U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ) today received notification from Secretary of the Army Pete Geren that the Army has overturned its initial ruling and will grant the family of PFC Ryan D. Christensen their request for a memorial tree to be included in “Warriors Walk.”

“I truly appreciate Secretary Geren’s personal intervention in this matter and the decision to provide a lasting memorial to PFC Ryan Christensen, a brave leader who died in service to our country.” As the top official at the Department of the Army, Secretary Geren is ultimately responsible for all Army-related functions. “A grateful nation must give all fallen soldiers full honors and respect and we must show our appreciation equally,” said Smith.

Late last week after previous requests from Smith’s office for the memorial were denied, Smith called Secretary of the Army Pete Geren on behalf of Christensen’s family asking the Secretary to personally intervene. Secretary Geren informed Smith that he had read Ms. DeTulio’s (Ryan Christensen’s mom) letter and found it compelling. At that time, Secretary Geren informed Smith that the case had been reopened and he would personally monitor the new review.

“We need to treat, especially the deceased, with absolute dignity, respect, and gratitude,” said Smith.

Earlier this year, 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. “These distinctions are counterproductive,” said Smith.

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.