Secretary of the Army Pete Geren late last night told U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) that the family request to provide a memorial tree in honor of PFC Ryan D. Christensen has been reopened and the Secretary will personally monitor the new review.

“I am grateful that Secretary Geren has given his personal attention to this matter. The Army’s initial decision is inexplicable to all of us and especially to the family who have already suffered unspeakable heartache and loss,” said Smith, who has been working with the family as they continue to press for inclusion of a memorial at “Warriors Walk” located at Fort Stewart, Georgia.

“The Army must reverse its original decision and ensure that we honor fallen soldiers equally. As a sign of our deep appreciation, a grateful nation must give all fallen soldiers full honors and respect,” said Smith the former Chairman of the House Veterans Committee.

Earlier this year the Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, commanding officer from Ft. Stewart where the Warriors Walk is located, advised the family that PFC Christensen, who died as a result of illness he contracted while deployed in Iraq, would not be memorialized along the Walk because his death was not a result of a combat-related injury.

“We put our men and women in harms way to defend our freedom. In no way should the Army differentiate how they die when in a combat theater. It is a distinction without a difference,” said Smith.

As the top official at the Department of the Army, Secretary Geren is ultimately responsible for all Army-related functions. The Secretary advised Smith that Maj. Gen. Lynch will reopen the case and a decision will be forthcoming shortly.

“I have continued to work up the ladder to resolve this issue,” said Smith. “It is my hope that a review monitored by the Secretary of the Army will ensure that this request is properly met. The Secretary told me he had read Mrs. DeTulio’s (Ryan Christensen’s mom’s) letter and he found it compelling."

PFC Christensen, a resident of the 4th district NJ, heroically joined the Army following the attacks on 9/11 and died after contracting a bacterial infection while serving his country in Iraq. Following his death, Christensen’s parents have tirelessly fought to include a memorial on his behalf at Warriors Walk.

Warriors Walk, established in April 2003, is a living memorial of Eastern Red Bud Trees at Fort Stewart, Georgia in honor of men and women from the 3rd Infantry Division who lost their lives in Iraq.