Sergeant Major James Gregory Ryan Sartor, age 40, was killed in action in the service of our country on July 13, 2019 in Faryab Province, Afghanistan. Ryan was known to be a dedicated husband, father, career Soldier, and a Special Forces Green Beret. During this final deployment, he served as Sergeant Major of A Co, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) out of Fort Carson, Colorado, where he was a leader who “led with muddy boots”.
Ryan joined the Army in June 2001, becoming an infantryman in the 3rd Infantry Division where he quickly deployed to help lead the Invasion of Iraq in 2002. Upon completion of his first combat deployment, he continued to advance and after being selected for the Special Forces Qualification Course he earned his Green Beret and was assigned to A Co, 2nd Battalion, 10th SFG(A) in Fort Carson, Colorado where he served for the next 14 years. During his career, Ryan defined the 10th Special Forces Group motto, “Quiet Professional,” and deployed numerous times to include additional combat operations in Iraq in 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010-2011, Germany and Israel in 2008, Africa in 2012 and 2013, and Afghanistan in 2017 and 2019. Sergeant Major Sartor had received more than two dozen awards and decorations and posthumously received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
Ryan was described as a person who loved life to the fullest and was known and highly respected for his kind yet focused soul. He was a beloved friend, neighbor, and brother in arms who lived to be with his family in the outdoors; camping, hiking, or finding an adventure. He was an inspiration, a warrior, a mentor, but first and foremost a family man who left an indelible legacy in the world he left behind through his wife and three children.
Ryan wanted his family engaged in the outdoors, to share important family moments, and find the solace that comes only from wild places.