CONFIRMED: IT3 Ryan Edward Blankenship, US Navy, Active Duty (68-24) 16 Mar 24
7055 US-281
Spring Branch, TX 78070
USA
US NAVY ACTIVE DUTY DEATH
The family of IT3 Ryan Edward Blankenship, a US Navy ADD, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the service and rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
IT3 Ryan Edward Blankenship, 22, an active-duty Navy sailor stationed in Newport News, Virginia, passed away on the evening of January 30, 2024. Tragically, our beloved son Ryan was involved in a fatal motorcycle collision with an SUV on his way home from his ship, the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).
Ryan was born on January 22, 2002, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Ryan had the privilege of growing up in multiple states as a military dependent but spent most of his childhood and young adult years in Texas. Ryan graduated from Canyon Lake High School in 2020 and then attended Tulsa Welding School & Technology Center in Houston, Texas, to pursue a career as a professional welder. After earning his Welding Specialist diploma in 2021, Ryan began his welding career, but shortly after that, he chose to join the United States Navy. On November 5, 2021, Ryan enlisted as an Information Systems Technician (IT). In February of the following year, Ryan departed for the Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, and began what was to become the most successful, happiest years of his bright adult life.
Anyone who spent even a few minutes with Ryan will tell you he has never met a stranger. It did not matter if you momentarily made eye contact with him, wore an outfit he liked, or stood next to a vehicle he admired; Ryan would talk to you, and, ultimately, you would become his good friend. While his size would undoubtedly get anyone’s attention, his outgoing, sociable, and loveable personality managed to precede his height. Ryan was the kind of person everyone wanted to be friends with. And if you were blessed to be his friend, he loved you hard. His giving, energetic, and charismatic character will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Ryan is survived by his mother and step-father, Laura, and Jay Campbell; father and step-mother, John, and Christine Blankenship; brother, William Blankenship; step-sister, Ava Williams; many adoring grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins; and uncountable friends.
WEATHER: Hi 67 / Lo 50, 19 % Chance of Rain, 86 % Humidity, Wind: 16 mph N
REQUESTOR: Lindsay Escher, Family SPOX
STAGING: 10:00 am, Saturday, March 16, 2024
Hillside Fellowship
7055 US-281
Spring Branch, Texas 78070
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kFGCP6FPcVLcuRcWA
BRIEFING: 10:15 am
SERVICE: 11:00 am
Hillside Fellowship
7055 US-281
Spring Branch, Texas 78070
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kFGCP6FPcVLcuRcWA
INTERMENT: At a later date
RC: Pete “Sea Dog” Johnson
pfjohn127@gmail.com
FC: Rich “Richie Rich” Pachecano
rich@pachecano.net
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers