Army officer follows in WWII grandfather’s footsteps

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » Ryan Jones is determined to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps, no matter how tough the going gets.

A Saratoga Springs native, he recently started Army Ranger School at Fort Benning, Ga., a 62-day ordeal that will be followed by three weeks of airborne school.

Ryan’s late grandfather, Ellsworth Jones, a fiveterm Spa City mayor from 1980-90, belonged to the famed 101st Airborne Division, nicknamed “Screaming Eagles,” during World War II.

Ryan’s parents are Tammy Jones and Matthew J. Jones, of Saratoga Springs.

“Growing up, Ryan was fascinated with my dad’s military history in World War II and Korea, particularly his experiences for his five days in Normandy commencing on D-Day and ending when he got hit at the Battle of Carentan on June 11, 1944,” Matt Jones said.

Ellsworth Jones was a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient.

Ryan, 26, a graduate of Saratoga Springs High School (2010) and Brown University (2014), joined the army at Fort Benning in May 2017, followed by 13 weeks of basic training. Then came Officer Candidate School.

He was commissioned a second lieutenant last Oct. 31.

Before heading to Ranger school, he completed infantry training at Fort Benning earlier this summer.

After airborne school, he will go to Fort Campbell, Ky. as part of the 101st Airborne Division. 2nd Lt. Ryan Jones, left, is joined by his father, Matthew J. Jones, after graduating from Officer Candidate School.

His grandfather belonged to Company G of the 101st Airborne Division’s 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment.

“After some additional training at Fort Campbell early next year, Ryan looks forward to being deployed overseas,” Matt Jones said. “I have great admiration for all who serve our country in uniform.

“They guarantee our freedom, something most of us take for granted. My son is part of that effort. I have great pride in Ryan.”

Tammy Jones said she and Matt plan to attend Ryan’s Ranger School graduation.

“I wouldn’t miss that for the world because I know how hard he’s worked to get where he is now,” she said. “When he does something he has to excel at it. It makes me want to better myself.

“I never realized how much he’s taught me as a mother, a friend and a human being. He’s such an outstanding young man. I’m his biggest cheerleader.”

PHOTO PROVIDED Ryan’s mother, Tammy, right, says her son works hard to excel at all he does so that he can be an effective leader for those around him. Ryan is currently going through Army Ranger School at Fort Benning, Ga.

PHOTO PROVIDED Late Saratoga Springs Mayor Ellsworth Jones served with the 101st Airborne Division during World War II.