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
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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.
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Did you know?
Do you guard in a blizzard or a bad thunderstorm?
YES, but the accomplishment of the mission and welfare of the Soldier are never put at risk. The Tomb Guards have contingencies that are ready to be executed if the weather conditions ever place the Soldiers at risk of injury or death (i.e. lightning, high winds, etc). This ensures that Sentinels can continue the mission while ensuring safety. It is the responsibility of the Chain of Command from the Sergeant of the Guard to the Regimental Commander to ensure mission accomplishment and soldier welfare at all times.
It was erroneously reported that during Hurricane Isabel, the Sentinels were ordered to abandon their posts for shelter and that they refused. No such order was ever given. All proper precautions were taken to ensure the safety of the Sentinels while accomplishing their mission. Risk assessments are constantly conducted by the Chain of Command during changing conditions to ensure that soldier welfare is maintained during mission accomplishment.
