[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 43 (Thursday, March 17, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1577-S1578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING NEBRASKA'S SOLDIERS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN COMBAT

  Mrs. FISCHER. Madam President, I rise today to continue my tribute to 
Nebraska's heroes and the current generation of men and women who lost 
their lives defending our freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan. Each of 
these Nebraskans has a special story to tell. Throughout this year and 
beyond, I will continue to honor their memory here on the Senate floor.


                      First Lieutenant Jacob Fritz

  Today, I wish to highlight the life of 1LT Jacob Fritz of Verdon, NE. 
Jake,

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as he was known to his friends and loved ones, grew up on his family's 
farm near Verdon, NE, a town with fewer than 200 people. While 
attending Dawson-Verdon High School, Jake thrived and stood out as a 
model student. He was an all-around athlete and played the baritone in 
the honor band. He was also passionate about helping others in need and 
regularly devoted his time to organizations that combat substance abuse 
in Verdon and around the State.
  Jake's former principal, John Eickhoff, described him as ``a great 
kid, student and athlete.'' Principal Eickhoff recalls, ``If I had a 
school full of Jacob Fritzes, I wouldn't have had anything to do.''
  When Jake entered his senior year in high school, his focus remained 
on his commitment to helping others, and he began pursuing a career in 
the U.S. military. His mother Noala recalls Jake's dream of serving his 
country, which was inspired by his grandfather, a retired Air Force 
officer. Karen Mezger, a family friend, recalls that Jake wanted to 
have a career in the Army and more than anything come back to Verdon 
and live the life of a gentleman farmer.
  With the support of his family and the nomination from then-Senator 
Chuck Hagel, Jake left Nebraska in June of 2000 to begin his first year 
at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. As soon as he arrived, Jake 
earned the reputation among his fellow cadets as a warm and supportive 
person. His friend, 1LT Travis Reinfold, recalls Jake's midwestern 
values. ``I called him `Jolly Jake,' '' Lieutenant Reinfold remembers, 
``because no matter who you were, he always gave you a warm country 
smile.'' Lieutenant Reinfold also noted Jake's superb voice as a member 
of the West Point Glee Club. His voice was always filled with 
conviction and beauty, particularly when singing the hymn ``Mansions of 
the Lord.''
  After 4 years, Jake graduated from West Point with a bachelor's 
degree in systems engineering. He was commissioned as a second 
lieutenant in the Army on May 28, 2005. Following speciality training, 
Jake was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery 
Regiment, at Fort Richardson, AK.
  Not long after Jake's arrival at Fort Richardson, the 2nd Battalion 
was deployed to Iraq. It was 2006, and the war was escalating. The 
insurgency was in full force and threatening to erase the progress made 
by American troops. By the end of that year, President Bush announced a 
counterassault known as the ``surge'' and deployed an additional 30,000 
troops to the region. Lieutenant Fritz joined this effort and routinely 
volunteered at Forward Operating Base Karbala to assist Iraqi soldiers. 
Jake had a natural instinct to step up and take charge. He felt an 
obligation and a commitment to the mission, which often required 
volunteering for these types of assignments.
  But shortly after Jake arrived at Karbala, all hell broke loose. On 
January 20, 2007, enemy militants disguised as friendly soldiers 
entered the base and attacked. In a matter of minutes, Lieutenant Fritz 
and three other American soldiers were captured. The militants rushed 
Jake and the other hostages east towards Mahawil. American troops 
quickly located their trail and they followed in hot pursuit. Shortly 
after crossing the Euphrates River and with American forces gaining, 
the militants attempted to hasten their escape by executing the four 
captives. The American soldiers were stripped of their identification 
and shot as the militants fled the scene, and Jake was mortally 
wounded. As his heartless murderers fled into the abyss, Jake realized 
his body might not be identified, and so in a final act of bravery, he 
managed to scrawl a few letters in the dust of an abandoned vehicle. So 
when the American troops arrived at the scene, they saw his body and 
the word ``Fritz.''
  Back in Verdon, NE, it was a snowy day in late January of 2007. 
Jake's mother Noala arrived home to find two strange cars in the 
driveway. Men dressed in uniform approached her as she walked to the 
back door. She instinctively knew why they were there, and she refused 
to listen to the words no mother should ever hear. It was clear that 
her son would not be coming home.
  First Lieutenant Jacob Fritz was laid to rest on January 31, 2007. He 
received full military honors, and he was buried in a church ceremony 
just 4 miles from his home. Family and friends paid their final 
respects in a moving service that honored the courage, commitment, and 
sacrifice of this local hero. Jake was posthumously awarded the Bronze 
Star, Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.
  His two younger brothers later followed in his footsteps, and they 
earned commissions in the Army. They serve to this day with the same 
distinction and the honor they learned from their big brother.
  Jake's mother retired from teaching and spends much of her time 
helping Gold Star families throughout Nebraska.
  Meanwhile, Jake's memory lives on in the hearts and minds of the 
State he served. Nebraskans are forever indebted to his sacrifice.
  First Lieutenant Jacob Fritz is a hero, and I am honored to tell his 
story.
  Thank you, Madam President.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Cassidy). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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