HANSCOM AFB, Mass. — Hanscom Federal Credit Union has named Sgt. Ryan D. Jallad, U.S. Army, as its third Heroes Among Us honoree in 2018.
Sgt. Jallad was honored at a Lowell Spinners game played against the Vermont Lake Monsters, where he met some of the players, threw the first pitch, enjoyed some summertime food at The Home Plate BBQ, and watched the Spinners win from a prime spot at LeLacheur Park.
Jallad, who was born and raised in Lowell, Mass., joined the U.S. Army in 2015 after receiving his bachelor’s degree in biology from Wake Forest University. He’s an Animal Care Specialist in the Army, and serves as NCOIC of two veterinary clinics, one on the Naval Submarine Base in Groton, CT, and the other in Newport, RI. On the weekends, he volunteers at an organization called VETS that provides equine therapy to active and retired members of the armed forces. When he has any free time, he returns home to Tewksbury, Mass., to visit and assist his mother with anything she needs.
“Ryan is the epitome of what it means to be a military hero,” said his girlfriend, Delina Auciello, who nominated him for the award. “Not only through his service and dedication to the veterinary corps of the armed forces, but also to his family and fellow soldiers. He is so deserving of this honor.”
Paul Marotta, Hanscom FCU’s chairman of the board, agreed, saying, “I admire Sergeant Jallad for his sense of duty toward both his country and his family, not to mention the compassion and care he shows to the Military Working Dogs and other animals that are also on the front lines of serving our country. It’s clear from his background that this young soldier has a bright future ahead of him. We’re honored to name him a Hero Among Us.”