Zinke a natural leader

Ryan Zinke was a schoolmate of mine since kindergarten. He’s always been a natural leader. He helped tutor fellow students. If you were struggling with your P.E. laps, he would come back and run with you. He always encouraged us!

Ryan ran for class president and won. He displayed the same passion in football when he led the team to a state championship!

After he began his career, Ryan came back to Whitefish to speak about being a SEAL. He explained how tough his duties were as he fought for our country. By the time he finished, everyone (including adults) wanted to be just like him. His enthusiasm was addicting. Everyone was proud.

Afterward, I asked Ryan’s wife, “How do you handle being a SEAL’s wife?” With tears in her eyes she explained, “When my husband isn’t home, I turn on the TV. When I see the biggest hot spot of turmoil in the world, I know that’s where my husband is. Hopefully he’ll make it home safe.”

Ryan’s determination has always brought him home!

It’s sad that dirty politics has disregarded Ryan’s military service as if it’s irrelevant. I’ve read multiple statements “Thanks for your service Ryan, BUT…” Comments like that revive my FLU symptoms! Ryan has literally dodged bullets for the freedom we all enjoy, yet somehow his sacrifice is considered irrelevant?

Since grade school, Ryan has conquered every challenge and inspired others. Washington is a mess, but I know the bigger the challenge, the more he’ll achieve!

— Denise Luke of Whitefish