Captain John Ryan Dennison

Captain John Ryan Dennison, U.S. Army, was killed in action while engaged in combat operations in Iraq on November 15, 2006.

He is survived by his wife, 1LT Haley Ann (Edwards) Dennison of Raeford, N.C.; his parents, Shannon and Jack Dennison of Ijamsville; his sister, Ensign Colleen M. Dennison, U.S. Navy, of Pensacola, Fla.; and his brother, Christopher R. Dennison, also of Ijamsville.

Born on February 22, 1982, at Landstuhl Army Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, Ryan graduated from Urbana High School in June, 2000. At Urbana High School, Ryan played football and wrestled. He was a member of the National Honor Society, a Boys State participant, and a Big Brother volunteer. Ryan received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, where he graduated in May, 2004, with a Bachelor of Science degree in international relations and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. While at West Point, Ryan was a member of the Black Knights skydiving team and was team president his senior year. Ryan and his wife met while cadets at West Point and were married after graduating in July, 2004.

Ryan completed infantry officer basic course and ranger training before joining the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. in April 2005. In September 2005, Ryan deployed with his unit to New Orleans, La., to provide support post-Hurricane Katrina. In August 2006, Ryan deployed to Kuwait with the Fifth Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. In early September, 2006, Ryan moved with his unit into Iraq, east of Baghdad. He was serving as a platoon leader and a member of Task Force Lightning when he was killed. He was promoted posthumously from First Lieutenant to Captain effective November 15, 2006.

Ryan was Airborne, Ranger, Sapper, and Jump Master qualified. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Combat and Expert Infantryman's Badges. He was held in high regard as a highly effective and charismatic leader by his soldiers, peers, and superiors.

Ryan said before deploying to Iraq that he would want to be remembered as "a young Christian man married to a young Christian woman." His faith became increasingly important to him after meeting Haley. Ryan was a member of the Navigators, a Christian outreach ministry, and regularly participated in Bible studies at Fort Bragg and while deployed.

A memorial service will be held at the Fort Bragg, N.C., Division Memorial Chapel on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 8 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Frederick, 116 E. Second St. Interment will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Arlington National Cemetery, which family and friends are invited to attend.

The Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 East Church Street, Frederick is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.keeneybasford.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations should be made to the John Ryan Dennison Scholarship Fund, c/o The Community Foundation of Frederick County, 312 E. Church St., Frederick MD 21701.

Ed Note: Also in Captain Dennison's graduating class at West Point: 1st Lt. Robert Seidel III

Also writing/remembering Captain Dennison: Political Cortex
Read the notice at the West Point site.
The Patriot Guard Riders will also be present.