Ryan Hoffman commission into the United States Army as an officer

Ryan Hoffman of West Milford was commissioned into the United States Army as an active duty second lieutenant after graduating from Boston University on May 18.

Hoffman was ranked the #1 of 29 highly competitive cadets in his graduating class and notably was ranked as the #5 Army ROTC Cadet in the entire nation.

He was awarded the Department of The Army Superior Cadet Award, the George C. Marshall Award, and the Hubbard-Lane Award in recognition for his various accomplishments.

The second lieutenant was also a Distinguished Military Graduate of the class of 2020.

Hoffman studied Electrical Engineering and was on the Dean’s List every semester during his four years at Boston University.

He consistently exceeded the maximum score on the Army Physical Fitness Test and excelled during athletic competitions and demanding field training.

Further, Hoffman was an invaluable member of the Ranger Challenge team and was the Cadet Officer in Charge of the program’s Ranger Club. He competed in 5K runs to marathons, including the Boston Athletic Club-sponsored Tough Ruck. This annual event, which coincides with the Boston Marathon, is a 26.2-mile course completed while wearing a military rucksack and raises money for the families of fallen first responders and military personnel.

“As Americans, I have always felt that we are truly lucky,” Hoffman said. “We are privileged to have the freedoms given to us. Americans, throughout history, have fought and given their lives to protect these liberties we hold dear.

“I want to be part of the new generation to defend our rights,” the officer added, “and do what I can to help those who are suffering.”

Hoffman will serve as an Infantry Officer and departs in July for the Infantry Officer Basic Course at Fort Benning, Ga.