Brief Homecoming For Soldier — a Former City Councilman — After Tour in Iraq

Lt. Ryan Demro, a former Ward 2 Lakewood city councilman and candidate for mayor, recently returned from a tour of Iraq.

But he won't be staying too long.

Following a homecoming party at the Women’s Pavillion, Demro said he took a long, hard look at his options for employment and residency.

He accepted a job teaching high school courses at a Columbus charter school, managed by the Academy for Urban Solutions.

Demro said he has a network of friends in Gahanna, OH, and added that he will live there and commute to his teaching job beginning in September.

Still an active member of the Army Reserves, Demro said he has no plans to leave for another tour — even though he could be eligible in 2016.

“As an officer, there really isn’t a firm date of discharge," he said. “It’s actually more work to get out than it is to get back in.”

Demro said he is proud of his military service, and has enjoyed the experience.

“The Army’s been a good experience," he said. "I really enjoy being a bridge between civilians and the military.”

Plans to return to Lakewood?

“If it makes sense – but right now I plan to focus on my current position.”

Demro also said he would give serious consideration to getting involved in local politics in Gahanna, but “still need to learn his way around the city” and in the short-term, Demro said he is focusing on moving into his Gahanna apartment and getting internet access set up.