Martinsville, Indiana Honors Local Fallen Sky Soldier, SSG William "Ryan" Fritsche with Help From Soldiers From 4th BDE, 4th ID, 3-61 Cavalry

Before you read this post you really need to go to a prior post I wrote to get the background information about how elements of three different Brigades came together, unknowingly, at various times in order to honor the sacrifice of SSG Ryan Fritsche. 

Hopefully you have read the prior link.  And now the "end" of the story.    The stone was originally emplaced at OP Fritsche in eastern Afghanistan.  After the horrendous battle of KOP Keating (Kamdesh), the stone was rescued by 4th BDE, 4th ID, 3-61 Cavalry and returned with them to Fort Carson, CO where SGT John Francis and 1SG (then SFC) Jonathan Hill began an arduous process of getting the memorial stone back to SSG Fritsche's family in Martinsville, Indiana.

After the memorial stone arrived in Indiana the Fritsche family was contacted by city officials asking if it could be permanently displayed in the city's War Memorial park.  On July 28, 2012 the town of Martinsville, Indiana held a dedication ceremony to officially unveil the memorial stone bearing SSG Ryan Fritsche's name.

SGT Francis wasn't able to attend the dedication ceremony but 1SG Hill was there.  His speech is posted below.

Mr. Dyer and Mrs. Volitta Fritsche with SSG Ryan Fritsche's Memorial Stone in the park in Martinsville, Indiana

1SG Jonathan Hill speaking at the ceremony in Martinsville, IN

Here is 1SG Hill's speech:

"Good Morning Fritsche Family, distinguished guests, family and friends.

I want to first thank Mrs. Fritsche and the Fritsche family for having me here today and for their great kindness and generosity. I would also like to thank the town of Martinsville for having me as a guest in this great community.

Mrs. Fritsche asked me to come here to speak to all of you today and share with you about how this all transpired.  I, of course, replied yes and I am honored to do be here.

Early in 2009 my unit was training for our deployment to Afghanistan.  A deployment that, little did we know, would have a lot more impact than we had ever experienced. We trained at Fort Carson and at Fort Polk and were keeping up to date with the news of the unit that was currently there.  We were trying to gather any lessons learned that we could use to keep our skills sharp.

At one point during our training the Army Times published an article about the battle of Wanat, Afghanistan.  We were shocked to learn about such a horrific battle but learned about the lives and valor of several heroes from that battle. The battle of Wanat was fought on July 13, 2008 where an estimated 200 – 400 (depending on the source you read) Anti Afghan Fighters and the Taliban attacked a platoon sized unit from the 173^{rd IN} which is roughly 50-60 soldiers.  The Soldiers fought hard and with distinct honor repelling the overwhelming attack.  Chosen Company lost 9 of their brothers and 27 sustained wounds. When we read about that we realized more than ever the serious nature of the situation in the area that we were about to deploy to which was only 20 miles away…. at OP Fritsche.

We deployed from Colorado in May of 2009 with some of the best trained Soldiers that were well equipped for the mission that we had been given. Our journey was long and exhausting taking us to our final destination at OP Fritsche.

When the helicopter touched down we were greeted by the current unit on station.  The platoon leader LT Mazachie and the PSG SFC Loggins were, needless to say, very very happy to see their relieving unit arrive. Days went by and we were learning everything that we could about OP Fritsche. On one particular day the memorial that you are about to see was brought to OP Fritsche for us to in place. The outgoing unit had made strides to insure that these memorials were placed so that anyone that occupied or visited knew why that piece of ground was named so.  If you do not know, most Forward Operating Bases, Combat Outposts, and OP’s are named after heroes of the battlefield. 

Once we had the right material to post the memorial properly, my platoon Leader 1LT Salentine, SFC Loggens , LT Mazachie and I had the stone posted in a place where everyone could see it. It was cleaned and maintained constantly and served as a reminder of our brothers and sisters that have fallen in battle.

Once we were officially the platoon responsible for the OP I took some time to learn about SSG Fritsche. I read about the battle in which SSG Fritsche had become a hero on the battlefield and about the men that fought on that day. I also had my men research the person that the OP was named after.  I felt that we all should know the person that our operating base was named for since we were representing and defending it.  They are not just a name.  

While searching for some information about SSG Fritsche I came across a memorial page. I thought that it would be a good Idea for the family and guests on that memorial page to see what the outgoing unit and in coming unit had done to honor SSG Fritsche. I was a bit nervous about contacting his family because families react very differently about the situation that surrounds their loved one’s death.

Several days later I received an email with great thanks and nothing but overwhelming support from Mrs. Volitta Fritsche which gave me a great sense of relief. I shared that message with my platoon.  It was an incredible motivator to all of them. We carried SSG Fritsche’s name with honor and the most respect every day. I continued to send and receive Email from Mrs. Fritsche and a very very distant friendship was created.

As time continued to pass we worked hard on improvements to turn the OP in to a very defendable position so we could fight hard when needed and have the protection against the toughest of enemy fire. This proved to be a very wise decision since we were in an engagement nearly every day.   During one of the work days one of my Soldiers found a memorial bracelet with SSG Ryan Fritsche’s name on it. I placed it on a shelf beside my family photos in my living quarters, again another reminder.

As we continued our operations we worked hard and fought hard, we developed and maintained somewhat of a battleship on top of a hill. We were learning from the enemy the best ways to defend and the best ways to engage with multiple weapon systems, thanks to SGT John Francis, SSG Kirk Birtchfield, and LT Salentine.  Their observations, building designs, and tactics were exceptional.

We were saddened one day to learn that we had a change of mission and that we were to rotate from OP Fritsche.  Another platoon from our troop was assigned to the OP and we were being sent to COP Keating. This was upsetting because we had spent a lot of time and effort on that hill. We were proud of what we had accomplished and we did not want to go but we had to continue to COP Keating with our heads held high as another platoon assumed responsibility of OP Fritsche.

Once we arrived to COP Keating we continued the same work habits as we did on the hill but just did not have the time for as much work as we had ahead of us. On the morning of Oct 3^rd 2009 we were about to make the same headlines just as our brothers did in the Battle of Wanat. We came under overwhelming attack from what was an estimated 400 Taliban who occupied the low and high ground.  The battle lasted 12 hours. Our men, both in the air and on the ground, fought hard and fought with honor. Again the odds were against us.  There were 54 of us in the low ground and 400 enemies in the high ground.

8 great men fell in battle that day; men who valorously fought their hearts out.  Nearly all of us were wounded during the fight.  The men on OP Fritsche and COP Keating had just fought against some of the worst odds ever.  Just think about the odds and the fact that the enemy had the land to their advantage being on the high ground.

Between the Air Force and Army helicopters and men with courage, gut, and determination, the enemy was reduced by almost half with an overwhelming number of wounded. Needless to say, the Taliban was taken to school “again” and that we few showed them that you can beat us down but you will never win.

After the battle started to wind down we realized that we were left with nothing.  All of our buildings were destroyed or had burned from the inside out. We tried to recover anything that we could. I went in to our platoon building and there was nothing but 4 inches of ash on the ground.  I basically realized at that moment that we lost everything that we possessed. I walked around in disappointment and in disbelief that, not only did we lose 8 men but everything we owned. I then saw something sticking out of the ash somewhat in the middle of the floor. I squatted down to move the ash around to see what it was…. chills ran down my spine when I pulled the object from the ashes.

Ladies and gentleman what I pulled from the ashes was this……. (Show bracelet ) it reads SSG Ryan Fritsche. I knew at that very moment that there were more than just my men on the ground that day.

I went to the command center to inform 1SG Ronald Burton about our gear.  He was in the middle of communicating with the platoon on OP Fritsche to get a good situation report. OP Fritsche sustained 0 Casualties; again giving me goose bumps.

Ladies and Gentlemen if that does not give you a chill in your spine I don’t know what will. 

1SG Burton made it a point to secure the memorial so we could get it back safe.  SGT John Francis was assigned to insure that it did. We were reassigned to a new area of operations which was very hostile.  The Troop only sustained 2 injuries the remainder of our deployment…. One soldier sustained the $1,000 wound and another survived an IED blast, again making me believe that we were being watched by the spirits of Soldier’s that had fallen in battle in previous deployments.

We redeployed to Colorado in May of 2010.  I was reassigned to a new unit and sent to lovely Fort Polk, LA to help train soldiers that are about to deploy. Before I left Colorado, 1SG Burton, SGT John Francis and I thought that we should get this memorial to SSG Fritsche’s family.  We could not think of a better place for it to be, but how could we get it there? SGT John Francis is one heck of a go getter and tried almost everything to get it back but all options were too difficult or just way too expensive for our wallets. SGT Francis did not give up.  He went to the post office one last time and pleaded with the Post office representative for any way they could help get this sent off. I will not reveal the name of the employee, due to cut backs in the Post Offices throughout the US, but he looked at SGT Francis and said “Give me the address” and winked his eye and said, “we will take care of it.”

A few days later I saw that the memorial had arrived in Martinsville and had made the news. A great and wonderful American, Ms Leta Carruth, got the word out even further and was a great help linking everyone back together.  She wrote an outstanding blog on her web site From Cow Pastures To Kosovo. I am always thankful to Ms Carruth..she has given so much to our men and women in uniform!

In closing: I am extremely proud to know that the stone is home and thank all that made this possible.  I am thankful that the folks here in Martinsville IN made this memorial as it is today. You know I never met SSG Fritsche in person but he is my brother in arms and just like all my brothers and sisters in the ranks this is what we do.  We take care of each other. I love my country and those who fight for it. And I love the great Americans that support us.

Ladies and Gentlemen thank you for your hospitality and thank you for being fine Americans…God bless you all!"

blah

Mr. Dyer

The Park in Martinsville, Indiana

Mrs. Volitta Fritsche and 1SG Jonathan Hill

I really wanted to be at the ceremony but things just didn't work out.  I'm so grateful to the men of 3-61 Cavalry for all they did to make sure that SSG Fritsche's memorial stone wasn't left behind for the enemy to use as propaganda.  I'm also grateful that the Memorial stone is now ensconced in the Memorial park in SSG Fritsche's home town.  Well done!  Well done!

Rest in peace Ryan.  In so many ways, by so many people, your sacrifice will never be forgotten and your life will always be honored and remembered. 



Gold Star Wife & Mother Receive Unexpected Gift From Men They've Never Met & Who Never Met Their Husband and Son

While at work today (25 July 2011) I received a text message that said, "Call me".  Since the text was from a Soldier I stepped outside to call and make sure nothing was wrong.  I can assure you that nothing was wrong.  As a matter of fact so very much was right. 

At first I wasn't sure what was coming, especially when 1SG Jon Hill began with, "I know you're probably going to cry when I tell you this story."  At the moment I didn't realize the excitement in his voice so I braced for the worst.

Before I get to the content of the phone call I probably should back up a few years.  During OEF XIII the 173rd, 1-91 Cavalry out of Schweinfurt, Germany was deployed to eastern Afghanistan.  A part of the Cavalry unit was assigned to an area near the village of Kamu in Kunar Province, Afghanistan.  While on a patrol on 27 July 2007 men of the 1-91 came under attack by the enemy.  SSG Ryan Fritsche and MAJ Thomas G Bostick, Jr were killed by enemy fire.

FOB Naray was renamed FOB Bostick in honor and memory of MAJ Bostick.  OP (Observation Post) Fritsche was named in honor and memory of SSG Fritsche.

After a 15 month deployment the 173rd was replaced by 4th BDE, 4th ID out of Fort Carson, CO.  3-61 Cavalry (of 4-4) replaced 1-91 (of the 173rd) Cavalry in the AO.  Parts of 3-61 Cavalry were sent to COP Keating and OP Fritsche which over looked COP Keating.  1SG Hill and his men wanted to know about the Heros for whom OP Fritsche and COP Keating were named.  They did as much research as they could and one day made contact via email with SSG Fritsche's mother, Volitta.  As it turns out she had written a book about her son and sent them a copy to read.  Volitta has a website here.

On October 3, 2009 many of you will remember when an estimated 300 or more of the enemy attacked COP Keating and OP Fritsche in the early morning hours.  Eight Americans lost their lives that day and many other's lives were changed forever.  Many of you who read this blog came together in a matter of a couple of days to donate personal items such as socks, pillows, running shoes, toiletries, t shirts, etc. because all 56 survivors of the battle, known to the Army as the Battle of Kamdesh but to most of us as the Battle of COP Keating, lost all of their belongings as a result of most of the buildings burning.

The battle raged throughout the day.  Buildings caught on fire one after another.  Men were volunteering to give blood on the battle field so that the wounded could survive until they were medevaced.  Because of the intensity of the battle and the smoke from all of the fires it was impossible for medevac helicopters to arrive until night fell. 

Now back to the phone call I received from 1SG Hill today.  1SG Hill was SFC Hill during OEF IX.  He and his men were assigned to COP Keating and OP Fritsche.  One day after they arrived another Soldier, SSG John Francis, of 3-61 Cavalry was looking through a building and discovered this:

A beautiful white marble Memorial Stone that had been carefully wrapped in paper but, somehow, seemed to have been accidentally left behind when 1-91 left.  That would be understandable since the only access to OP Fritsche was on foot through high altitude and rough mountain terrain or via insertion by helicopter.  1SG Hill estimates the stone weights between 50 and 60 pounds.  SSG Francis called the discovery to the attention of 1SG Hill and others.  They agreed to place the stone at the entrance to the upper OP where the American's came and went.

After the fighting had subsided on 3-4 October 2009, 1SG Hill was at COP Keating.  He tells me that he cannot explain why but something kept pulling him back to the building that used to be the barracks for his platoon and him at COP Keating.  Although, as he described it, the building (made of mud) was like a furnace because of the intense heat from the fire that destroyed all of the contents, he continued to do a "walk through" of the building.  The roof was about to cave in,  but 1SG Hill decided to enter the building and check for anything that may have made it through the fire that should not be left behind for the enemy.  He walked in the darkness of the building moving his foot from side to side "feeling" through the ashes for anything that might be there.

Suddenly 1SG Hill felt his boot hit something.  With his light source he bent down, reached into the ashes and pulled out a Memorial bracelet with SSG Fritsche's name on it.  (Yeah, that's when the hairs stood up on my arms, too).  1SG Hill exited the building and radioed up to OP Fritsche to ask the men who were up there searching and destroying any information that didn't need to be in the hands of the enemy to be sure and extract the marble Memorial Stone.  As 1SG Hill told me today, there was no way he was leaving that stone behind for the enemy to deface and flaunt on the internet. 

The survivor's of 3-61 Cavalry were taken back to FOB Bostick.  The marble stone was taken with them.  Once at FOB Bostick the stone was carefully wrapped in layers of bubble wrap and placed in a Conex for shipment back to Fort Carson.

I'm not really clear why it took so long for the rest of this story to pan out.  I know the Conex's can take months to return to a unit's home base but....

The Conex arrived and SSG Francis retrieved SSG Fritsche's Memorial stone.  Again, I'm not really sure about the timeline on that.  1SG Hill told me today that for the past several months SSG Francis has been working diligently to get the Memorial stone in the hands of SSG Fritsche's widow and his mother who live in Indiana.

Not long before 1SG Hill called me today he received this email from SSG Fritsche's mother:

"Thanks to a soldier at Ft. Carson, Colorado named John Francis and the US Army, this 55/60lb marble memorial stone that was created by an unknown person or entity to mark the entrance of OP Fritsche in the mountains of Afghanistan near the Pakistan border has arrived at the post office in Martinsville to find its final resting place in Ryan’s home town.

John’s (SSG Francis) scout unit was sent to OP Fritsche in 2009 to search for enemy Taliban. The soldiers found this stone wrapped up laying in a building in a place that you can only be air dropped in or fight your way on foot up the rugged mountain side. They had no idea who had it made or how it found its way to such a remote place but they cleaned and mounted it at the entrance of OP Fritsche in honor of a fallen brother that they had never met.

In 2009 OP Fritsche and Camp Keating were both brutally attacked and the US lost 8 young men that day. Both bases were ultimately destroyed and abandon, but John’s First Sgt ask that the stone be brought back to safety with his unit.

July 27th marks the 4th anniversary of Ryan’s death. John has made it possible for the stone to arrive in Martinsville in memory and honor of that day.

Roger Coffin of Martinsville who is charge of the Morgan County War Memorial Park said it would be an honor for the stone which has traveled so far to find a permanent home in the War Memorial Park.

We invite anyone who would like to share this moment in memory of Ryan to meet with us at the Post Office at 1pm when we pick it up. Bette Nunn from the Reporter-Times and Roger Coffin will also be there.

Thank you and God Bless you John (SSG Francis) and First Sgt Hill for making this possible."

I just spoke with Volitta Fritsche, SSG Fritsche's mother.  I wanted to ask her if there was anything she would like for me to add to this story.  She said she wanted SSG Francis, 1SG Hill and all those involved in this to know how much she and her family appreciate them.  She looks forward to the day she will finally get to meet these men - strangers - who told her they brought the Memorial stone home because it was in honor of one of their brothers.

So today the memory of a fallen brother they didn't even know came full circle in Martinsville, Indiana thanks to the men of 3-61 Cavalry.  What I find even more interesting is that July 27th (just 2 days from now) is the day that Ryan's family was told. back in 2007, that he had been killed in action.  Mrs, Fritsche told me that the Army considers his "anniversary" to be July 29th because that is the day he was recovered but to the family July 27th will always be the day they remember as the day the husband, son and brother they loved so much was taken from them.  Way too soon.  Way too soon.

If anyone reading this knows men from 1-91 who served at OP Fritsche during OEF VIII please contact me.  I want to help Mrs. Fritsche and Ryan's widow, Brandi, find out who had the stone made in honor and memory of her son.

Brandi (Ryan's widow), TJ (Ryan's brother) and Volitta outside the Post Office today

Please take a minute to remember and honor Ryan.  Then do it again on Wednesday the 27th.  It is the very least we can do.

10 February 1984 – 27 July 2007

Bravo Troop , 1st Squadron (Airborne), 91st Cavalry Regiment

From the 173rd Airborne Fallen Heroes site:

SSG Ryan Fritsche was born on February 10, 1984 in Martinsville, Indiana. He entered into the U.S. Army on June 13, 2002 as an 11B. After basic training he was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Meyer where he served in the ‘OLD GUARD’ as a fire team leader. He was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant on August 01, 2006. On January 10th, 2007, SSG Fritsche came to the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry and was assigned to the S-3 Section as the Schools NCO. He performed his assigned duties with meticulous care and attention, successfully sending Soldiers to various schools in preparation for OEF VII. Once in Afghanistan, SSG Fritsche became the assistant air NCO, helping with all critical air operations in TF Saber’s AO. After a month and a half at that position, SSG Fritsche gained the opportunity to join an Infantry Platoon and assumed duties as a squad leader for 2nd Platoon, Bravo Troop.

SSG Fritsche performed his duty whenever and wherever they needed him. Whether it was garrison duties as the schools NCO, assisting with all air operations on FOB Naray, or on the front lines in an Infantry platoon, SSG Fritsche worked with unprecedented vigor. He was hand-selected by the CSM to take on the responsibility of one of the Squadron’s most active squads in the Task Force. His quick progression to a line unit is only overshadowed by the fact that SSG Fritsche lost his father prior to his deployment and then lost his grandmother a week after arriving in Afghanistan. Even with the burdens of his personal tragedies, SSG Fritsche performed his duty unwaveringly. It was these examples of professionalism and loyalty that brought respect to those who came in contact with him.

SSG Fritsche loved his job and being in the Army. However, aside from work, SSG Fritsche enjoyed the outdoors, often mountain biking, hiking, or swimming during his free time. His PCS move to Germany brought on the new excitement of exploring the various castles scattered throughout the German countryside.

SSG Fritsche’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal with 1 Knot, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, and the Basic Airborne Parachutist Badge.