Mark Seavey "Does" the American Legion Parade

Mark doesn't make any bones about the fact that he LOVES the American Legion Parade.  After attending my first one this past Sunday, I understand why he does.  I know I've already posted about the parade but while going through my photos and the ones that Donna Cranston took I felt like it was appropriate that Mark have his own post.

American Legion Convention 2012 - Day 4 (Sunday) PARADE DAY!!!

Today's big event was the annual American Legion parade.  Indianapolis could not have done a better job of staging the parade.  The local police, emergency services, etc. are to be commended on a job well done.  Another group deserves a huge pat on the back for their stellar efforts as well - the American Legion members who were in charge of the parade.  It went off without a hitch.  WELL DONE!!!

I was fortunate enough to view the parade as a guest of a great group of people.  Mark and Caroline Seavey provided comfy chairs, a tent from the sun and awesome adult beverages.  We had the best seats in the house just a few feet down from where the parade stepped off.

The parade began at 4:00 PM but we were in place and ready by 2:30 PM.  This allowed us to watch the parade form up - including the arrival and hitching up of the Clydesdales.  WIN!!!

The Budweiser Clydesdales

 

 

Since it was a parade, I'm just going to post pics.  Some are mine.  Most were taken by Donna Cranston of Defenders of Freedom.  Each state, or as the American Legion calls them, Department, walked in the parade.  There were also high school bands and bands from a few of the Departments.  I'm not going to post pics of each Department (state).

 

It was a FANTASTIC parade.  Lasted about three hours.  I HIGHLY recommend this parade if the convention is ever in your town.  Houston, TX, your city is hosting next year.

 

Enjoy!

 

American Legion Riders

 

Indianapolis Policy Department

 

Indiana Cassion Color Guard

 

American Legion National Commander Fang A Wong and his wife on front of float.

 

Budweiser Clydesdale Dalmatian

 

More photos after the jump

 

American Legion Convention 2012 - Feature Blog Post

R to L - Ida, Peggy, Marie, Pat and Barbara from the American Legion Auxiliary of New York

One of the many opportunities I have enjoyed while being here at the American Legion Convention is hanging out with different folks outside my hotel.  Tonight I ran into the ladies pictured above.  They are all members of the American Legion Auxiliary and are all from New York state.  Ida is both a Veteran (Navy) and the wife of a Veteran.  All of the other lady's husbands are Veterans.

I was drawn to this group of ladies for many reasons.  One was listening to their playful banter and laughter.  Another was that they were instantly approachable.  When I asked if I might interview them for a story for my blog one of them mentioned that there really was no story.  I told her she might be surprised.  As it turns out there really were some great stories from these ladies.

Ida served in the Navy until she was in an accident and her eardrum was burst.  She's been deaf in that ear since.  She told me she tried to convince the Navy to let her stay in but they wouldn't let her.  I think the Navy might have made a bad call there.  Ida, like each of the other ladies, was delightful and full of spunk.

I asked the ladies how many American Legion Conventions they've been to.  It was the first convention for one of the ladies.  The fourth convention for two of the ladies.  The fifth convention for one of the ladies and the sixth convention for one of the ladies.  This is my first convention (and probably my last one) but I know I'd love to attend more of them.

I then asked the ladies what one of their favorite parts of attending the convention is.  The consensus, hands down, was meeting folks from the other states.  Each of the ladies either commented or agreed that everyone they have met is so nice and enjoyable to be around.  I, too, have found that to be the case without question.  Another comment that was made by one of the ladies is that this convention location is much more centrally located making it easier to attend more events and for the auxiliary members to be geographically closer to all of the delegates and guests.

When questioned as to what aspect they like most about being in the American Legion Auxiliary all the ladies agreed it was because of how much they are able to help Veterans and children.  New York has recently opened their fourth Homeless Women's Veteran's Shelter.  The new facility is located in Ballston Spa, NY.  It can house twelve homeless women Veterans.  There is another facility in Rochester that houses up to thirty six homeless women Veterans.  Each of the facilities and the other two assist the homeless women Veterans to readjust, re-connect with family, find employment and provides counseling services.  I find that to be an incredible project.  The facilities are funded by the Auxiliary, private donations and federal funding.  Apparently New York is one of the few states to have facilities of this sort.

In 2009, under the auspices of the American Legion Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary College was founded.  The College provides a weekend opportunity for members of the Auxiliary to attend classes in a college setting to learn about each of the committees of the Auxiliary, what it does and how the attendees can contribute to each committee.

The New York American Legion Auxilary's past president, Ann, chose to focus their efforts for children on COTA (Children's Organ Transplant Association).  Through their efforts the children of five Veterans were able to receive life saving organ transplants.  This program does not just pay, or help pay, for the initial transplant but also helps to pay for any additional needs or expenses down the road. 

The ladies continued to tell me more "no story here" stories.  All of them touched my heart and reminded me that our Veterans and their families of the heartbeat of this nation.  Not only have they served (or are currently serving) but even after they have left the military they continue to open their hearts, wallets and their time to helping those in need.  I could not be more honored or proud to be a part of this convention and to meet so many amazing Americans.

Ida talked about how, just last year, she worked to get over 400 stuffed animals donated for children in hospitals.  The ladies shared that another of their past president's focused on helping to raise funds and awareness for Operation Purple Program.  From their website:

"When you hear "Operation Purple camp" you should think: Kids Serve Too! The National Military Family Association's Operation Purple camps are a time for having fun, making friends, and reminding military kids that they are the Nation's youngest heroes.
The Operation Purple program was created in 2004 in response to the call from military parents to "help us help our kids." The mission of the Operation Purple program is to empower military children and their families to develop and maintain healthy and connected relationships, in spite of the current military environment. We do this through a variety of means, including the healing and holistic aspect of the natural world. The program is joint or "purple"— and open to children and families of active duty, National Guard or Reserve service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or the Commissioned Corps of the US Public Health Service and NOAA.

Since it's creation in 2004, the Operation Purple program has grown to serve approximately 45,000 military children and teens.  The Operation Purple program also includes family retreats at national parks and specialized family camps geared to address the needs of children and families of our nation's wounded service members."

 

As I was about finished writing this post I looked up and noticed that my new friends had added a few adult beverages to their table.  As I've been sitting at the table next to them I've been enjoying listening to their banter and laughter.  I'm so thankful I ran into these wonderful ladies.  I couldn't pass up this photo op.

 

And then, Ann, their past president who championed COTA walked up.  Here are the ladies and Ann:

I know there are many, many more stories like these among the 10,000 attendees of this convention.  I wish I had the time to learn about them all.  It's comforting to know our Veterans and our nation are in such great hands.

American Legion Convention 2012 - Day 3 (Saturday)

Saturday was a busy day for the commissions and committees.  Mark Seavey spoke about Stolen Valor before the Legislative Commission.  As long as I've known Mark I've never heard him speak.  He more than knocked it out of the park on Saturday morning.

Mark Seavey speaking about Stolen Valor to American Legion Legislative Commission

Mark talked about the Stolen Valor Act of 2005 and why it was struck down by the Supreme Court.  He began by presenting the cases of Xavier Alvarez and Rick Duncan.  In the case of Xavier Alvarez the Ninth Circuit overturned the case.  Mark then discussed the Stolen Valor case of Rick Duncan (also known by many other alias names).  The Tenth Circuit upheld the case against Mr. Duncan. 

Because the two courts disagreed on the Stolen Valor Act the Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments from both sides in order to make a ruling.  In the end the Supreme Court ruled the Act to be unconstitutional.  It takes five judges to "win".  In the case of the Stolen Valor Act of 2005 two of the judges Concurred it was constitutional. 

Information in Italics below is from Mark Seavey's Power Point presentation:

Concurrence: Two Justices, Justice Bryer joined by Justice Kagan, a less restrictive measure might pass Constitutional muster.

[A] more finely tailored statute might, as other kinds of statues prohibiting false factual statements have done, insist upon a showing that the false statement caused specific harm or at least was material, or focus its coverage on lies most likely to be harmful or on contexts where such lies are most likely to cause harm.

 

Three dissented that it was not. 

Dissent: Three Justices, Justice Alito writing for Justice Thomas and Justice Scalia, the existing Stolen Valor Act fell within acceptable constitutional parameters.

The statute reaches only knowingly false statements about hard facts directly within a speaker's personal knowledge.  These lies have no value in and of themselves, and proscribing them does not chill any valuable speech.  By holding that the First Amendment nevertheless shields these lies, the Court breaks sharply from a long line of cases recognizing that the right to free speech does not protect false factual statements that inflict real harm and serve no legitimate interest.

The other four judges gave opinions. 

Majority Opinion: Four Justices, Justice Kennedy writing for Chief Justice Roberts, Justice Sotomayor, Justice Ginsburg, all efforts to curtail these lies would likely be unconstitutional.

When content-based speech regulation is in question, however, exacting scrutiny is required.  Statutes suppressing or restricting speech must be judged by the sometimes inconvenient principles of the First Amendment.  By this measure, the statutory provisions under which respondent was convicted must be held invalid, and his conviction must be set aside.

As a result of the Supreme Court ruling against the Stolen Valor Act of 2005 Mark presented to us new bills that are before the House and Senate that have been written based on the ruling and Opinions of the Supreme Court Justices.  Hopefully a new bill will be passed soon and will plug the "holes" from the act of 2005.

Heck Bill in House:  HR 1775, Stolen Valor Act of 2011, 107 Cosponsors.

“I believe that we must defend the valor of those who have served our country, but also that we must protect the very liberties for which our servicemen and women sacrificed. [The bill] would achieve both objectives, and Congress should move quickly to pass this legislation.”

Brown Bill in Senate: S. 1728, Companion to HR 1775, 33 Cosponsors.

“It is wrong and cowardly for people to make fraudulent statements in order to receive distinctions that they have not earned. We need to ensure that no one can benefit from making false claims and steal the true valor of the courageous servicemen and women who selflessly defended our freedom.”

Webb Bill in Senate: S3772, Military Service Integrity Act of 2012, 52 Cosponsors.

 “Profiting from the misrepresentation of military service or the award of a decoration or medal for personal gain undermines the value of service and is offensive to all who have stepped forward to serve our country in uniform.

Mark then discussed the difference between the bills:

Heck & Brown Bills:  (“Anything of Value”)

Whoever, with intent to obtain anything of value, knowingly makes a misrepresentation regarding his or her military service, shall--

`(1) if the misrepresentation is that such individual served in a combat zone, served in a special operations force, or was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both…

Webb Bill:  (“Tangible Benefit”, adds purchase or manufacture language)

Whoever knowingly purchases, attempts to purchase, solicits for purchase, mails, ships, imports, exports, produces blank certificates of receipt for, manufactures, sells, attempts to sell, advertises for sale, trades, barters, or exchanges for anything of value any decoration or medal authorized by Congress for the Armed Forces of the United States, or any of the service medals or badges awarded to the members of such forces, or the ribbon, button, or rosette of any such badge, decoration, or medal, or any colorable imitation thereof, except when authorized under regulations made pursuant to law, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 6 months, or both.

“Tangible Benefit” defined as:  Fed, State or Local Gov’t Benefit; Employment or professional advancement; financial remuneration; effect the outcome of criminal or civil court proceeding; impact personal credibility in a political campaign.

Before he took questions, Mark presented a Resolution on Stolen Valor that the American Legion will consider adopting this week.  Since it hasn't been adopted yet I won't share it here in this post.

Later in the day I was invited to a reception held for the American Legion Legislative Commission.  Mark introduced me to some great Americans.  I had a very nice time.

Legislative Commission Reception

Legislative Commission Reception

Caroline and Mark Seavey invited one of Mark's co-workers from the American Legion DC office and me to their home for dinner.  It was a wonderful respite from the convention mania. 

Caroline, Mosby and Fenway picked us up at the hotel.  I've been wanting to meet Mosby and Fenway forever!!!

Caroline and Mosby

Mark and Fenway

We enjoyed grilled blue cheese stuffed hamburgers and homemade sweet potato fries.  It was so delicious.  Equally as much, I enjoyed the time we spent relaxing and visiting on their deck.

Caroline, Mark and Ian

American Legion Convention - Day 2 (Friday)

The convention doesn't officially open until Sunday yet there are many events going on already.  I think most of the expected 10,000 Legionnaires are already here and spirits are high.

I met Mark and Caroline for lunch then we headed off to the convention center.  Mark introduced me to his boss, Jeff.  What a great guy!  He also introduced me to several other people.  Everyone was exceptionally welcoming.

Mark Seavey talking to one of the Legionnaires in the exhibit hall

Part of the exhibit hall

USAA sponsored an event at the War Memorial building.  We thought we were going to a screening of Brothers at War, Produced and Directed by Jake Rademacher.  Instead of screening the entire documentary we were shown clips that didn't make it into the final cut of the movie. Each clip was introduced by Jake.  But before any of the clips were shown Jake gave us a little insight as to why he made the documentary.  He need to know why it was so important for two of his brothers to serve in the military - both are Army.  Jake definitely found his answer after traveling to Iraq to embed with his brother's units as well as others.

Part of the crowd prior to the Brothers at War presentation

The theater in the War Memorial building.  It was gorgeous.

As a result of his documentary Jake was approached to find a way to use the documentary to help military families understand just as it helped him.  While the documentary may not have answered all of Jake's questions it appeared to me that it answered many of them.  Jake and his team have created two workbooks.  One for the returning Veteran and one for the family of the returning Veteran.  The purpose of the workbooks is to help the families and Veterans begin dialogue or have better dialogue during the re-integration period.

Workbooks for reintegration program

Jake would introduce a clip.  All of the clips we saw were those that didn't actually make it to the documentary but were very poignant in their own right.  After each clip was shown Jake would tell us to which page we should turn in our journal and would invite us to write any thoughts or experiences we might have had either as Veterans or family members of Veterans during the post deployment re-integration process.   Jake then opened the floor up for those who wished to do so to share what they had written - just as they do in the re-integration workshops he is currently involved with. 

I can definitely see how this workshop can be extremely helpful for those returning from war and their families.

Jake and me with Caroline pulling security in the background

USAA held a very nice reception afterwards.  I appreciate that they hosted this event and am grateful that I was allowed to be a part of it.  I met several employees of USAA.  Each of them was equally as welcoming, warm and engaging as the next.  It was apparent that all of them were incredibly supportive of the documentary and Jake's continued work.

Refreshments - the liquid kind

We returned to the convention center.  A quick dash to the room to change into more comfortable clothes then a short walk to the ballpark for the Indianapolis Indians versus the Louisville Bats minor league baseball game.

There seemed to be a substantial number of Legionnaires at the game.  I loved watching them shout across the way at an old friend or raise their beer to someone who, obviously, they hadn't seen in a while.

The current National Commander of the American Legion, Fang A Wong made quite an entrance at the game.  I encourage you to read about Mr. Wong.  I find his story to be captivating.

The National Commander, Fang A Wong, inbound via helicopter to throw out the first pitch of the game.  Pretty darn impressive

Here he comes!!!

Nice, soft landing

Getting the "official" photos

Walking to the mound to throw the first pitch

Beautiful ballpark!

As if the day hadn't been packed full of fantastic opportunities and events, after the game was over Coors sponsored a fireworks show. 

Mark and Caroline left around the sixth inning; Mark to go back to his hotel room, take an Ambien cocktail and attempt to sleep.  Caroline to their home to remind their 4 legged kiddos that they are still loved.  Aside from the Ambien cocktail of Mark's I'm not sure this day could have been more American - hanging out with amazing Veterans, learning about brothers who have gone to war and are still deploying and their brother who found a powerful way to figure out why they do what they so, a baseball game and fireworks.  A great day.

Tomorrow (Saturday) promises more good events.  First up, Mark speaking about Stolen Valor.  Can't wait!

American Legion Convention 2012 - Day 1

I'm not sure if they are already regretting their decision but, thanks to Mark Seavey, the American Legion invited me to be their guest at their annual convention this year.

I woke up bright and an hour and 20 minutes late this morning but made it to the airport in time to make my flight.  It was a GREAT day to fly.  Clear skies.  No turbulence.  Half full flight with lots of room to spread out.  And the absolute BEST flight attendant I've had in years.

Kelli Burdsall was kind enough to pick me up at the airport and drop me off at my hotel.  Well, I thought it was.  I mean, how many Marriott hotels can their be within a few blocks in one downtown area?  A short walk later and I was at the correct Marriott.  Checked in early.  Unpacked.  Grabbed a cab to the American Legion World HQ to get a tour of Seavey's office.

Seavey had warned me over the phone that he was not in the best of moods today then inquired if I was in a bad mood, too.  Uh, no sir.  Thrilled to be here.  Let's get this party started.

As the elevator doors opened on the second floor of the American Legion HQ building Seavey was standing there with arms open to hug me.  For those of you who know Seavey that was, um, well, I had to check to see if the person ASKING for a hug was Seavey or an impostor.  Turns out it was him and he actually hugged me.  Probably the only one I'll get this week but I'll take it.

After a short stroll down the hallway we entered Valhalla.  I had goose bumps.  So this cave like area is where all of the Seavey, CV, TSO, Mark work occurs.  I asked him if I could take a picture of him appearing to work.  Here ya go:

Seavey at work with his aero garden in forefront

 

Mr. Grumpy changed into his Tevos, called his lovely wife and out the door we went to meet her at Scotty's Brew house.  It is an absolutely gorgeous day here so we chose to sit outside.  GREAT choice.

 

Before long we were joined by Caroline and three awesome guys (John, Carlos and Steven).  A few beers (or several), a couple of glasses of wine, appetizers, etc were enjoyed along with copious amounts of GREAT conversation between the four Veterans, Caroline and me.  Just could not have been a more enjoyable time.

 

Left to right - Carlos, Steven, John, Mark and Caroline

 

I'm really looking forward to the days ahead and could not be more grateful to the American Legion for inviting me to be a part of their convention this year.

Tomorrow is a fairly slow day.  Not really sure what is scheduled for Saturday BUT...Sunday is the awesome parade.  Seavey has arranged for front row (street side) seating.  Caroline bought a pop up tent cover and lawn chairs for us today.  I feel like a Queen.

Stay tuned for more updates in the coming days.

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.