While serving in the military, he was an UH-60 tactical transport helicopter repairer.  He was stationed in Fort Hood Texas, as a part of F Co. 277 1st Calvary division Aviation intermediate maintenance company, forward support platoon, from 1994-1997.

From there, he was stationed overseas, in Giebelstadt Germany, as part of C Co. 158, 12th Aviation Brigade of 5th corp, 3rd platoon.  Serving as Crew Chief/ mechanic/ gunner.  While there, he participated in operation K-FOR (Kosovo stabilization force) in Balkans, along with numerous training missions throughout Europe and Tunisia Africa, from 1997-2000. 

From there, he was stationed back stateside, assigned to National Training Center A Co. Barstow Daggett.  Serving as a Crew Chief/ mechanic/ gunner.  Helping training the majority of the nations army in dessert warfare.  While there, performed countless VIP and general support operations, along with numerous NASA missions supporting space shuttle recovery at Edwards Air Force Base, from 2000-2002.

From there, he was stationed back overseas to Schofield Barracks in Hawaii as part of C Co.1-25 Aviation Black sheep, then reassigned to A Co. Blackjacks, 2nd flight, 2nd battalion 25th infantry Division (LIGHT), Wheeler Army Airfield.  While there, performed numerous training missions throughout the Hawaiian island chain (Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the Big Island) then in April 2004, deployed to Kandahar, the southern province of Afghanistan, where he flew over 500 combat flight hours and countless missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  After a year in Afghanistan, he returned home to his station in Hawaii.  Soon after his time in the military ended.  Ryan Served a total of 11 years, 4 months and 2 days.

Then he returned to his home of record, the Tule River Indian Reservation with is family Jade Allen, and his two daughters, soon to be 6 year old Kea, and 15 month old Lily, with one more on the way due in July 2006.  Wanting to give back to the community that supported him throughout his military experience, he put his name in the hat for the Tribal Council.  To his surprise, he was chosen to sit on the council.

Through all my past experiences, serving our Nation has given me great pride and honor, but it does not compare to the gratification I get , being able to server our people.

Ryan M. Garfield 

Decorations, Medals, Badges, Citations and Campaign Ribbons:

Overseas Service Bars (2nd award): 

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Air  Medal (4th Award):

Army Achievement Medal (5th Award)

Army Commendation Medal (4th Award):

Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award)

National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award)

Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon

Army Service Ribbon

Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award)

Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Pistol Bar

Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification with Rifle Bar

Marksman Marksmanship Qualification with Grenade Bar

Senior Aviation Badge

Afghanistan Campaign Medal