Ryan Parent

Marine Corps Veteran, Firefighter, and Community Advocate

Ryan Parent joined the Marine Corps in 2003 and quickly completed his boot camp, combat, and communications training. After finishing his initial training, he received orders to report to the Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 in North Carolina. In 2005, Ryan augmented to Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 and deployed to Iraq, where he served a seven-month tour. After returning from Iraq, Ryan was stationed at the Marine Corps Headquarters in Quantico, VA, where he served until 2011 before transitioning to the reserves.

Military Service and Accomplishments

As a Reserve Marine, Ryan served in several key roles. His first Reserve unit was with 4th Supply Battalion in Newport News, VA, where he worked as the Battalion Data Chief. After the unit was decommissioned, Ryan transferred to Combat Logistics Battalion 25 in Red Bank, NJ, and then to Marine Air Control Squadron 24 in Virginia Beach, where he served as Battalion Communications Chief. Over the course of his military career, Ryan earned several accolades, including three Good Conduct Awards, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for life-saving actions, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Iraqi Campaign Medal for his deployment in 2005 to Al Asad, Iraq.

Transition to Firefighting and Community Service

After leaving active duty, Ryan played and coached professional baseball for four years in Independent Leagues while also working in IT during the offseason. His true passion, however, was firefighting. Ryan had dreamed of becoming a firefighter since childhood. In 2011, he began his career in the Volunteer Fire Service in Ladysmith, VA. He earned his required certifications and transitioned into a full-time Firefighter/EMT for Caroline County.

Ryan’s commitment to his community extends far beyond his role as a firefighter. He has coached high school baseball and little league teams and co-founded the National Capital Region Military Hockey team in 2007. The team plays to raise funds for charitable causes, including Toys for Tots, food drives, and blood drives. Additionally, Ryan was chosen by the Washington Capitals to serve as the head coach for a charity hockey team made up of Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard players. The team faces off annually against an Army/Air Force team to benefit veteran organizations. Ryan also volunteers for Wounded Warriors, works to assist homeless veterans, and serves as a Volunteer Firefighter in Stafford County.

Honoring Ryan Parent

Loan Officer Kimberly Thagholm from ALCOVA’s Locust Grove Branch had the honor of presenting Ryan with the Hometown Hero award. She visited Ryan and his family at the firehouse, recognizing his extraordinary service to both his country and community.

Pictured left to right: Loan Officer Kim Thagholm, daughter Anna, wife Esther, Ryan Parent, and son Gabriel