Pennsylvania Outdoor Veterans’ founder, Ryan was born in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, and still lives in Carbon County. He represents the third generation in his family to have served in the United States Army (along with his mother Sandy and late grandfather SSG Arthur W. Bowman, who logged 20 years of active duty service). Ryan served with the Pennsylvania National Guard prior to deployment to Iraq with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT). Ryan was assigned to the 556th Military Intelligence Company as the Human Resource Manager in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Since returning stateside, Ryan has served as an Emergency Medical Technician and a trustee for Nesquehoning V.F.W. Post 8008, and Pennsylvania V.F.W. District 20. Ryan is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping, and spending time with his four children and his fiancé Miranda.