Long Knives remember fallen Soldier

By Spc. Terence Ewings, 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public AffairsAugust 5, 2009

Soldiers assigned to the 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, render a hand salute to a photo of Sgt. Ryan Richard Schlack during his memorial service at Fort Hood's Red Team Chapel July 29. Schlack, a 30-yea...
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers assigned to the 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, render a hand salute to a photo of Sgt. Ryan Richard Schlack during his memorial service at Fort Hood's Red Team Chapel July 29. Schlack, a 30-yea... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Col. Philip Battaglia, Commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, places a coin of achievement on Sgt. Ryan Richard Schlack's memorial during the remembrance ceremony at the Fort Hood's Red Team Chapel July 29. Schlack, a 30-year...
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Philip Battaglia, Commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, places a coin of achievement on Sgt. Ryan Richard Schlack's memorial during the remembrance ceremony at the Fort Hood's Red Team Chapel July 29. Schlack, a 30-year... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Soldiers assigned to the 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, bow their heads in a moment of silence during Sgt. Ryan Richard Schlack's Memorial Ceremony at the Fort Hood's Red Team Chapel July 29. Schlack, a...
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers assigned to the 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, bow their heads in a moment of silence during Sgt. Ryan Richard Schlack's Memorial Ceremony at the Fort Hood's Red Team Chapel July 29. Schlack, a... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT HOOD, Texas - Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, "Long Knives" attended Sgt. Ryan Richard Schlack's Memorial Ceremony July 29, at the Fort Hood's Red Team Chapel.

Schlack, who was assigned to the 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cav. Div., died July 17 from a gunshot wound.

"Weeks after his return home from Iraq, he laid down his life so that his fellow Soldiers might live," said Lt. Col. Mark Simerly, commander of the 27th BSB. "Schlack died because of a split-second decision. He died because he chose to step in and protect his fellow Soldiers and literally take a bullet for his friend."

The 30-year-old computer detection systems repairer from Oshkosh, Wis., recently returned from completing his second tour in Iraq with his battalion. During his five years of service, Schlack was awarded: the Army Accommodation Medal; two, Army Achievement Medals; two, Army Good Conduct Medals; the National Defense Service Medal; the Iraqi Campaign Medal, with Arrowhead Devices; and two; Overseas Service Ribbons.

"His positive attitude and outlook on life was second to none," said Spc. Justin Evans, one of Schlack's closest friends assigned to the 27th BSB. "No matter the time and place, you could count on him to brighten your day."

Schlack planned on returning to Wisconsin after completing his enlistment to pursue a degree in engineering.