County resident awarded Pat Tillman Scholarship

San Juan County resident Ryan Benally has been awarded the prestigious Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship.
Benally is one of 60 scholarship winners among thousands of applicants nationwide.
Benally’s online profile for the scholarship reflects on his time in Iraq. He never thought his enlistment into the U.S. Marine Corps would take him to the far reaches of the planet to serve his country and protect his countrymen abroad. 
Ryan served with the Marine Corps for four years, including two deployments to Iraq.
He grew to appreciate the freedoms of Americans and unwavering support of family and friends. Mission after mission turned into tense combat situations with fellow Marines.
These events taught him how effective training can turn the tide with prudent planning and instruction.
Upon exiting active duty, he earned a bachelor’s degree in financial management.
Ryan is continuing his education in a master’s program in construction management and technology at Arizona State University.
He intends to use his education to build a better community.