Ryan G. Groves exemplifies the highest standards of service, leadership, and community impact, making him an exceptional candidate for the Veteran of the Year Award. With more than 23 years of distinguished military service, culminating as a decorated Warrant Officer, Ryan’s record includes a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, multiple deployments, and recognition as a Top 40 Under 40 Military Awardee. His operational expertise spanned targeting, intelligence, artillery, and multinational training, where he authored publications that continue to influence joint operations today.
Since transitioning from active duty, Ryan has carried his commitment to service into every aspect of his civilian life. He currently serves as Superintendent of Vicksburg National Military Park, where he leads teams, stabilizes critical operations, and strengthens partnerships that protect nationally significant public lands. His leadership earned him the 2022 Veteran Employee of the Year Award and selection for the prestigious Ron Walker Leadership Program.
Ryan’s impact extends far beyond his professional role. He is an active volunteer with the Warrior Bonfire Program, serving as a team lead for support events benefiting combat-wounded veterans. He coaches transitioning service members through Hire Heroes USA and serves as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 88 in Clinton, Mississippi, mentoring youth in leadership, service, and character.
Ryan embodies resilience and integrity, transforming personal experiences with combat injury, PTSD, and TBI into advocacy for trauma-informed public service. His ongoing graduate work in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management further demonstrates his dedication to improving community well-being through recreation, nature-based healing, and inclusive leadership.
Through his continued service, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to others, Ryan Groves represents the very best of the veteran community and the spirit of this award.
My journey has been shaped by service, recovery, and the responsibility to help others move forward. After being wounded in combat, I had to learn how to carry that experience while still building a life of purpose, peace, and connection. One of the most meaningful milestones in my journey has been serving as a Warrior Bonfire Program group leader. Through that role, I have had the privilege of helping other combat-wounded veterans reconnect with each other, find moments of joy, and experience the same sense of peace that helped me heal. Those relationships have reminded me that recovery is not something we are meant to do alone. I have also continued serving through the National Park Service, AmeriCorps, scouting, and veteran support programs. These experiences have shaped the way I lead, serve, and invest in others. For me, service did not end after the military. It simply changed form.
Ryan G. Groves is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Three and combat-wounded veteran with more than 22 years of service. After a career built on sacrifice, leadership, and mission-focused service, Ryan continues to serve through the National Park Service, where he has held leadership roles in park operations, administration, budgeting, project management, and workforce development. Ryan has helped lead complex park operations, support multi-million-dollar infrastructure and preservation projects, and build strong partnerships across federal, state, local, and nonprofit organizations. His work reflects a commitment to protecting public lands, strengthening teams, and improving the visitor experience for future generations. His accomplishments include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and the NPS Ron Walker Leadership Award. He is also a Clemson master’s student, Warrior Bonfire Program group leader, assistant scoutmaster, and volunteer dedicated to helping veterans, families, and communities move forward.
