Family, community remember Sartor

The following is a collection of tributes sent in by the family, friends and supportive community of Army Sergeant Major James Gregory Ryan Sartor of Teague. The tributes recognize the one-year mark since Sartor's passing on July 13, 2019.

Tributes were sent in to the Chronicle by Terri Pryor, Sartor's mother.

“Today is a gift. I have learned this lesson the hard way. Last year, I woke up to my brother telling me ‘get up and come downstairs.’ What a hole that morning left. Ryan was the first thing on my mind this morning. Tears ran down my face before I knew I was crying. I won’t forget what he did for us. He is my hero, my motivation, my family. Pray for us today, our hearts are heavy.”

-Alicia Pryor

“Some people see my son Ryan as the decorated soldier and hero as they should. I see the little guy I helped raise from a baby. Diaper-changing days to bull riding on a stick horse in the living room, from the Little League ball playing to the little man with big dreams. God chose you because he needed only the strongest, bravest and most courageous to be his personal guard at the gate. Love you and I know I will see you again beyond the stars. Lots of things to discuss with you.”

-Sam Barnett

“Ryan was a very cute and busy little boy and loved people. Friendly to everyone. I worked for the school district here and knew about many of his fun-loving days he had at the high school. He and his friends had fun and kept the teachers busy. I will always treasure the last time I was with Ryan. He brought Stryder here to attend A&M football camp in June 2018 and spend time with family. It was a very special time to have him here to sit and visit. Precious memories.”

-Dianne Horton

“I have always admired what my special cousin Ryan has done for our country while serving in the Green Beret. When I was in seventh [grade] we were assigned to write about our hero. I knew my paper would be about Ryan. It was so very nice to find out all the many accomplishment and deployments Ryan had made while serving his country. I enjoyed learning and writing my paper and I will always treasure this experience.”

-Leynie Horton

“Today, we remember Green Beret Sgt. Major James G. “Ryan” Sartor, who died from his wounds on July 13, 2019 in Faryab, Afghanistan one year ago. Fighting for our freedom, Sgt. Major Sartor served multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan and was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. We ask that you take a minute out of your day and stop by the Memorial Park in Teague (his hometown) and place a flag in remembrance of Ryan.”

-KNES 99.1 FM

“He just lived life to the fullest! His laugh was contagious.”

-Tasha and Clay McGuire

“Ryan was an amazing man. A true hero. His wisdom was like no other, and you can see it from his writings. What an incredible gift. Thinking about [him and his family] always.”

-Donna Kern

“Prayers for [Ryan and his family] today. A true hero and the epitome of a warrior leader. May God hold your family especially close today.”

-Lynn Kaddatz

“Ryan was a special young man and grew into a true hero. He will always be remembered for all the wonderful things he accomplished in his life. My prayers are with [his family].”

-Debra White Willis

“My thoughts and prayers and love are with you today, Terri Pryor. You raised a fine man, son, husband and warrior. He is a hero!”

-Janet Steel White

“July 13. A day that will forever be hard. Ryan is one of a kind and will forever be in our hearts. We love and miss you vool. Take a minute out of your day and stop by the Memorial Park. Place a flag today. Remember him. Say a prayer for Dee and the kids, Terri and Crista and the rest of Ryan’s family and friends.”

-Ritha and Brandon Smith

“God bless you and your family, Terri. I didn’t know Ryan, but I know he was raised by a wonderful woman, so I know he was a wonderful man. Prayers continue for all of you.”

-Teresa McLane

“It’s been one year since Ryan made that ultimate sacrifice. We lost an extraordinary leader, teammate and mentor. He left behind some very big shoes to fill. Drink one in his honor tonight.”

-CxC Foundation

“A real hero. Pray for his family today.”

-Lance Pryor

“Honoring Sgt. Maj. James G. Sartor who selflessly sacrificed his life one year ago [July 13] in Afghanistan for our great country. Please help me honor him so that he is not forgotten”

-SEAL Of Honor

“So grateful for men like SGM Sartor that fight for our freedoms, but so heartbroken that he is no longer with us. Praying for his family and our country.”

-Dana Thacker Tuggle