Ryan Donovan Hulon

Ryan Hulon was born in Southern California, but spent most of his life growing up in the Central Valley of California. He is survived by his loving wife, Ilene Hulon; his beloved daughter Logan Hulon; his beloved son Chase Hulon; his beloved son Jett Hulon, two loving step sons, Gage Vath and Ginus Vath, as well as numerous friends that were more like family to Ryan. He had a very close relationship with his parents, Cynthia and Paul Powelson, and was a dedicated and loving son to them for many years. Ryan was an extremely dedicated father, he loved his children tremendously and took every possible opportunity to show them that true love! Ryan had an unmatched passion for life, always seeking exciting experiences, many times in nature settings such as swimming in rivers, taking his kids on fun adventures, and traveling to many other places to see everything he could see!

Ryan was a dreamer and a lover of all things worthy, and even some unworthy. Ryan had a huge heart, always looking out for those in need, stopping to help the less fortunate. He even enlisted in the Marine Corps when he was only seventeen to go fight for our freedoms he so passionately enjoyed. Ryan won numerous awards wrestling in High School, he was an avid athlete and remained athletically driven throughout his entire life. Ryan loved riding his motorcycle, and welcomed the excitement and bravery that came along with it.

Ryan Hulon enlisted into the US Marine Corps on July 13, 1999. He attended boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Ca and then transferred to Infantry Training Battalion, Camp Pendleton, Ca. He was awarded the military occupational specialty of 0311/Infantryman. After Infantry School, Ryan attended Marine Security Force School and was sent to his first duty station in Bahrain. After his first tour of duty, he was reassigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, CA and was assigned to the Battalions Scout Sniper platoon. While serving as a scout sniper, Ryan attended and graduated from the 1st Marine Division Scout Sniper School, 1st Special Operations Training Group Urban Sniper course and 1st Special Operations Training Group Urban Reconnaissance and Surveillance course.

Ryan completed two deployments with his sniper platoon. His first deployment was in 2002 where he was sent to Africa and the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During this deployment, Ryan and his unit were sent to Failaka Island in the Persian Gulf. It was during this time that he survived a terrorist attack by Al-Qaeda. His actions on the day helped prevent further casualties and neutralized the threat to his fellow Marines. Ryan’s second deployment was to Kuwait in 2003. As part of Battalion Landing Team 3/1, Regimental Combat Team One, Ryan participated in the Invasion of Iraq. During his deployment to Iraq, Ryan participated in the battles of An-Nasiriyah, Al Kut, Al Shatra, and Baghdad. As a Scout Sniper Ryan is credited with multiple confirmed kills which saved the lives of his fellow Marines.

For his service, Ryan was awarded the following medals and citations: Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one-star, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation with one star, Navy Unit Commendation, Iraq Campaign Medal with 2 stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Marine Expeditionary Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Ryan reached the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 2003.

Ryan was extremely proud of his military career, as he should be; he was a true war hero and deserves to be honored and remembered as such. Ryan went on to eventually become a heavy equipment operator, working at numerous places, but ultimately securing a job at UPS, which he was so proud of. He had a tremendous work ethic and loved his country, his family, and his freedom truly and deeply.

Ryan Hulon will be greatly missed as he was one of the “Good Guys”, leaving an unforgettable imprint on numerous people’s lives. Ryan’s impressive legacy he left behind will always live on in the hearts of the countless people he touched. Ride in paradise Ryan and Semper Fidelis Marine. You will be painfully missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millerchapel.com for the Hulon family.