Ryan Groves, a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Three and current master’s student in parks, recreation and tourism management (PRTM), was recently recognized as the 2026 Military Friendly® National Veteran of the Year. With over 23 years of military service, Groves continues to serve with veteran organizations while also supporting civilians through a full-time role with the National Park Service.
Attributing his leadership to the skills he’s learned over a lifetime of service, Clemson’s online program provides Groves an opportunity to build on his military and civilian experience while continuing his education and professional development.
Groves signed up for the Army National Guard in high school through a split-option program in 1997, which divides training into two summers for enlistees. He completed basic combat training during the summer of his junior year and concluded the following summer with advanced individual training.
While looking for work during his first semester at John A. Logan Community College in Illinois, Groves interviewed for a position with the Illinois state park system. There, a ranger suggested he join the Army to gain more experience. Following the interview, Groves spoke with an active-duty Army recruiter and left college before completing his first semester. The military took him on deployments to Germany, Kosovo, Iraq, Korea, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates with responsibilities in field artillery, targeting, operations, training and leadership.
Throughout his military career, Groves continued pursuing his education. He enrolled at American Military University, which offered the flexibility needed to balance coursework with military assignments and deployments. He recalls completing assignments online while on operational deployment in Dubai. Groves eventually earned his bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Groves spent 13 years as a warrant officer, which he describes as “technical experts who use their knowledge and experience to advise commanders and support military operations.” While they’re not always visible, their impact on operations is significant. Groves was recognized for his military accomplishments with a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal.
Following retirement, Groves began a career as an administrative officer at Vicksburg National Military Park and Cemetery in Mississippi, which he describes as a “dream come true.” In his role, he supports park operations, manages resources and helps preserve historic properties.
In 2024, Groves attended Clemson’s Ron Walker Leadership Development Program, which he says “renewed his interest in graduate education.”
After researching his educational benefits, working with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and consulting with Clemson’s Online Programs Coordinator Erica King, Groves enrolled in the PRTM (non-thesis) master’s program. The program has allowed him to connect military leadership experience with his current responsibilities while learning from classmates of different professional backgrounds.
Outside of his park service career, Groves volunteers with several veteran organizations including Hire Heroes USA and the Warrior Bonfire Program. He credits Clemson for many of the ideas and projects he has worked on through his professional work and volunteer service.
This past year, Groves was named Mississippi’s Military Friendly® Veteran of the Year prior to receiving the national recognition.
“This recognition may have my name on it, but it reflects the mentors, leaders, family members, veterans, coworkers and communities who have invested in me throughout my journey,” says Groves. “People challenged me, believed in me, trusted me, mentored me and gave me opportunities to grow. Part of my responsibility now is to do the same for others.”
Groves, who currently resides in Clinton, Mississippi, will be attending Clemson’s December 17 Winter Commencement ceremony alongside his daughter. He plans to continue working in the National Park Service and supporting veterans through his volunteer work.
