VIDEO: Ryan Yantis, Cordova High alum and 9/11 hero, comes home
Yantis decided to come out to Cordova High School and speak to the community and youth about his account of duty, perseverance, and overcoming challenges in the face of danger.
Ryan Yantis describes the day as," just a normal day up until we learned about the first attacks in New York". Consequently, as he was heading to a meeting at the Pentagon to discuss support for New York, the plane impacted the Pentagon.
Immediately, Yantis moved towards the crash site, and showed hero-like qualities by accounting for other people, carrying out victims on stretchers, and bringing aid.
Conrade Mayer, a classmate of Ryan and also a coordinator of the Lancers Leaders and Legends program, said: "To have him and his encounters of being right there in the trenches of what went on, I thought might be valuable and informative".
During his visit, Rancho Cordova Mayor David Sander, mayor of Rancho Cordova, presented Yantis with a key the city.
Yantis continues to be a mentor to youth, sharing his experiences at Cordova High School. Matthew Haven, JROTC student at Cordova High School, said he was inspired by Yantis and said that, "it's our duty as citizens to always do our best to help fellow Americans."
VIDEO: Click here to watch the video!