New Group Aims To Help Oklahoma Vets, Honor Those Killed In Action

Ed Murray, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The organization Pros 4 Vets is determined to help returning vets, and honor Gold Star families by remembering their loved ones who didn't make it home.

Sergeant Ryan Mitchell Wood of Oklahoma City served our country continuously for five years; 607 days in combat. He was killed, along with four of his buddies, on June 21, 2007, when an IED destroyed their vehicle. Wood's father, James Wood, said his son felt it was his patriotic duty to volunteer following Sept. 11, 2001.

"He was very angry, like most Americans were," said Wood. "But the difference was, he went and he volunteered. He could not wait to get into the Army, absolutely could not wait."

The newly-formed Pros 4 Vets organization is putting together a documentary so everyone will have a chance to know Oklahoma heroes like Sgt. Wood.

Learn more about Pros 4 Vets.

"We just want to memorialize the sacrifice that not only the loved ones of these families made, but also the families as well," Pros 4 Vets Executive Director Lauren Guhl said.

Guhl said too many Americans do not realize there is still a war going on and members of the military are being killed every day. Sgt. Wood's mother said organizations like Pros 4 Vets can help remind people about the sacrifices soldiers have made.

"To remember that Ryan lived, and he mattered, and he made a difference and he is continuing to make a difference," Sgt. Wood's mother Renee Wood-Vincent said.

Learn more about the Ryan Mitchell Wood Foundation.