“I’d tell you what I think of Donald Trump but they told me I can’t say that word on TV.I’ll use an army word. FUBAR. If you don’t know the word, google it,” Ryan said.
Ryan is the only West Point alumnus to represent the institution in Congress. His district encompasses all of Orange County and parts of Ulster and Dutchess counties. Drawing from his personal experience and the military academy in his area, he highlighted his service in the Iraq War, where he worked as an intelligence officer for 27 months.
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Representative Ryan focuses on veteran affairs. This summer, he initiated a program sending caseworkers in a van to assist veterans and their families in his district with obtaining government benefits and services.
Ryan was chosen to speak on Wednesday, giving him significant visibility on the convention’s final night. Other New York Democrats who spoke at the convention included Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Tuesday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Wednesday, and Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday.
A native of Ulster County, Ryan completed his education at West Point in 2004. The Democratic National Convention provided him an opportunity to share his experiences and legislative priorities concerning veterans’ issues.