Duty calls: Time to
go back to Iraq

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

Like almost all Americans, Ryan Bowman was outraged by the terrorist attacks against the United States on Sept. 11, 2001.
Bowman soon learned how much the attack affected people, even children.
"My three-year-old nephew Ricky said, ‘Uncle Ryan, we have to get the bad guys,’" he recalled.
Ryan Bowman knew he had only one choice: to enlist in the military to get the bad guys for little Ricky.
A specialist in the U.S. Army attached to the 101st Airborne Division, he spent a month in Kuwait, then served in Iraq from February 2003 to February 2004. He was on the front lines of the infantry, taking part in raids, kicking down doors concealing insurgents, patrolling the streets and gathering intelligence.
Looking back, Bowman is proud of his unit’s performance.
"We definitely made a difference," he said. "The cities were in shambles, and we saw them being rebuilt."
After returning to Philadelphia and a welcome-home party, Bowman landed a job with Cippco Contractors Inc., based at 9325 Keystone St. in Torresdale.
The 29-year-old Mayfair resident likes the work, and his bosses are glad they made the hire.
"He’s an excellent employee," said Mercedes Cipolloni, who owns the company with her husband, Joe, and Paul DiDonato. "We always want to hire employees in the military. They have a good work ethic."
Bowman, a North Catholic High School graduate, knew he could be called back to serve his country again, but he wasn’t focused on that. He’s married to Nicole, his son Ryan Jr. turned 1 on Christmas and he has a new home on Chippendale Street — the only one with a 20-foot-high flagpole on the front lawn.
A big-time Phillies fan — he’s always wearing the team cap backward — he was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his season tickets in the mail.
Instead, four weeks ago, he received an unexpected piece of mail — orders to report for infantry training in Fort Benning, Ga., with a return trip to Iraq on the horizon.
"I’m going to do my patriotic duty," he said, acknowledging that the news was a little sudden.
Since he has to leave for Georgia on April 1, he gave notice at work that his last day would be March 13. He wanted to take a weeklong vacation to Florida, then spend a week at home getting his affairs in order and preparing for his assignment.
The Cipollonis, DiDonato and the 37 employees at Cippco wanted to do something for Bowman’s last day, so they surprised him with food and a cake. They hung red, white and blue balloons and a sign that read, "Good luck Ryan. Come home safe."
When he walked into the building after pouring concrete at a work site, his co-workers were lined up in a military formation and saluted him. The soldier saluted back.
And, knowing he was about to go on vacation, they presented him with $3,000 in Visa gift cards.
"That’s awesome," he said of the generosity.
Mercedes Cipolloni wore her fatigues jeans for the occasion.
"He’s a hometown person. He’s one of our employees. We want him to enjoy his memories and look forward to when he comes back," said Cipolloni, adding that Bowman’s job will be waiting for him when he returns.
Bowman is a popular guy among co-workers, who hosted a "guys night out" for him.
"Ryan’s a real good guy. He’s got a great attitude," said Bucky DiDonato, Paul’s dad.
Miguel Perez describes him as a funny Irishman, a family man and someone always willing to help out.
"We want to wish him a safe return," he said.
Jason DeNofa called Bowman a good worker who shows up every day.
"He’s a very likable guy, a happy-go-lucky guy. You want him with you because he brings the morale up," he said.
Bowman, his wife and son are in Florida visiting his parents. The avid Phillies fan got to see his favorite team play the New York Yankees in a spring training game on St. Patrick’s Day in Clearwater, Fla. And he visited Disney World.
In getting ready to be activated for a second tour in Iraq, Bowman thinks he’s setting a good example for Ryan Jr. and wants his family and friends to know he’ll be safe.
"I’m going to be all right," he said. "This is my job. It’s what I wanted to do."
Bowman enthusiastically supports the mission in Iraq.
"We’ve still got to keep the fight going," he said. "We can’t have America be defeated. What, are we going to have everybody leave? We shouldn’t cut and run. We should fight the terrorists there rather than in our back yard." ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com