LINN — At Saturday’s Wreaths for Heroes program at St. George, U.S. Army Col. Reichart (retired) praised Wreaths Across America, an organization dedicated to remembering fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching the next generation the true value of freedom.

“As we gather here, we are united by a shared purpose: to ensure that the sacrifices of our nation’s service members are never forgotten,” said Reichart, who retired on Oct. 1, 2021, after serving more than 30 years.

This year, Wreaths Across America embraced the theme “Keep Moving Forward,” a powerful reminder that even in the face of loss, grief, and uncertainty, we must press on — drawing strength from the legacies of those who have gone before us. “Today, I want to reflect on the 10 attributes of a fallen warrior,” said Reichart. “These attributes are embodied in every veteran’s wreath we place — a simple circle of evergreen that symbolizes honor, respect, and victory. Each balsam bough represents a quality that defined our heroes in life and continues to inspire us to keep moving forward.”

The first attribute is belief in a greater good. “Warriors don’t fight for personal glory; they believe in something larger than themselves — a nation built on liberty, justice, and opportunity for all,” said Reichart. “Think of the soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy or the Marines who held the line in the frozen hills of Korea. Their unwavering faith in America’s ideals propelled them forward, even when the path was fraught with danger. Today, as we face our own challenges, we must keep moving forward by renewing our belief in that greater good. Always remember: their sacrifice calls us to build a better tomorrow.”

The second attribute is love for each other. “In the trenches, on the decks of ships, or in the skies above, our warriors formed bonds unbreakable by fear or fire,” said Reichart. “They loved their brothers and sisters in arms like family, laying down their lives so others could live. This love wasn’t conditional; it was fierce, selfless, and enduring. In our communities today, where isolation can creep in, we keep moving forward by extending that same love — to our neighbors, our veterans, and especially to the families left behind. When you sponsor a wreath or volunteer on Wreaths Across America Day, you’re extending that love across generations.”

The next attribute, Reichart noted, was honor, strength, work ethic, and character. “Our heroes embodied resilience,” he said. “They marched through mud, endured endless patrols, and rebuilt after battles, all with an unyielding work ethic forged in the fires of duty. Their character shone brightest in adversity, rising to meet every challenge. To keep moving forward, we must channel this strength in our daily lives. Let their example fortify us against life’s storms.”

The fourth attribute is honesty and integrity. “In a world where truth can sometimes feel elusive, our warriors stood as beacons of moral clarity,” said Reichart. “They swore oaths to defend the Constitution, and they kept their word, even at great personal cost. Pilots who flew dangerous missions, soldiers who endured withering firefights, medics who treated the wounded under fire — their integrity was their armor. As we navigate an era of uncertainty and doubt, we keep moving forward by upholding honesty in our actions and words. Teach your children this: a wreath placed with sincerity honors that timeless virtue.”

Humility, the fifth attribute, reminds us that true heroes don’t seek the spotlight. “Many of our armed forces returned home quietly, downplaying their deeds, content in knowing they had served,” said Reichart. “Think of the quiet veterans who built families and communities after World War II, never boasting of their valor. Humility kept them grounded, allowing them to move forward without ego. In our social media age, where self-promotion reigns, we keep moving forward by embracing humility — volunteering without fanfare, listening more than we speak. A humble heart places the wreath not for show, but for soulful remembrance.”

The sixth attribute is ambitions and aspirations. “Our warriors dreamed big — not just for themselves, but for their country,” Reichart noted. “They aspired to peace, prosperity, and progress, enlisting to protect those dreams for all. From the airmen who pushed the boundaries of flight to the sailors who charted unknown waters, their ambitions drove innovation and victory. To keep moving forward, we must nurture our own aspirations—pursuing education, careers, and civic engagement inspired by their vision. Sponsor a wreath, and let it fuel your drive to achieve.”

Optimism for America is the seventh attribute. “Even in the darkest hours on fields of strife across the globe, our fallen held onto hope for a brighter American future,” said Reichart. “They believed in our resilience, our ingenuity, and our capacity for good. This optimism wasn’t naive; it was hard-won through trials. As we confront attacks on our American values from abroad and even within our own borders, we keep moving forward with that same optimism. Share stories of our heroes with the youth; let their hope reignite ours. Never let the flame of our great republic become extinguished, be the fuel that continues to allow it to shine like a beacon on a hill.”

The eighth attribute is concern for the future. “Our warriors fought not only for the present but for generations unborn,” said Reichart. “They worried about the world their children would inherit, motivating them to endure. In an age of global threats and extremism characterized by terrorism, drugs, and human trafficking, we keep moving forward by addressing these concerns head-on. Participate in Wreaths Across America to teach concern as a legacy.”

Pride in their duties marks the ninth attribute. “Our veterans took immense pride in their roles, from the private to the general,” said Reichart. “They performed their duties with excellence, knowing each task contributed to the whole. This pride sustained them through monotony and mayhem. To keep moving forward, instill pride in our own duties—whether in work, family, or community service. A wreath laid with pride honors that dedication.”

Finally, the 10th attribute: hopes and dreams that didn’t always come true, but left them with no regrets. “Many of our warriors harbored personal dreams — of family reunions, peaceful retirements, or simple joys — cut short by paying the ultimate sacrifice,” Reichart said. “Yet, they lived without regret, knowing their service mattered. This teaches us to pursue our hopes boldly, accepting that not all paths unfold as planned. Keep moving forward by living regret-free, inspired by their grace.”

In conclusion, Reichart suggested everyone remember that Wreaths Across America isn’t just about placing wreaths; it’s about embodying these attributes in our lives. “‘Keep Moving Forward’ means carrying their belief, love, strength, honesty, humility, ambitions, optimism, concern, pride, and hopes into the future,” said Reichart. “Join us on National Wreaths Across America Day — sponsor a wreath, volunteer, teach a child, decide to serve in our great Armed Forces, and always thank a veteran. In doing so, we honor the fallen, support the living, and ensure freedom’s flame burns bright.”

Reichart started his military career in 1986 as an enlisted cannon crew member. He was assigned to the 2nd ID in the Republic of Korea and 2nd AD at Fort Hood, Texas, before attending the US Military Academy Prep School.  COL Reichart received his commission in the Infantry from the US Military Academy in 1994.  His first assignment was with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment at Fort Stewart, Ga., serving as a Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer.  Following the Infantry Advanced Course, he was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, where he served as an Assistant Operations Officer deploying in support of Stabilization Force 6 in Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina.  He was then assigned to the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, serving as Charlie Company Commander and Headquarters Company Commander. 

After command, Reichart was the aide de camp to the Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division, where he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  After his deployment, he served as the assistant IO coordinator in the G3, 10th Mountain Division, before being assigned as a trainer and plans officer for the 78th Training Support Brigade. 

In 2005, Reichart became an IO Officer and served as the IO chief for II Marine Expeditionary Force, deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Reichart served at HQDA as the IO Plans and Policy Officer, then at the IO Proponent in Fort Leavenworth, Kan., as the Chief of Concepts and Requirements. 

In 2014, Reichart was assigned to the US Central Command as the Director of the Development and Concepts division, where he directed the development and application of special programs in support of U.S. Central Command plans and operations. 

Reichart’s final assignment was serving as Director of the Force Modernization Proponent Center at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in July 2017. 

Reichart is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College, US Army War College, and Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. 

Reichart’s awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal (1OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (2OLC), Army Commendation Medal (4OLC), Navy Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (5OLC), and the NATO Medal.  Reichart has earned the Ranger Tab, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, and Parachutist Badge. 

Chris and his wife, Tammy, own and operate the Linn City Thrift Store. Their children are Josh (wife Valerie), Zach, Elizabeth, Nick, and Emma.

During Saturday’s program, St. George fourth-grader Violet Sullentrup sang the “Star Spangled Banner” to the delight of all gathered.

Following Saturday’s ceremony, wreaths were placed on veterans’ graves at St. George Cemetery.

St. George hosted the Wreaths for Heroes program for the ninth year. Dan and Charlotte Schnieders initially brought the program to Linn.

Debbie Backes served as the Master of Ceremonies. VFW Post 4756 of Linn provided an Honor Guard for the event. Scouts BSA Troop 17 and 3017 and Cub Scout Pack 17 members participated in the ceremony.

All military branches and those killed or missing in action were honored with a presentation of wreaths by Scouts.