02/09/2023
The El Monte Police Department Received a special visit from:
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Sergeant First Class Ryan Davis who is a decorated special operations US Army Airborne Ranger, and combat veteran.
In 2019 he was tested beyond what even doctors thought would be a 15-20% chance of survival. While deployed to Afghanistan, he caught the wrong end of a gr***de battle, resulting in the loss of both legs, and his right arm.
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As Ryan laid in a ditch, wondering how he would survive, a rescue attempt was underway. As the âcas-evac birdâ (helicopter) arrived, it was shot down, and it almost broke Ryanâs will to survive.
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Ryan was forced to reflect in his life and he believed; âThat was it. I kind of saw my wife crying at my funeral, and my son growing up without a dad. I thought welp, that didnât look great, Iâll stick around. Watch this. Itâs gonna happen. Iâm gonna see it with my eyes⌠and he (death) never came for me that night.â
While in the battle field, Ryan was treated by âROLO,â a procedure used by one soldier to transfer his own blood to a seriously wounded soldier which kept Ryan alive.
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Over the following four days, it took 3 military aircraft, 18 medical personnel, and 26 gallons of blood to safely return Ryan home. After 7 days of surgeries, Ryan was given a 15-20% chance of survival. His wife Asia told him as he laid on the hospital bed, âYou know, I love you.â His eyes opened for the first time. The nurse told Asia, âIâve never seen that before.â
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Ryan says, âWithout Asia, there would have been so much tumultuous unknown that I would have had to work through by myself. Sheâs been tough this whole time, and you need tough if youâre going to go through something like this.â
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Ryan has since joined forces with âPooler Karate,â located in Pooler, Georgia. Ryan is forced to find a way to fight, stay in shape, and learn how to overcome new obstacles. Ryan, who is missing two legs, an arm, can still do Jiu-Jitsu.
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Ryanâs visit to the El Monte Police Department was a humbling and inspirational experience.
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On behalf of the City of El Monte Police Department and El Monte Police Officerâs Association, we thank Ryan for his service and we Thank all Military Veterans who have served.