veteran demonstrates going above and beyond the call of duty, whatever the job may be, while in the military or in retirement, and
Dedication: The veteran demonstrates a clear commitment to our country and community, and a passion for improving life in Northeast Wisconsin.
More than 40 nominations were received between September 21 and October 8. To be eligible for the award, the nominees had to be someone who:
- Is a veteran of one of the six military services, including Reserves or National Guard
- Is a resident of the Eighth Congressional District, and
- Can supply a DD-214.
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