3rd BN 2nd Marines Scout ****** Platoon Reunion

Honoring

Sergeant Eddie Ryan, Scout ******, USMC Retired

April 25-27, 2024

Springs of Change is proud to announce a very special event for one of our wounded heroes, Sgt. Eddie Ryan and the men of 3rd BN 2nd Marines Scout ****** Plt (Iraq 2005). We are bringing these men down to Florida for a platoon reunion and an **alligator & wild boar hunting adventure.

Most of these men, some of them wounded in action as well, have not seen each other in many years. This event, held at God's Country Outfitters in San Mateo, FL, will be an opportunity to re-establish bonds, experience a real Florida hunting adventure together, enjoy great food, share stories and relax in a beautiful & peaceful environment.

**The alligator & wild boar hunt will take place on private lands where these creatures pose a threat to horse & cattle operations and are removed regularly by the landowners. Wild boar are a highly invasive species and their numbers continue to grow each year costing millions of dollars in damage for property owners. Through partnerships with these landowners we can provide a unique hunting experience for our participants while removing the danger for the cattle & horses as well as thin the wild boar population. Additionally, the meat from the hunt will be donated to a local charity and distributed to those that need it most.

Back Story

In 2005 3rd BN 2nd Marines held a series of combat outposts in a highly contested area along the Syrian Border and Euphrates River. Thousands of terrorists were trying to cross over into Iraq answering the call to join the fight against the Coalition Forces and 3rd BN 2nd Marines were directly in their path. On April 13, 2005 Eddie, on his 3rd tour and assigned to the Scout ****** platoon, was grievously wounded during combat operations interdicting these terrorists. He was shot in the head twice leaving him immediately fighting for his life on the battlefield, he was 21 years old. Through the grace of God, the quick actions of his brother Marines, Eddie's strength and a mountain of prayers he survived, although with many challenges.

Today Eddie lives in the beautiful town of Lake George, NY and is surrounded by an incredibly loving family and an amazingly supportive community. One of Eddie’s dreams has always been to go on an alligator hunt and we are honored he and his family are letting us make this dream come true for him.

Eddie and the men of 3rd BN 2nd Marines did their duty, some paid a heavy price for their service and I, along with our donors and supporters, am honored to bring this event forward to express our sincere thank you for all they have done for us and this great nation.

“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For whoever sheds his blood with me, shall forever be my brother” Semper Fidelis !

Benefits of Reunions

With an average of 22 veterans dying each day by suicide and others dealing with physical & phycological challenges related to their service we must do more for those who have sacrificed so much for us. Reunions are one way to help meet the challenge of some of the issues that are affecting our veterans. These reunions allow veterans to reconnect with those they served with during some of the most harrowing times of their lives and reaffirms their commitment to each other, never alone, never left behind. Reunions have proven to have positive effects on those who attend and we are excited to bring these men together for new, positive experiences and great memories. God bless and thank you for your support, it means so much to those we serve.

DONATION REQUEST

When we first proposed the event concept to Eddie and his family we had a goal of no more than eight to ten participants in mind. After we presented the concept to the men of 3rd BN 2nd Marines ****** Platoon however our numbers more than doubled, they’re excited to see Eddie and each other again. Due to the increase in attendees our costs to bring this event forward also more than doubled. We are asking for donations to support this incredible event for this group of Marines. Below is a list of what 100% of your tax deductible donations go to.

-Guided Hunting package for over 20 participants

-All food and drinks supplied & prepared

-Accommodations in a beautiful hunting lodge and cabins.

-Airfare, gas reimbursement and other related travel costs for all participants

-RV rental to bring Eddie, his dad and support staff to Florida and back

-All hunting equipment and all ammunition provided

-Taxidermy costs for Eddie’s alligator

-Various administrative costs

*Donations collected over and above the cost of this event will be divided between our foundation supporting enduring programs for Veterans, First Responders & Gold Star Families and Eddie’s Foundation to support his ongoing needs. Thank You !!

This campaign is unpublished.

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