My project will have 2 separate recipients: Sgt. Ryan Doltz Memorial Foundation, and the Department of New Veterans Assistance Program

 

 

The SGT Ryan E. Doltz Memorial Foundation, Inc. was established on May 9, 2006, by Ryan’s family. The purpose of the Foundation is to memorialize and honor the memory of the late SGT Ryan E. Doltz, who died while bravely serving the United States of America in the war in Iraq, by assisting worthy individuals and charitable organizations and to make contributions, gifts, and render financial or other assistance to such worthy individuals and charitable organizations through fundraising and private donations. Each year Ryan’s Foundation gives scholarships to graduating seniors in Morris County, NJ, who were members of their high school band. In addition, scholarships are given to a member of the New Jersey National Guard and/or a Guard dependent who is continuing his/her education. Contributions are made to the Ryan Doltz ’00 Scholarship at the Virginia Military Institute, Ryan’s alma mater. Each year money is placed in Certificates of Deposit to be given to Ryan Duffy and Giovanni Timoteo on their 18th birthday. (Giovanni received his check in 2020.) Both boys lost their fathers who were serving in the same National Guard unit as Ryan. Since the Doltz Foundation was established donations have been made to families of wounded soldiers, a baby shower for wives of wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital, Operation Jersey Cares, a National Guard family that needed help following Superstorm Sandy, bought a lawn mower for a National Guard family, an organization that purchased goggles and booties for military working dogs, held a Fall Fun Day for families of deployed soldiers, Hugs for Kids, Wounded Warrior Project, helped a family from Ryan’s unit who lost their home to a fire, made a donation to the Bar X Project for returning soldiers, purchased wreaths for Wreaths Across America and participated in placing wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. It is the hope of Ryan’s family to keep his memory alive for many years to some.

 

 

In 1998 Ryan joined the Virginia Army National Guard. He was a member of A Battery 1/246th Field Artillery in Martinsville, Virginia. While at the United States Army Field Artillery Training Center at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Ryan earned the Top Gun Award for military proficiency at section tasks associated with 13B10 training. Shortly after his graduation from VMI his unit was activated to be a part of Operation Noble Eagle. Ryan spent one year on active duty at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. His proudest day came in May 2002 when he "walked the stage” to receive his diploma and Bible from General Bunting and Senator John Warner of Virginia. His grin lit up all of Cameron Hall. He was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, with a minor in Business. In the summer of 2003 Ryan moved home to New Jersey and transferred to the 3/112th Field Artillery of the New Jersey Army National Guard based in Morristown, New Jersey. He began working at Moretrench American Corporation as a Cost Engineer. Ryan’s unit was activated in January 2004 to take part in Operation Iraqi Freedom. While training at Fort Dix, he fractured both heels and was sent home. The doctors told him that he would need a wheelchair for six weeks and rehab for six months. Not happy with that prognosis, Ryan set out to prove them wrong and he did. He was determined to rejoin his unit because he said that he trusted them and they knew what they were doing. After finally being released by the doctors, Ryan arrived in Baghdad on Friday, April 9, 2004.Ryan’s life ended on Saturday, June 5, 2004, when the vehicle he was driving hit an IED as they were returning to their base. Also killed at that time was SSG Humberto Timoteo. Two other members of Ryan’s National Guard unit, SSG Frank Carvill and SPC Christopher Duffy, lost their lives on June 4, 2004. Ryan was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Good Conduct Medal, as well as being promoted to the rank of sergeant. On June 16, 2004, Ryan was laid to rest among our nation’s Fallen Heroes at Arlington National Cemetery. Ryan’s life story became the pilot episode of the documentary series called "War Heroes with Kris Paronto.” In the episode Mr. Paronto interviewed family, friends, and members of Ryan’s unit. The episode ends with a visit to Ryan’s grave at Arlington. Ryan’s life was all too short, but he will never be forgotten. His memory will live on in all that knew him. His dedication and willingness to serve his country makes him a True American Hero!

 

 

The Department of New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars, currently maintains a Military Assistance Program (MAP) which has assisted veterans, military personnel and their families. This program is often confused with our National MAP program and with the exception of donations made at our State Convention very minimal funds have been donated to the program by Posts or individuals. The name change to NJVFW Veterans Assistance Program (VAP) should avoid confusion between our Department and National programs. The program is not meant to replace the local Posts Relief Fund nor their obligations to assist worthy comrades, veterans and families. We believe this valuable program will allow the VFW to lend a hand up and not a hand out to our NJ Veterans. Funds will only be distributed for the aid, assistance, relief and comfort of needy or disabled veterans or members of the Armed Forces and their dependents. All funds will be distributed by the Department Quartermaster and all requests will be approved or disapproved by a four (4) member committee appointed by the Department Commander.

 

Mail all donations to: Stephen G. Fodor - Chairman 74 Linden St Fords N.J. 08863-1767