SouthernWorldwide.com – Republican congressional candidate Anthony Constantino, who has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, has pledged to donate his entire annual congressional salary of $174,000 to the family of Sgt. Eddie Ryan, a veteran who was wounded during the Iraq War. This commitment will be honored regardless of whether Constantino wins his election in New York’s 21st Congressional District.
Constantino, who also serves as the CEO of Sticker Mule, made this unexpected announcement on June 10 during a campaign event held in Queensbury, New York. He presented a handwritten note to Ryan’s family, formalizing his promise to make the donation, as reported by the local news outlet, The Daily Gazette.
Constantino expressed his hope that this gesture would serve as a symbol, encouraging more Americans to actively strive for a better future. He also aims to inspire other individuals with financial means to offer their support to American veterans.
Sgt. Ryan, a former U.S. Marine Corps sniper, sustained severe injuries in Iraq in 2005 due to friendly fire. The incident resulted in him being shot twice in the head, causing a traumatic brain injury. He now faces ongoing challenges with mobility and speech, as detailed by The Daily Gazette.
Constantino shared that he first encountered Sgt. Ryan and his family earlier this year. The meeting occurred outside a Republican Committee gathering in Warren County and, though brief, left a significant impact on him.
“Sgt. Ryan is a role model for loving America and staying positive in the face of adversity,” Constantino stated. “He was severely wounded in combat and proudly says he would do it again with a big smile.”
Ryan expressed his astonishment at Constantino’s pledge. “I’m still floored,” Ryan commented after the announcement, according to The Daily Gazette.
Constantino is currently competing against state Assembly Member Robert Smullen in the Republican primary scheduled for June 23. The winner of this primary will proceed to succeed Representative Elise Stefanik in New York’s 21st Congressional District.
He has invested millions of dollars of his personal funds into his campaign, framing the race as a battle against the established political system. Constantino believes this election presents an opportunity to enact significant positive change for the country.
“Once I saw first hand how bad the swamp that President Trump talks about so much really is, I felt I had no choice but to use my resources to fight it to create a better future for America,” Constantino remarked.
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump officially endorsed Constantino. Trump’s endorsement came after Constantino engaged in a public dispute with local officials over a large pro-Trump sign displayed at his factory. The race is to fill the seat vacated by Representative Elise Stefanik.
“It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Anthony Constantino, who is running to represent the fantastic people of New York’s 21st Congressional District,” Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social in April.
