Monroe business starts fund raiser to support family of Marine injured in Iraq

MONROE-Starting May 21, American Self Defense in Monroe will draw a 50/50 raffle every Friday night, with half the money raised going to the family of a U.S. Marine shot in the head by a sniper in Iraq. The Marine, Cpl. Eddie Ryan, is the 21-year-old son of Chris Ryan of Kerhonkson, who has been a kick box instructor at American Self Defense for a number of years. Like his son, Chris Ryan served in the Marines. His son, a member of Scout Sniper Platoon, Unit 32, who arrived in Iraq in February, was wounded April 13 in an engagement outside of Bagdad, according to family friend, Russ Ferdico of Central Valley. When the military relocated the young Marine to a hospital in Maryland, his father quit his job as a heavy equipment operator in New York City to be at his side. He remains there today with his son in a semi-conscious state. The older Ryan told Ferdico that his son was shot twice - in the eye and in the head. His platoon took other casualties as the Marines gathered around Ryan to shield him from further injury, Ferdico recalled the Marine's father telling him. "His doctors all agree that they have never seen a fatally wounded Marine live through such severe damage and they estimate it will take years for Eddie to partially recover if at all," Ferdico said. "His father is a heavy equipment operator and works hard to support his family. Chris, however, did what any father would do under these circumstances and left the job site to be with his son in Maryland. As a result, he is no longer bringing home the money his family depends on. "Chris Ryan is not only my friend, he is my kick boxing instructor at American Self Defense," Ferdico added. "He is also a proud man and would never ask for help. Ed McLaughlin, the owner of the gym, and I are trying to raise money for Chris and his family to help them through this devastating time." Tickets are $5 each. All proceeds will go directly to the Ryan family. The raffle will be held every Friday until Ryan and his son come home.. If you would like to help out you can either stop by the gym any day between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. or mail your contribution with your name and phone number to: American Self Defense, 9 Fairway Drive, Monroe, N.Y. 10950. The phone number is: 783-8055.