Life in the 101st Airborne Division
October 14, 2023 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Join us for a special program about “Life in the 101st Airborne Division of the US Army” with Command Sergeant Major Larry Ryles.
CSM Larry Ryles entered the U.S. Army in November 1968 and retired November 1993, having served 25 years. CSM Ryles tours of duty included Viet Nam, Korea (3 tours), Germany, Zaire, Honduras, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Panama and several stateside assignments.
CSM Ryles awards and decorations include Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (2 awards), Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (9th award), Army Commendation Medal (7th award) Meritorious Service Medal (4th award) Humanitarian Service Medal and many others. He also has Airborne, Air Assault, and Aircraft Crew member badges.
CSM Ryles has served in multiple leadership positions, culminating as Command Sargent Major 101st Airborne Division.
Since retirement from the Army CSM Ryles has retired as the National Sales Director of the Military Marketing Division of Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company.
CSM Ryles has served the Park Ridge Community in multiple positions. He served as Distinguished President of Park Ridge Kiwanis, Distinguished Lt. Governor Division 12 Kiwanis, two State Illinois/Iowa Kiwanis Boards, Board of Directors Center of Concern (8 years)D64 Board of Education (6 years), Planning & Zoning Commission, Chiefs Advisory Council, Community Advisory Council, Boy Scouts Troop 50, VFW, American Legion and Friends of the Library.
In November 2011 CSM Ryles was named Illinois Hometown Hero and in 2016 CSM Ryles was inducted into the Quartermaster Branch of the Army Hall of Fame.
CSM Ryles is married to Elizabeth (Betchel) Ryles and they have two children Benjamin and Sarah Ryles.
Come early and tour the History Center before our program begins.
Admission is free but space is limited, please RSVP to Event Director – Liz Ryles at 847-380-9092
