Army Paratrooper Pfc. Brandon Kreischer"There was never any fear that I detected from him. It was always like, 'I get to do this. I don't have to do this. I get to do this,'" Amy Johnson, Kreischer's former high school social studies teacher told WTVG-TV, the ABC affiliate in Toledo about 50 miles away, who described him as "a patriotic teenager" who was in wrestling, football, track, and choir.
In his Bryan High School senior Memory Book, Kreischer wrote:
"Throughout my life, I have had one huge goal. That one was to enlist in the Army as an infantryman, and I achieved that goal on April 25, 2017. It was without a doubt the proudest day of my life, ..."
" ... I am very proud to be an American. I believe that whatever cause America believes in, I have an obligation to believe in, because I am a patriot. If I die in the combat zone for America, I do not call it a tragedy, I call it a glory."
A rifleman, Kreischer had been in the Army since June 2018. His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Basic Parachutist Badge.
Kreischer's body was returned Wednesday to the United States, according to the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, N.C. He was stationed there before deploying to Afghanistan less than a month ago.
Kreischer leaves behind a wife who is expecting their first son in December 2019. Here is a statement issued by the family:
"We would like to thank the entire community for the incredible outpouring of love and support that has been shown for Brandon and for all of us, thus far. This is an extremely difficult time for us as we begin this unfathomable journey of loss. As you can imagine, we are quite overwhelmed and therefore, we would appreciate you respecting our privacy at this time.
"Brandon was a remarkable young man, who believed in his Country and had dreams of becoming a soldier for as long as we can remember. We are grateful that he was able to realize that dream if only for a short while, but we will forever mourn the loss of our courageous American soldier.
"Our hearts go out to the family of his fellow fallen comrade, Spc Michael Isaiah Nance, for we know that they too, share our pain and grief."
What you can do to help
WTOL-TV, Toledo's CBS affiliate, shared two ways that others can help support the Kreischers:
1. A Memorial Fund has been opened at Farmers & Merchants State Bank for Brandon Kreischer's wife Grace and their unborn son, Callum. Brandon paid the ultimate sacrifice and will forever be in our hearts. Deposits can be made at any F&M location or mailed to F&M, PO Box 216, Archbold OH 43502- Brandon Kreischer Memorial Fund.
2. Monetary donations can be made through the nonprofit organization Inspired By Grace (Grace Kreischer is a founding member ) PayPal account at https://www.PayPal.Me/WeAreInspiredByGrace indicating that funds are to be directed to Kreischer Family Fund.
UPDATE 8/7/19: Funeral arrangements announced
Services for Pfc. Kreischer will be held on Friday, Aug. 9 and Saturday, Aug. 10 in the gymnasium at Bryan High School, 1000 W Fountain Grove Drive in Bryan in northwest Ohio.
The visitation will be held on Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern with the funeral being held on Saturday at 11 a.m. Doors open at 10 a.m.
Graveside services will be private.
"The Community of Bryan and Williams County will be mourning our soldier, said Bryan mayor Carrie Schlade in a statement. "The family has graciously allowed communities from within and outside of Williams County to join us in honoring Pfc. Brandon Kreischer, but we all must respect their privacy and give them space during this devastating time."
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