Chief Warrant Officer Ryan Valdez has served with 5th Special Forces Group, Fort Campbell, Kentucky for over 22 years as a Green Beret with a Special Forces Operational Detachment – Alpha (ODA) and will have completed 29 years of service upon his retirement in June 2025. Mr. Valdez has conducted 16 combat deployments to the Middle East and his awards and decorations include the Bronze Star (4th Award), the Army Commendation Award (9th Award), the Army Achievement Award (6th Award), Meritorious Unit Citation (3rd Award), and the Army Superior Unit Award (2nd Award). Chief Valdez has held several positions while as a Green Beret, which include: Special Forces Engineer, Intelligence Sergeant, Team Sergeant, Assistant Detachment Commander, and Detachment Commander. Throughout his career, Chief Valdez has had the opportunity to work with the intelligence community, State Department, and foreign governments to support US interests. Mr. Valdez is married to his wife, Lindsay, and they have a son, Ezra (9).