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<p><em>Bryan Christopher Herzog</em> was born on April 17, 1984 in Orlando, FL. He is the son of Robert and Karen Herzog and brother to Stephen and Lauren Herzog. Bryan met the love of his life, Jenni, before graduating from Susquehannock High School in Glen Rock, PA in 2002. Jenni and Bryan were destined to be one of the few couples who remained together after four years of West Point, affectionately referred to as the Two-percent Club.</p>
<p>After the attacks of 9/11, which occurred during his senior year in high school, and with the certainty of the United States entering its next war, Bryan began a life of military service at West Point. He excelled there, similar to how he performed in sports and academics up to that point, but his encyclopedia-like knowledge of military history gave him an edge. Knowing the significance of every ceremonial tradition gave meaning and passion to military exercises that would have otherwise felt routine. His shoes were the shiniest and his uniform was impeccable in comparison to his peers. He was a natural fit for an assignment with the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (“The Old Guard”) later in his military career.</p>
<p>Bryan loved to help others understand the nuances of historical military campaigns. At West Point, many cadets relied on his firm command of the most esoteric details to learn all they needed to know for their history exams. He organized study groups and was always willing to review lengthy history papers. Bryan was particularly known for his candid feedback. When other cadets wrote history papers unlikely to achieve high marks, he saw it as his duty to help everyone around him achieve their full potential, even in instances where a lower standard may have been acceptable. </p>
<p>Although Bryan took military discipline and high standards seriously, he also took pleasure in letting loose with his friends. He often waited with great anticipation to tell his friends a hilarious story and then struggled to hold back his laughter enough to get all the details out. Many of those stories were exchanged one night at a wine tasting event being held for the firsties of Cadet Company F-4. It was a class to learn about the art of experiencing the aroma, texture, and flavors of fine wines. The poorest quality wines were served as an example of what to avoid, and they were passed around cheerfully, and the firsties got to the bottom of nearly every bottle. When he was a First Class cadet, frequent trips to the First Class Club (regularly referred to as the Firstie Club) were a great pastime that he enjoyed with his friends.</p>
<p>Bruce Springsteen was another hallmark of Bryan’s when it came time to relaxing and enjoying some music. Although Springsteen first achieved rock-star status nearly a decade before Bryan was born, the patriotic lyrics resonated with him, and he was always eager to rejoice in the sounds of this classic rock band with his classmates. What better way to celebrate each milestone of cadet life than to bask in the sounds of heartland rock? It seems appropriate that Bryan hailed from a town not too far from Baltimore, MD, the land where the national anthem was born. To Bryan, however, this meant cheering on Baltimore sports teams, especially the Orioles. He had a particular passion and love for the sport of baseball, America’s original pastime sport. Topics of conversation with fellow baseball lovers often revolved around the best baseball teams and which one would ultimately win the World Series. </p>
<p>His West Point years were formative, yet they went by fast, and Bryan would not have wanted it any other way. After graduating in 2006, the nation was at war, and Bryan wanted to do his part as an Airborne Ranger and infantry officer. Bryan and Jenni quickly married, but the demands of the military sending him to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom postponed their ceremony until 2010. By that time, Bryan had accumulated a chest full of medals and awards after making it through the Army’s most demanding training and successfully leading troops in combat. After his wedding, he reflected on his service and made it known that taking Jenni to Hawaii for a future military assignment was a priority. </p>
<p>Bryan quickly rose up through the ranks and eventually did take Jenni to Hawaii, where he was stationed at Schofield Barracks as a brigade S-3 operations officer. Bryan and Jenni were accompanied by their four children: Roen, Maddox, Logan, and Patton. Bryan thought of his children as his greatest accomplishment in life and beamed with pride when he talked about them. Although his ambition and focus remained, those who knew him well could see that he was a changed man. His family made him more content than ever before. The soldiers and leaders of Schofield Barracks were eager to have Bryan come back to Hawaii after the completion of his assignment. He was selected to command 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, and the Herzog family was preparing to return when tragedy unexpectedly and sadly struck. Bryan died preparing for command while training at Fort Leavenworth, KS. </p>
<p>Bryan left a legacy that extends far beyond his 39 years of life. He accomplished far more in those years than most could imagine. Although his passing brought so much sadness, all those who knew and loved him will cherish memories of how he impacted the lives of everyone around him. Bryan was a husband, father, patriot, and a true friend.</p>
<p><em>— Tad Hickman, Shane Hogan, and Adam Vance: West Point Classmates, Fellow Veterans, and Friends</em></p>
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