uboat509
12-10-2006, 14:19
Story here (http://www.gazette.com/display.php?id=1327426&secid=1)
SGT Ryndych was an OJT in our company for a while. He had passed selection but had opted to go to Iraq with his old unit before attending the Q Course. RIP Warrior.
SFC W
Rest in peace, SGT Ryndych.
WhiskeyBoarder
12-10-2006, 23:42
While I sometimes feel out of place posting here, being that my repertoire of military achievements doesn’t stack up to most that are regulars here, I do feel the need to express a little emotion concerning the passing of Sgt. Ryndych.
While Sgt. Ryndych and I weren’t the best of friends, we did serve together. More so, we followed a path through the military that was similar. He started in the 3rd Infantry Division and so did I. While there, he was in the 3rd of the 15th Infantry and I was with the 2nd Brigade Reconnaissance Team. While I deployed with 3ID to Kuwait and eventually Iraq, he was shipped to South Korea where he was in the 1/503rd Infantry (Air Assault). After my deployment, I eventually joined him there.
My reasons for mentioning the specifics of this man’s life aren’t to violate his privacy or bring light to any sort of thing that he would want hidden. This was the man’s body of work and he was proud. I am sure that he would love the story of his military experience told. More so, however, I am writing all this to show everyone just a small point about this kid: After a year (or more) stationed in South Korea and then a subsequent year deployed to Ar Ramadi, Iraq (a deployment that put both Sgt. Ryndych and I on the ground daily, vigorously pounding the streets, meeting the residents and killing the bad guys), Sgt. Ryndych re-enlisted. I can’t say that. I took my ball and went home. This is a man that saw the worst and asked for more. This is the type of kid that would tattoo crossed rifles on his arm in honor of his chosen and beloved profession- and he did. Sgt. Ryndych, with his Brooklyn accent tempered by a thick Russian drawl, was a sort of salt-of-the-earth, street-born kid. And it sucks to hear that he has passed.
But all of this wasn’t just written to honor Sgt. Ryndych (although, I dearly hope it did in some sort of way); it was also written selfishly to allow me to release some emotion. I am no longer in the military. And after two relatively combat-heavy tours in Iraq, I thought that I was comfortable with seeing the passing of friends; recognizing it as an occupational hazard. This, however, is different. I find that it was easier to cope and certainly easier to find some sort of resolution when posed with these sorts of situations while in the company of soldiers. But to get a text message with this sort of news while living the pithy life of a college frat boy, knowing you aren’t there and, worse, that you don’t have the company of people that truly understands to grieve- well, that just plain sucks.
So to all this, I say “Rest in Peace Sgt. Ryndych and may the fight continue until true victory is achieved so that your and others’ demise is not relegated to have occurred in vain.” And to everyone reading, I say “Thank You” for allowing me to ramble. Maybe virtually, I am in the company of soldiers again. And “Thank You,” most importantly, for continuing to do the job that yall so bravely do.
The Reaper
12-11-2006, 00:07
WhiskeyBoarder:
Well said. I think that SGT Ryndych would have been proud of your words. His decision proved that our selection process works, and we get the men we are looking for.
Thank you for your service. You answered your nation's call, and did what most refuse to do. If more did that, we would not be having some of the problems we are having right now. You have no reason to feel shame over your decision.
Sorry for your loss. Drive on.
TR
RIP, SGT. Prayers are with your family.
Rest in Peace, SGT Ryndych.
Pat
Rest easy Sergeant Ryndych, and thank you for your selfless service. Thank you also, Whiskey, and please accept my condolences for your loss.