He was almost home. But when incoming Soldiers needed someone to guide them, he volunteered for one more mission. At just 20 years old, SGT Ryan D. Jopek, Army National Guard, made a decision that would become part of his lasting legacy. Born on June 1, 1986, Ryan grew up in Merrill, Wisconsin. He loved sports and enjoyed working on his Chevy truck, affectionately named "Walter." In 2003, Ryan enlisted in the Army National Guard, eventually serving as a 19D Cavalry Scout with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Regiment, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. As his deployment in Iraq neared its end, Ryan had an opportunity to help the Soldiers arriving to take over. Rather than simply finishing his remaining time, he volunteered for an additional convoy mission to mentor the incoming troops. On August 2, 2006, near Tikrit, Iraq, an improvised explosive device (IED) struck his vehicle. SGT Ryan D. Jopek was Killed in Action at just 20 years old. For his service and sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. Ryan's story is a reminder that courage isn't always found in extraordinary moments. Sometimes, it's found in the decision to step forward when others need you, even when your own journey is nearly complete. Today, we have the Honor of remembering SGT Jopek through a Til Valhalla Project memorial plaque, ensuring his name and story continue to be shared. He volunteered for one more mission. We will continue to Honor him for generations to come. If you know a Fallen Hero whose story deserves to be remembered, you can apply for a memorial plaque at no cost to the applicant or recipient: https://mission-hub.tilvalhallaproject.com/memorial-plaque-application#step-1 Rest easy, Soldier. Til Valhalla, Brother. 🇺🇸