Jacob Noal Fritz

West Point, 2005

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by David Cho on January 26, 2007:

Last night, I spoke at Jake's memorial here at FOB Kalsu, Iraq. We both serve in the same unit - 2/377 Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4BCT/25ID. He was a hero and inspiration to many of these soldiers. He was honored on this night, and this is what I said: "When Chaplain Tripp asked me to speak, I said that I would. Then when I tried to figure out what I wanted to say, I was lost for words, until I found the only way I knew how - I wrote a letter. Most of you knew him as LT Fritz; I knew him as Jake. 25 January 2007 Jake, I don't even know where to begin. Jake, throughout our friendship, you and I were up and down. There were times when we were at each others' throats, especially as roommates. But you know what, no matter what happened, you were still one of my best friends. We had so many good times together. Remember when I taught you how to play blackjack and you went crazy. Next thing we new we were spending endless hours at the casinos - Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun, Atlantic City, Vegas, we hit it all. You were the luckiest guy there was. Days, probably weeks of gambling and I only remember you losing once. Remember on branch night when we were all sitting there waiting to open up the envelope and you were so afraid that you didn?t get Field Artillery, and then when you got it you were almost in tears. You wanted nothing more than to be an Artilleryman. Man, we've had some good times. In the past 5 years, a lot of the memories that I have - you're in them man. Jake, I never told you this, but you inspired me - you inspired me to be a better person. The way you loved to serve your country. I remember you would tell us your life story. You would serve your 20 years, find a wife (preferably blond, you always liked blonds better), have kids (at least one boy so he could play football), retire, and then go back to your family farm in Nebraska (not necessary in that order of course). You cared so much for soldiers and being their leader. You couldn't wait to come back to Alaska and get to Jumpmaster school and Ranger school. I just couldn't understand where you got your motivation from sometimes, but you had it and now I understand - You loved America, you loved being a paratrooper, you loved being a leader, you loved fighting for freedom more than anyone. You and your family were such an inspiration. I remember when I came over to your farm that one time. Noala and Lyle were so welcoming. They treated me like I was family. I think I even remember a time when they said that I was like their Asian son. Ever since I've known you, you've always talked to me like I was apart of the family. Like you would say "the other day, mom said this" You didn't say "my mom", you would just say "mom" like she was my mom too. That's how big your heart was, Jake. You opened yourself up to everyone. You didn't hold anything back. Thank you for that. There were times in my life where I really needed that, and you know what, you were there when nobody else was. I never told you that. See, that was one of the coolest things about you Jake. You had a good heart and a heart bigger than anyone else I know. You've been the butt of a lot of jokes. Whether it was about a girl or even a thermometer, you were always a good sport and you just laughed along with us. I remember one of your nicknames was "Jolly Jake." You truly did make everyone around you happy. Soldiers, lieutenants, captains, even crusty old E-7s couldn't help but smile when they saw you. Your presence was something that we all needed and will very much miss. Jake, sometimes I go about my day and I can't believe that you're gone. We were going to party it up at Orso when we got back; we were going to go to an Army/Navy game; we were going to hit Vegas again; we were going to visit Andy in Hawaii; the list just goes on. But you know what, you're in a better place right now, where there is no pain and there is no sorrow. That helps me get through you not being here anymore. So well, you know me. I hate goodbyes. Jake, you were my brother. I miss you man. I want you to know that you were there for me when I needed you most, you always were. No goodbyes, we'll just go with "I'll see you again one day, buddy." Keep smiling. I love you man. Your Asian brother, Dave"

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