RDM Foundation generously donates to Rockton American Legion
The $5,000 gift will help all veterans, in memory of a Marine from Rockton.
At the 2024 Veterans Day dinner at the Rockton American Legion Post #332, Marc and Jamie Kuney of the RDM Foundation donated $5,000 to the Rockton American Legion.
Corporal Ryan Masters passed away on March 9, 2021 at the age of 28 after struggling to adjust to civilian life, after serving his country.
In his loving memory and with a mission to raise awareness of veteran suicide and to better assist Marines transitioning back to civilian life, family and friends banded together to create the RDM Foundation in Masters' name.
Ryan D. Masters spent a large part of his life in Rockton, attending Rockton Grade School, Whitman Post Elementary, Stephen Mack, and Hononegah Community High School.
Ryan was known for having a generous heart, going back to when he was in first grade. If he saw a child who needed a hat, he would give them his red hat. Today, a Red Hat Fund has been set up by the RDM board.
After high school, he went to Southwest Minnesota State University for one semester before transferring to UW Platteville for a year.
Masters is remembered for his love of sports; especially basketball, baseball and track. He had a special place in his heart for the Michigan Wolverines.
Masters loved his family, his mom Jamie, his stepdad Marc who helped raise him, his sister Gabrielle Kuney and his brother in law Peter Meitzler.
Signing up to serve in the Marines in 2014, Masters attained the rank of corporal.
Cpl. Masters finished deployments in Okinawa in 2015, 2016 and 2017: a total of two six month deployments.
Masters worked on the Delta Amphibious Assault Vehicle as a crew chief.
The first golf classic in 2022 raised over $20,000 in profits. Now a total of three golf events has allowed the RDM Foundation to expand their support of veterans and community organizations.
Since its inception the RDM Foundation has donated money and shown support to Mission 22, to the Rockton American Legion, and the Sparta Therapy Dog program.
The RDM Foundation is also aligned with Macktown Construction who donates $100 per design to the RDM Foundation.
They are also cosponsoring this year's Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos show during the Rockton Christmas Walk. Watch for the debut of the RDM Foundation float in the Lighted Christmas Parade.
Established on Oct. 13, 1932, the Rockton American Legion is part of “the nation’s largest wartime Veterans service organization.” The Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in communities while advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security and continued devotion to fellow service members and veterans.
The Rockton American Legion Post #332 plans to use funds from this donation to further help all veterans with future needs.
Anyone who has any immediate family that has served our country in the military is welcome to join the American Legion. Yearly dues are paid after approval is given. Eligible members also may qualify to receive emergency funds to help cover expenses.
