'Real World'-er Ryan Conklin Publishes Iraq War Memoir

By Ben Widdicombe Posted Apr 13th 2010 08:00PM

"I'm a quirky little fella," says Ryan Conklin, the wise-crackin', bromance-havin' troubadour from "Real World: Brooklyn."

But his happy-go-lucky image masks a seasoned army vet who had served two brutal tours in Iraq by the age of 24. His first tour in the war-torn country is the subject of his a new memoir, 'An Angel From Hell: Real Life on the Front Lines.'

"The title is based off the name of my [army] company, we were the Angels from Hell. That was our nickname," he told PopEater over beers at an Irish pub in New York. "It's based on my vantage point, everything I did and who I did it with. It's very honest about all my experiences, and coming home, and how I adjusted to that."

Ryan's close friend Andrew Kemple -- whose name he wears on a steel KIA bracelet around his wrist -- was killed by a sniper during that first tour. Asked if he ever had to take a life himself, he hesitates. "I like to think I didn't," he says. "There were situations that people died all around us, and in those situations you don't know if it's your bullets that're doing the damage."

Ryan is headed to Temple University this year where he plans to study film -- which may surprise 'Real World' fans used to seeing him attached to his guitar. "Music for me is a lot of fun for me and I'm afraid that if I ever take it serious I might lose the love," he said. "I can't picture myself as a musician."

Ryan is also remembered from his season for being caught in a rad bromance with fellow heterosexual Chet Cannon. But he seemed cool to my suggestion that it might make a suitable topic for his second book.

"Everyone needs their go-to guy," he said, smiling a little uncomfortably. (Maybe I shouldn't have told him I was wearing my pink sweater and even pinker polo shirt as "bromance bait"?)

But! Nosey Parkers might like to know that his actual romance, with Brooklyn castmate Baya Voce, is no more. Ryan is now dating a young lady he went to high school with in his hometown of Gettysburg, PA. Whose name is ... ?

"Don't tell him," said Ryan's PR, rousing herself from a vodka soda at the end of the bar.

Apparently, post reality TV, there are some secrets after all.

Tags: ryan conklin

Comments

(5)

Tuesday 13 April

By Spike

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Ryan, as a fellow Vet I will buy and read your book. I did not watch the show on MTV (they lost me when they lost Beavis and Butthead) but I am always interested in how my brothers deal with their expereinces. Best of luck to you Brother!

By Deano

I thank this young man for his service. How proud must your father be. Thank You Ryan and your fellow service men.

By Kevin & Tacinta

Ryan all I can say to you in all sincerity is "HOOAH"!! : )

Wednesday 14 April

By Kara Carroll

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Thank you Ryan on behalf of the citizens of our country for serving above and beyond. You have the courage and grace of a true hero. I cried when you got your re-up papers and am so glad you are home, ready to move to the next adventure of your life. I watched you on RW and laughed with you AND at you. Your reactions to the things your transgender roommate said to you during "The Talk" were absolutely hilarious!!
Love your music which is beautiful AND funny. Hmmm! Do you have a theme? If it's movies you want to do, I'll be looking for you to shine! Lookout Steven Spielberg!
God bless you Ryan.

Thursday 15 April

By Dax Odden

Why would Real World fans be "surprised" that Ryan will study film in college? He studied film in Brooklyn while on the show. His filmmaking, which featured the participation of at least one castmate/roommate, was a central storyline on the show (indeed we saw Ryan organize an exhibition of his short film). More than once during the RW season he said that his goal was to study film in college.

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