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Died on the Field of Honor
By John
June 5th is the two-year anniversary of the death of a friend, Sgt. Ryan E. Doltz, in Sadr City, Iraq.
Ryan joined the National Guard while attending the Virginia Military Institute.
After he graduated, his unit began training for a deployment to Iraq. During his preparation for deployment --which can be intensive-- Ryan broke both of his heels in a training accident, a mishap that kept him stateside while his unit deployed.
The thought of sitting at home while his brothers were off in Iraq fighting was unbearable to a loyal guy like Ryan. He worked his butt off at physical training so he could join his unit, making it to Baghdad on April 9, 2004.
Two months later, while on patrol on the Palestine Street in Sadr City, Iraq, Ryan's vehicle was hit by an IED, killing both Ryan and a fellow soldier.
Ryan's funeral was attended by hundreds of people --including myself--, a true testament to his character. VMI alumni turned out in force, many taking leave from military assignments to make it to Arlington National Cemetary for the ceremony. He had both Army and VMI Cadet honor guards present.
Before Ryan was laid to rest, his brothers from the Virginia Military Institute formed a long, single line behind his casket. When their turn came, each man paused in silence in front of Ryan's casket, paying their final respects to their fallen comrade. Before moving on, each graduate pounded the top of Ryan's casket one time with their VMI rings, "loud enough for Ryan to hear." For some 20-30 minutes, the only sound that penetrated Arlington National Cemetary was single, loud raps from VMI rings, a sound eerily similiar to a sole gunblast, echoing across the graves of other American heroes like Ryan.
In 2005, the New Jersey National Guard's software engineering center was renamed the Sgt. Ryan E. Doltz Software Engineering Center. The dedication ceremony --like Ryan's funeral-- was attended by hundreds, including members of Congress and the always vigilant VMI alumni.
Almost exactly one year ago, NASCAR driver Greg Biffle carried Ryan's picture with him during a race. Biffle won, and dedicated his victory to Ryan.
Ryan's grave can be found at Arlington National Cemetary in Virginia, in section 60, site 7988.
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Comments
It now seems like an eternity must pass before those who loved Ryan so much can see him and show their love for him once more. But be assured the Lord keeps and treasures Ryan. A paraphrase of 1Peter:3-5 would say:
Blessed be the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
who according to His great mercy
has caused Ryan to be born
again to a living hope through
the resurrection of Jesus Christ
from the dead,
to obtain an inheritance
which is imperishable and undefiled
and will not fade away, reserved
in heaven for Ryan,
who is protected by the
power of God through faith for
a salvation ready to be revealed
in the last time.
My heart goes out to you and his family. Fallen, but never forgotten...as evidenced by this post.
Great tribute for Ryan. Sean Williams '98 and I visited him before I deployed here. Still an emotional event for me whenever I go to visit. He lays near several other VMI men, including Capt. Jamie Edge '96 USMC and MAJ Paul Syverson '93 USA.
Such a tragic loss. All who knew him could truly say, "he was one of the best."
This is very interesting site free ringtones
I WAS NOT HIS FRIEND BUT ONE MORE SALUTE TO YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE A GREAT SOLDIER I WILL ALL WAYS REMEMBER YOU WHEN I AM IN DUTY
GOOD LUCK
its been a long time since this article was posted.. but my brother graduated with Ryan from VMI, and I just stumbled across this page today. God bless you Ryan, and every other brave person who fights for our country.
Today is memorial day. It used to mean nothing to me, until Ryan died. Now I observe this day in honor of him. I was Ryan's girlfriend senior year in High school, and 3yrs of his VMI career. We shared many memories, traveled to Cancun, and broke up because I didn't want him to join the army. I knew he was the sort of guy to sign up for a mission that he wouldn't return home from. It seems I was right. I wish I was wrong. Deep down, I knew he was meant to be a soldier. Ryan was truely brave and honorable, not only in the army, but in life and relationships. I think of Ryan everyday, visit his memorial stone in Mine Hill, NJ often, and even dream of him at night. I miss Ryan very much. All I have is my memories, pictures, and letters. They will have to enough till I can see him again. I wish you all could have known Ryan as a person, not just a soldier. He was a remarkable person who changed my life forever. I am glad to have know him.
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My sincerest condolences to you sir.
saLUTE!
And another prayer for the soul of a fighting man.