Sergeant Ryan J. Hopkins served in the Army as a Motor Transportation Operator assigned to the 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, CO. While deployed to Iraq, he was severely burned in a motor pool accident. He beat the odds of his initial injury and faced his healing challenges bravely, but ultimately passed due to complications of his burns.

Ryan had an outgoing, charismatic, and optimistic character. He had a joking and humorous manor most of the time but knew when to be serious. Hopkins welcomed the additional responsibilities of a junior NCO, following orders, challenging his leadership while maintaining their respect.

Apart from being a soldier, Ryan was brave. He was smart, talented and confident. He excelled at any sport on a board and loved to skate. He accepted the challenges of his burn injuries and faced the world as he was.