This is one of my absolute favorite pictures. I am the goofball in the boonie cap and that lady next to me with the scowl is one of my daughters. This was our first time seeing Universal Studios as a family. Five of the girls pictured here are my daughters, my niece, and my nephew. My wife was behind the camera.
I am Dr. Ryan Rogers, a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Foster Dad, and Godfather. I absolutely love the outdoors and will take any opportunity to hunt. It is not uncommon for me to have gatherings at my house, where I love smoking meat for everyone to enjoy. I also enjoy scuba diving and would spend most of my time underwater if I could. I love going to the professional games of my favorite teams, the Chicago Bears and the St. Louis Cardinals, and have always wanted to see a Chicago Bulls game in person.
I joined the United States Army directly out of high school. While in the Army, I served in several countries and US duty stations. In mid-2003, I deployed to Iraq to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this deployment, I was injured and could no longer serve in the Infantry. I returned home and began a successful construction company specializing in residential and commercial remodeling until 2010 when a downturn in the economy and my health made it impossible for him to continue down this path.
I joined the Veterans Administration’s Vocational Rehabilitation program, which helped me to change career paths. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Business, emphasizing Human Resources. I completed my Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2015 and a Doctorate in Human Services (DHS) in 2021. My study topic was ‘Suicidality Among Military Members/Veterans and the Root Causes. I have training in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Safe Talk, and Mental Health First Aid; I have become a mental health advocate who empowers veterans, first responders, and caregivers with the skills to make impactful changes in their lives and with those they serve.
I am the President and CEO of Arise Veteran Foundation and Double R Veteran Enterprises. Arise Veteran Foundation takes a whole-person approach to rehabilitating veterans and moving them from surviving to thriving. Double R Veteran Enterprises is a consultancy firm that helps other organizations and empowers veterans through meaningful employment opportunities.