Each bracelet reads as follows:
JARED SCHMITZ
KIA 26 AUGUST 2021
Abbey Gate, Hamid Karzai International Airport
Kabul, Afghanistan
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Black Aluminum Specs:
One-size-fits-all for adult.
When flat the bracelet measures 6.5"x0.5"
Metal thickness of 1.5mm
Brushed Stainless Steel Specs:
Comes in one-size-fits-all for adult.
When flat the bracelet measures 7in. x 0.6in.
“His life meant so much more. I’m so incredibly devastated that I won’t be able to see the man that he was very quickly growing into becoming,” Schmitz’s father, Mark Schmitz, told the outlet.
The heartbroken dad said his son, who always dreamed of being a soldier, was on his first deployment and was sent to Afghanistan from Jordan. He was notified of his son’s death at about 2:40 a.m.
State Rep. Nick Schroer penned a Facebook post about the death.
“Today please pray for Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz who paid the ultimate sacrifice yesterday serving our nation,” Schroer wrote on Facebook.
“This young marine was from St. Charles County and is a true American hero. Keep his family in your prayers today. Thank you for your service young man! God Bless you and your family, Marine.”