Ryan Del Grosso: A Journey of Resilience from Military Service to Cancer Recovery

Ryan Del Grosso embodies a spirit of resilience that's been shaped by his diverse experiences—from his upbringing in Saudi Arabia during a tumultuous time in history to his service as a commanding officer in the Air Force and his personal battle with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. His narrative is not just a story of survival, but one of consistent growth and a commitment to uplifting others.

“Fitness gives you something to draw on when life gets difficult: the experience of having worked through hard things before,” Del Grosso reflects, highlighting the role of physical training in his journey.

Military Roots and a Focus on Leadership

Del Grosso's connection to military life runs deep, nurtured by parents who served in the Air Force. Growing up in Riyadh, he was profoundly influenced by the events surrounding September 11th, 2001. These experiences ignited his passion for military service, further fueled by movies like Black Hawk Down and Into the Wild. Ultimately, he pursued an education at the United States Air Force Academy, transitioning from a rural Ohio school to a prestigious institution thanks to the mentorship of seasoned veterans.

His military training proved to be rigorous, as he went through an intensive two-and-a-half-year program to become part of the elite special tactics teams. This experience ingrained in him the importance of leadership and team cohesion, particularly under pressure. For Del Grosso, his proudest achievements were not just in tactical executions but in nurturing leadership qualities in others.

Reflecting on his time in the military, he shares, “For me, the pipeline was an education in how people become a team. I was learning to recognize individual strengths and help people develop.” His deployments took him to high-stakes regions such as Afghanistan and Eastern Europe, where he commanded teams and participated in significant operations, aiming to uplift his team members and help them achieve their goals.

Continuing Service Beyond the Uniform

Del Grosso's commitment to service extends well beyond his military tenure. After earning his degree from Harvard Business School, he engaged deeply with several charities, including Huts for Vets, which provides therapeutic outdoor retreats for veterans. Del Grosso even rose to chair the organization, illustrating his belief that community service is a continuous calling.

“Huts for Vets helped me heal, too. Being part of that community gave me a different understanding of how I could support other veterans,” he said, emphasizing the reciprocal healing nature of community involvement.

Furthermore, he co-founded IMPCT Group, a strategic advisory firm that intertwines commercial goals with social impact. Del Grosso's vision for IMPCT reflects his core values, propelling businesses that prioritize genuine purpose alongside profit.

His experience with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee as a fellow resonated with him because of the vast influence sports had on his own life. “Sports changed the course of my life,” he notes, underscoring how athletic endeavors have not only helped him forge connections but also served as a platform for his subsequent contributions.

Facing Cancer with Determination

In March 2026, Del Grosso faced a formidable challenge when diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Throughout his treatments, he fought to maintain his fitness levels, supported by a nurturing community through Be Fit, Be Well. Their understanding and encouragement were crucial during his toughest days, allowing him to push through frustration and reclaim his sense of self.

“Sometimes I just needed to push a sled and work some of that out,” he explained, highlighting the therapeutic role physical activity played during his recovery. One month after chemotherapy, Del Grosso decided to climb a 14,000-foot mountain in Colorado, which he successfully accomplished, signaling a significant personal victory. “That climb was about feeling like my body was mine again,” he stated, a testament to his determination and the role fitness played in his recovery.

Looking Ahead: Advice for Fellow Veterans

As a devoted husband and father, Del Grosso is fueled by gratitude but remains focused on the future. He’s excited about the upcoming Military World Games in the summer of 2027, where he aims to spotlight veterans' resilience and ongoing contributions to the community.

Del Grosso advises fellow veterans to approach post-service life with patience, encouraging them to explore their passions rather than feeling pressured to have all the answers immediately. His message is clear: "Take some time to think about what you want your life to be about." By engaging with communities that resonate with their values, veterans can discover new avenues for service and fulfillment.

“Give yourself the chance to find work and a community that means something to you,” he encourages, underscoring the intrinsic value of military experience in diverse contexts.

To connect with Del Grosso, follow him on LinkedIn.

M&F Senior Military Editor Rob Wilkins contributed to this article.