SSG. Wm. Ryan Fritsche Memorial Scholarship Fund – 1203
Fund Type: Endowment Scholarship Fund
Fund Description:
Educational scholarships for students accepted into 2 – 4 year public or private institutions of higher learning.
Purpose: For a student with at least a 2.5 GPA who exhibits good character and citizenship and is interested in public service work, such as law enforcement, medical work, social work, child services, etc. Additional references and essay required.
History: William Ryan Fritsche was a life-long Morgan County resident. At the age of 23, he was killed in the line of duty on July 27, 2007, in Kamu, Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. This scholarship was founded in 2008 by Brandi Fritsche, Ryan’s wife, and Volitta Fritsche, his mother. The Fritsche family started this scholarship to continue Ryan’s legacy of service and leadership in the Morgan County community. The scholarship provides funds for students enrolled in courses leading to careers in law enforcement, medical work, social work, child services, and other public service careers. Ryan was a Staff Sgt. in the U.S. Army who joined upon graduation from Martinsville High School in 2002. He was awarded the Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, a NATO citation, an Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon, and the Combat Infantry Badge for his exemplary service