#003 - Ryan Blackwell

Survivor of Pensacola NAS Terrorist Attack | Awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for Heroism & Purple Heart | Owner of Well Trained Elite

Ryan Blackwell was raised in North Carolina, in a household where structure and hard work were valued. At an early age, Ryan showed interest in wrestling and grew to devote much of his time and hard work into that sport. After graduating college, Ryan began to show interest in joining the Navy, just like his father. Soon after enlisting, he found himself in BUDS, the precursor school for becoming a Navy SEAL. Unfortunately, Ryan was dropped from the pipeline and decided to report to Pensacola, FL for airman school. He was eventually deemed medically unfit to continue in the Navy and was due to be medically retired. While awaiting his medical retirement, Ryan was working in an administrative position at Naval Aviation Schools Command, working with the International Military Training Office. 

On December 6th, 2019, Ryan Blackwell reported to work just like any other day. However, he found himself in the middle of the first terrorist attack on US soil by a foreign national since September 11th. Ryan sustained 6 gunshot wounds and continued to care for others while on the brink of death. Ryan had months of intense recovery, but leaned on his tough mentality to push on and accomplish great things despite his circumstances. 

Ryan is now the proud owner of Well Trained, a wrestling establishment for kids in the Gulf Breeze, FL area. He uses his experiences to teach kids that their mentality and their hard work are the keys to overcoming any challenges they may face. To learn more about Ryan Blackwells's endeavors, visit the links below:

Go Fund Me: https://gofund.me/b15afb83

Website: www.welltrainedelite.com

Instagram: @welltrainedelite