(Crookston, Minn.)- As we honor our country's veterans on Veteran's Day, the University of Minnesota, Crookston Baseball program would like to honor one of its own. Ryan Pauly (Jr, U, Osseo, Minn.) is a former Marine who is still in the inactive ready reserve after completing his four year active service commitment.

Pauly enlisted in the Marine Corps in January of 2002 after September 11. He graduated from recruit training in March of 2003 as the Company Honorman and received meritorious promotion to Lance Corporal. Pauly was attached to Delta Company, Third Amphibious Assault Battalion, First Marine Division where he served as an amphibious assault vehicle mechanic. He was promoted to Corporal in June 2004 and Sergeant in August 2005. Pauly was deployed twice to Okinawa, Japan attached to the Combat Assault Battalion, Third Marine Division. He served as platoon maintenance chief and was responsible for $24.4 million worth of vehicles.

Pauly has received numerous awards and commendations including the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons and two certificates of commendation. He is also a two-time rifle expert, has his first class Water Survival Qualification and his Gray Belt in the Marine Corps Martial Arts program. He is proud the United States Marine Corps will celebrate its 234th anniversary on Tuesday.

"Having a young man of Ryan's quality and background in our program is a tremendous honor," says Golden Eagle Head Baseball Coach Chris Vito. "Everything that we hold as important in our program such as class, integrity and service, Ryan epitomizes all of these qualities with his selfless service to our country."

A 2002 graduate of Osseo High School, Pauly was named All-Northwest Suburban Conference Honorable Mention. He served as team captain his senior year. Pauly transferred to the University of Minnesota, Crookston after two years at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, Minn. He was named All-Central Division and served as team captain. Pauly is majoring in natural resources laws enforcement at the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics Web site at http://www.goldeneaglesports.com/.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).

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