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Brian Ritzberg Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Brian Ritzberg
Brian Buffington
September 17, 2016
I hope this reaches the family of Brian. I know it has been several years. I was with Brian the day he died in Kirkuk Iraq. He was an extremely brave man. He had only been in country a few short weeks and it was all still a little new to him. He was fun to talk to and easy to get along with. I think of Brian and that day many times and have always remembered him even though we only knew each other for a couple of weeks. I hope the family is doing well. God Bless each of you. If any of you want to contact me my email is [email protected]
Charlie Gili
April 10, 2013
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Ritzberg Family know that we recently sent Care Packages to American troops in the war zones. Each box carried a dedication sheet that includes the name, service information and a photo of your loved one. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Jillian Hahn
March 26, 2013
I think of Ritzberg often he was a funny sweet man who I miss and feel honored to have known even for as little time as I did. I was in charge of the music for his memorial at Fort Riley and I saw how much his loss affected all.
March 15, 2012
To the family:
It's almost been five years since that terrible day. It's true that time helps heal wounds, but some days it still feels as fresh as the day it was inflicted. Your son has not been forgotten, he still lives in our hearts. I'm terribly sorry for your loss.
Ben
May 18, 2011
I did not know him personally, but i was in his battalion at Ft. Riley. When tragedy strikes the Guardian family, we all remember. God bless.
L Neal
May 14, 2011
To the family of Spc. Brian E. Ritzberg:
Please know that just as your loved one remains in your hearts and minds; his sacrifice, and that of your family, remains with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God bless and keep you always.
Ginger Mankowski
April 2, 2011
To the family and friends of Spc. Brian E. Ritzberg:
Please accept our remembrance of Brian on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Ginger Mankowski/Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Dan Carter
January 15, 2011
PFC Ritzberg,
I have never met you but i am a good friend of your Grandmother,Father and Uncle.I want to thank you for giving the ultimate sacrifice so we can have the liberties that we take for granted in the United States.May you R.I.P.
Rick Crawford
January 2, 2011
PFC Ritzberg,
Although we never met your death touched the lifes of the men and women of the 506th Expeditionary Medical Squadron. I was on the Operating Room team that worked on you at Kirkuk Regional AB. There is one thing that I will never forget. There were hundreds of Soldiers and Airmen lined up for what looked like a half of a mile to give blood while we feverishly work on your injuries. Your comrades in arms lost a brother that day and your family lost a husband, son and grandson that day. May God bless your family for your sacrifice for our country.
Sincerely,
Rick Crawford Ret MSgt USAF
Sean Copper
November 28, 2010
Dear Ritz,
I will never forget you. You were a great buddy, and you cared very much about people. I wish you were still here. I framed a picture of you so that I will always remember that when times get rough you will be in my corner motivating me to make myself better, and you will be there to give me the strength I need to overcome all obstacles that are in my way. I was injured in Afganistan where I lost my middle finger from a crush injury to my hand, and I was interviewed by some news reporter for thanksgiving. The reporter asked my many questions about what I was thankful for, so I told him that I was thankful for being home with my family, and then I told him I am thankful that there is still people out there willing to put their lives at stake for something that they believe in. I thought about you. I miss you, and you almost pulled through but the injuries were too severe. You are a hero, and a fighter. I wish you were here. You were with me in 116th MP Co "Rough Necks", in Iraq with me with the 977th MP Co "Raiders", and now you are always with me forever and ever in my heart. HOOAH!
Spc Sean T. Copper
Peggy Childers
April 3, 2010
To the family and friends of Spc. Brian E. Ritzberg:
Remembering Brian on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
larry R
January 7, 2010
I came across your name and your bio through your congressman's website. May your family find peace and comfort knowing their son gave his life for his country.
glenn pierce
April 20, 2009
to the family of spc ritzberg. he was a good soldier and a good friend. i remeber the first day me and ritzberg were team mates. he always helped me with my p.t. as i helped him become a better soldier. ritzberg was always there whenever i needed his help. i was always there for him whenever he needed me. i remeber the day he deployed leaving me on fort riley in the 116th mp co. i remember the day i received the news about him. we were training to go to iraq. we had just been released for the day. we got called back to the unit for a company formation. as i was standing in the formation listening to the commander talk about a vbied (vehicle born improvised explosive device) attack was layed upon some soldiers in the 977th mp co i was praying that everyone was alright. when the commandar told us the soldiers name my eyes filled with tears. i cried like a baby. i cried like a baby at his ceremony to remember him. he was my best friend a good soldier, and a good husband. my heart goes out to his wife clara and his family. i was honored to know him and serve with him. he is always in my thoughts. i wear a bracelet bearing his name never to forget. ritzberg know how much i miss you my friend. my only regret was that i was not there with you on that day. you may be fallen but you will never be forgotten. to the members of his family my deepest sympathy goes out to yall. if you wish you can reach me at [email protected]
Peggy Childers
April 2, 2009
To the family of Spc. Brian E. Ritzberg:
Brian gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Harry Copper
March 13, 2009
As the parents of Spc. Sean T. Copper who served with Brian, we would like to extend our greatest sorrow and would like you to know that everyday we wear our bracelets with Brians name and hope that someday soon our sons and daughters will come home and that Brians sacrifice and your family's will never be in vain.
Kenna Larra
January 31, 2009
We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families. War does not discriminate – It breaks my heart to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,300 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna
Keith Briggs
July 7, 2008
Ritz thank you for all you have given us. May your family find peace. You are the true american hero.Im sure your family is very proud of you.Thanks again brother. youll never be forgotten
June 22, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Spc Ritzberg!
Betty Frye
April 5, 2008
My deepest condolences to the family.May God comfort you in this time of indescribable pain and grief. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Mt. Pero Baptist Church Cemetery, Powhatan VA, Dec. 2007
The Dickson Family
December 23, 2007
Our prayers are with the Ritzberg family this Christmas. May God bless and hold you close.
Debbie , Kenny Coffey
October 12, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers out to the RITZBERG family, Knowing now what they have always known is one of many reasons that our HEROES shall NEVER be forgotten, Rest well brother that star spangled banner will FOREVER wave, Your name stamped in steel shall FOREVER be clutched in the tallons, And your spirit shall FOREVER soar high in the skies in the symbol of our great nation, COME by NORTH--COME by SOUTH--COME by EAST--COME by WEST,We were all gathered and united on that great day as strangers , And upon those last [4] spoken words we are FOREVER BROTHERS ........HU..RA......SEMPER FI.............B.V.C.
Matthew Atmore
September 27, 2007
SPC Ritzberg,
I never thought in a million years I'd be filling this out for you. I remember the first day when you inprocessed from basic training into the 116th MP CO. You walked into the Medic's/NBC office. You were quiet at first but over time you and I became great friends and despite being in seperate platoons you always came to me with questions and advise. Even after you knew the answer because you valued other's opinions. You were and will always be a great soldier, and a great friend. Till we meet again...
To the Family
I'm deeply sorry for your loss. I was a medic in the 116th MP CO. Brian and I were great friends and one of the last people I talked to before I left the Army to go home to Michigan. When I was not feeling well he was one of the first people to see if I was alright and if there was anything he could do to help, and I was the first person he would go to talk to when he wasn't feeling well or when something was bothering him. Even though I wasn't his assigned medic, he valued my opinion even over the Medic Sergeant. He was and still is a great soldier and friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
PFC Matthew Atmore
Esther Kabalkin
September 23, 2007
To the family and friends,
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies. Losing a loved on is the hardest thing in life. I am writing to not only express my sorrow for you but to let you know about a memorial I am working on. I am creating a quilt to honor the fallen soldiers from the New York City Area. Each soldier will have a panel created. I am inviting the friends and families to get involved. If you are interested or would like some more information please contact me at [email protected]
August 12, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Spc Ritzberg and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
August 7, 2007
I don't pretend to know what to say or do that would bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON (KIA on 07/06/07) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 8, 2007
Please accept our condolences for your loss. You will be in our prayers, that the Lord provide you comfort and peace in the memories of your loved one. God Bless
ROBYN Garside
May 20, 2007
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Ronn Massie
May 19, 2007
God bless the family and friends of Brian. You will all be in our prayers.
Thank you Brian for being such a hero.
(In rememberance of Cpl. Joey Cantrell 4-4-07)
Glen
May 5, 2007
“Soldier”
Written to Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers
Soldiers write history…they pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever
Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away
Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go
We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light
Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray
Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
April 25, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the Ritzberg family in the loss of Brian. I did not know Brian, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Brian you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
April 14, 2007
I am so truly sorry about the loss of your precious loved one.
May God grant you peace through these days ahead.
Although, we are so grateful for your loved one, and so many more serving in the military to help keep us safe.
We are still grieved by their loss of life.
And the grief and pain that the families and friends have to endure.
A Realtor
Cathy Mitchell
April 12, 2007
To Brian's family; may God comfort you during this terrible time. Keep your memories close for strength. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
I did not know Brian but I want to thank his memory for protecting our freedom.
God Bless You!
Mary Abernathy
April 12, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Sandy Bonesteel
April 9, 2007
As the mother of a son (my only child) who is enlisted in the Army, I want to send my condolences.
Gary Crowe
April 8, 2007
A true American hero.God bless Brian and his family.
April 8, 2007
Saddened to hear of this loss. Rest in peace.
SHIRLEY DONEY
April 5, 2007
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FULL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU
April 5, 2007
Remembered At Thomas Edison High School
April 4, 2007
To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA
Garnet Jenkins
April 4, 2007
Please know how Deeply Sorry I am to learn of the loss of Spc. Brian E. Ritzberg,
The Price this Brave Young Soldier and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.
May Brian rest safely in the Loving Care of God and may the Grace and Comfort of the Lord be with the Ritzberg family.
There will Never Be Enough Ways to Humbly Thank these Heroes for their Sacrifices, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam, in 1967.
"I consider that our present sufferings.
are not worth comparing with the glory
that shall be revealed in us."
Romans 8:18
May the Peace of God and your precious memories of Michael, remain in your heart always and give you comfort and strength through the difficult days ahead.
Softly and slowly, time heals.
Gary Allain
April 4, 2007
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.
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