Trump-endorsed congressional candidate pledges entire $174K salary to wounded Iraq War veteran's family

By Fox News · Fox News

Trump-endorsed Republican congressional candidate Anthony Constantino says he will donate $174,000 — the equivalent of one year’s congressional salary — to the family of Sgt. Eddie Ryan, a wounded Iraq War veteran, regardless of whether he wins his race in New York’s 21st Congressional District. Constantino, the CEO of Sticker Mule, made the surprise pledge on June 10 at a campaign event in Queensbury, New York, handing Ryan’s family a handwritten note promising the donation, according to local news outlet The Daily Gazette . "I planned to give away my entire congressional salary from day one," Constantino told Fox News Digital. "My team presented a few options and I immediately thought of Sgt. Eddie Ryan because he inspired me to fight harder early in this race." BLUE STATE CEO WHO PUT UP 100-FOOT PRO-TRUMP SIGN TO SPEND $2.6 MILLION ON CAMPAIGN FOR CONGRESS Constantino added, "I want this to become a symbolic gesture that encourages more Americans to fight, fight, fight for a better future while simultaneously inspiring other people of means to support our great Veterans." Ryan, a former U.S. Marine Corps sniper, was severely wounded by friendly fire in Iraq in 2005. He was shot twice in the head, suffered a traumatic brain injury and now faces lasting mobility and speech challenges, The Daily Gazette reported. Constantino said he first met Ryan and his family earlier this year outside a Warren County Republican Committee meeting. The exchange lasted less than a minute, but he said it left a lasting impression. "Sgt. Ryan is a role model for loving America and staying positive in the face of adversity. He was severely wounded in combat and proudly says he would do it again with a big smile," Constantino said. RACE TO SUCCEED REP. ELISE STEFANIK IN UPDATE NEW YORK HEATS UP WITH NEW CHALLENGER Ryan said he was stunned by the announcement. "I’m still floored," Ryan said after the pledge was revealed, according to The Daily Gazette. Constantino is running against sta…