Ryan Voltin

U.S. Marine Corps
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

Ryan Voltin was born in Springfield, Oregon, the fourth of five children, and grew up in the small town of Lyons, Oregon.  In 2002, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in History.  While at Oregon State, Ryan met Pam and they were married in July of 2004.  Upon completion of Naval Aviation Training in Corpus Christi, TX, and Pensacola, FL, Ryan was designated an AH-1W Cobra helicopter pilot in May of 2005.  He deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in January 2007.  On May 25th, 2007, while conducting a series of live fire combat training exercises in the country of Jordan, Ryan’s aircraft was directly hit by friendly fire while sitting on the ground.  He sustained severe third degree burns to his arms, hands, head, and face, as well as multiple fractures to his left hand, and the amputation of his left leg below the knee.  After enduring over 3 years of recovery at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, Ryan was medically retired from the Marine Corps in October 2010.  He returned to flying in a civilian capacity, first as a student and then as an instructor at a flight school. 

In August 2012, Ryan was hired as an Air Interdiction Agent with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.  Ryan and Pam currently reside in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico with their children, Maya (11), Noah (9), and Hope (6).  Their daughter, Jaida (21), attends college at Oregon State University.

Ryan has consistently drawn strength from his family and his faith, especially while they have navigated their road to recovery since Ryan’s injury.  Through Pam, in particular, he has found healing and restoration in a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Ryan enjoys spending his free time with his family, whether it be movie night at home or a day at the beach.