When Ryan Talbot was a child, he often wore army fatigues while playing with his brothers in the yard. Long before he wore an official uniform, he knew exactly what he wanted—to serve his country. After the attacks on September 11, that childhood dream became his mission.
“He didn’t ask permission—Following graduation from Red Bank Catholic he just enlisted,” says his brother Paul Talbot. “My mom tried to talk him out of it all summer, but Ryan was 18, and he was all in. That was it.”
Ryan’s military service began at Fort Knox, continued in Germany, and eventually took him to Iraq, where he served during a critical chapter of the war. He was stationed in high-risk areas, carrying out patrols and assignments under intense pressure. His experience, like that of so many others, left lasting emotional wounds.
“He experienced things most of us will never fully understand,” Paul says. “But he was always brave—he wanted to help people, no matter the cost.”
When Ryan returned home locally, he found himself grappling with the emotional aftermath of his service. He showed signs of post-traumatic stress and struggled to fully adjust to life back in the States. Everyday settings felt unfamiliar and, at times, overwhelming.
“They didn’t really help them prepare to come home,” Paul says. “There wasn’t a real system in place to support their mental health. It was more like, ‘Thanks for your service,’ and that was it.”
Despite the challenges, Ryan remained committed to serving in any way he could. He worked as a military contractor overseas and later volunteered his time and skills to support those in conflict zones, including a humanitarian mission in Ukraine.
Eventually, Ryan returned to the U.S., hoping to heal and find peace. He reached out for help and even admitted himself into a care facility. But like many veterans, he faced gaps in the system. Resources were limited, and response times were slow.
“He was trying,” Paul says. “He asked for help. He didn’t use the exact words, but he made it clear he was struggling. Unfortunately, those signals weren’t picked up in time.”
It’s been nearly three years since his passing. Ryan died in August 2022 at 38. His family remembers him not only as a soldier, but as a caring brother, a determined fighter and someone who always wanted to make a difference
A Legacy of Advocacy
Ryan’s story is not an isolated one. While national efforts to address this crisis exist, Paul believes personal connection and community support are equally important.
“The VA is a massive system, but in the end, it’s the people who make the difference,” Paul says. “There was a receptionist at Ryan’s clinic who always encouraged him to keep going. She saw him. And that mattered.”
Today, the Talbot family shares Ryan’s story not to dwell on his struggle, but to remind others that they are not alone—and that help is out there.
“Don’t wait to speak up,” Paul says. “If you’re a veteran or know one, keep showing up. Keep asking. Keep reaching out.”
In Ryan’s honor, the Talbots now support organizations like Soldier On, which provided care and community in his final months. They encourage others to support similar nonprofits that offer mental health care, housing assistance, and ongoing outreach for veterans in need.
“Ryan wanted to help people,” Paul says. “So now, we’re doing that for him.”
How You Can Help
If Ryan’s story moves you, consider supporting or referring veterans to these resources:
- Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 (press 1), or text 838255
- Soldier On: www.wesoldieron.org
- Rutgers Vet2Vet NJ Hotline: 1-866-838-7654
- Wounded Warrior Project: woundedwarriorproject.org
- Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, VFW – Local chapters available
- Give an Hour – Free mental health support for veterans
Ryan Talbot served with honor, courage, and a deep love for his country. His loss is a solemn reminder that while some battles end overseas, others begin the moment our heroes return home.
Let his story not only be remembered—but be a turning point for another veteran still fighting.