Ryan has been working on Veterans issues and casework at the federal and state level for over twenty years. His dad, four uncles and maternal grandfather were World War II veterans. His grandmother, Melinda, was a Gold Star Mother and an active member of their organization. Daniel Joseph Ryan is named after his uncles Daniel and Joe, the former a resident of the Chelsea Soldier’s Home when he passed two months before Ryan was born, having never fully recovered from injuries sustained in the Pacific Theater in WWII. The latter was killed in action following the invasion of Normandy and is buried in France.

The Chelsea Soldiers’ Home is undertaking a $300 Million build out of a State-of-the-Art long-term care facility. This facility when complete will give our men and women who served in uniform the dignified modern facility they deserve. This development was made possible through State funding with federal reimbursement, approved while Ryan served on the Veteran’s Committee.

Ryan served on the Veteran’s and Federal Affairs Committee when several iterations of the Brave Act were passed. These bills and others have collectively protected and expanded benefits earned by our beloved service members.

For his efforts, the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Legion named Ryan ‘Legislator of the Year’ in 2019. He also received The Massachusetts Veteran Services Officers ‘Legislator of the Year’ in 2018.

Although not a veteran himself, Ryan is a guest member of the Sons of the American Legion, through his activities in the Jim Conway, Bunker Hill Post 26 in Charlestown. He is also a member of the Abraham Lincoln Post, GAR no.12.