Commissioner Nikki Fried Announces May Veteran of the Month, Senior Airman Ryan Bauer

Tallahassee, Fla. — Yesterday, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, announced Senior Airman Ryan Bauer of Tallahassee, as the May selection for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Veteran of the Month. The Veteran of the Month program, established by Commissioner Fried shortly after taking office, recognizes veterans who have excelled in service to fellow Floridians and honors the contributions that the men and women in uniform have made to our state. 

“It is an honor to recognize Senior Airman Ryan Bauer as the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ May Veteran of the Month for his service to our nation and dedication to his fellow student veterans through his service as President of the Florida State University Collegiate Veterans Association,” stated Commissioner Fried. “We are proud of Senior Airman Bauer in his efforts to improve college experiences for his fellow veterans.”

Background: Senior Airman Ryan Bauer is an Air Force veteran and an MBA candidate at the Florida State University Business School. In the Air Force, he served as a F-15E Strike Eagle Crew Chief stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base in southwestern Idaho. In this capacity, he led a five-person team that maintained Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle jet fighters to be ready to fly at a moment’s notice so that they can conduct military missions.

Photos of Senior Airman Ryan Bauer are available for download here.

In the Air Force he deployed to Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. During this deployment, the fighter jets that he maintained provided air support for ground troops in various combat zones throughout the region. Upon returning back to the United States, he focused on his education and took advantage of the Air Force’s tuition assistance plan to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. After leaving the Air Force in 2017 he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University and is currently an MBA candidate at Florida State Business School. Additionally, Bauer serves as President of the Florida State University Collegiate Veterans Association where he advocates for his fellow student veterans among the Florida State student body.

Bauer’s military awards include the Air Force Achievement Medal, and the 366 Equipment Maintenance Squadron Airman of the Quarter, and the 366 Maintenance Group Airman of the Quarter awards.

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