0133
William Brietzke
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
Tomb Dates
Dec 1972 - Oct 1973Society Membership
MemberHome City / State
Rogers City, MICurrent City / State
Rogers City, MIObituary
William "Bill" BRIETZKE, 53, of Rogers City, Michigan, entered into eternal rest on September 14, 2005. He was born on September 4, 1952 in Rogers City, Michigan. He was a Veteran of the United States Army having served as a Tomb Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. He graduated from Rogers City High School in 1970, and from Wayne State University in 1988 with a degree in Mortuary Science. He owned and operated the Bill Brietzke Funeral Home in Rogers City. He was survived by his wife Gwen Brietzke; children Haley, Megan, and Alec; mother Beatrice Schalk (Ralph) of Hawks, Michigan; brothers Robert (Janet) of Rogers City, Richard (Andrea) of Jackson, Michigan, and David (Jennine) of Saginaw, Michigan; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Henry August Brietzke. Burial in Faith Cemetery, Hawks, Michigan.Memories & Condolences
Share a Memory
Units & Campaigns
3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)Awards & Decorations
Tomb Guard Identification BadgeSupport the Society
The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) is able to provide our programs, events, assistance, scholarships, and services due to the generosity of its members, organizations, and individuals. SHGTUS does not receive institutional funding. Note: The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions may be fully tax deductible.
Learn More
Did you know?
Are the shoes specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet?
The shoes are standard issue military dress shoes. They are built up so the sole and heel are equal in height. This allows the Sentinel to stand with a straight back and perpendicular to the ground. A side effect of this is that the Sentinel can "roll" on the outside of the build up walking down the mat. Done correctly, the hat and bayonet will appear to not "bob" up and down with each step. It gives a more formal, fluid and smooth look to the walk, rather than a "marching" appearance.
The soles have a steel tip on the toe and a "horseshoe" steel plate on the heel. This prevents wear on the sole and allows the Sentinel to move smoothly during his movements when he turns to face the Tomb and then back down the mat.
Then there is the "clicker". It is a shank of steel attached to the inside of the face of the heel build-up on each shoe. It allows the Sentinel to heel click during certain movements. A guard change is considered great when all the heel clicks fall together and sound as one click. The guard change is occasionally done in the "silent" mode (as a sign of devotion to the Unknowns) with no voice commands - every thing is done in relation to the heel clicks and on specific counts.
