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  • Army Staff Sgt. Jason Fritzler was honored by members of MACS (More Angels Caring Strongly) during a special send-off luncheon Saturday at Rib Crib. (Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)

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February 19, 2011

‘Angels’ give farewell send-off for Enid soldier making 3rd deployment

By Phyllis Zorn, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID — As Staff Sgt. Jason Fritzler prepares to head out on his third deployment, he was given a loving send-off by a group of girls who make it their mission to do things that make a difference.

Fritzler and his parents, Mike and Charlene Miles, were feted with a send-off buffet at Rib Crib by the group More Angels Caring Strongly — called “MACS.”

Saturday’s coming together served two purposes — a MACS five-year reunion of former members and current members also took place.

“The Enid community is proud of you and I am proud of you,” Enid Mayor John Criner said as he presented Fritzler with an Enid Challenge coin.

“I have a pen so you can write home all the time, and one for your mother,” Criner added.

Criner handed Fritzler a business card and asked him to phone when he comes home safe after his deployment — about 13 months from now.

Marilyn Murray, formerly at First Assembly of God church and now operating Marilyn Murray ministries, sang, “I Believe” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” for Fritzler before offering a prayer for his safety while on deployment.

The MACS gave Fritzler an LED reading light and page magnifier, a stuffed panda, a wristband, a faith tag to wear and a pen.

Fritzler, a member of the HHT First Squad of the 180th Cavalry in Durant, said his military job is electronic warfare operator. He operates equipment that electronically interferes with the other side being able to fire their weapons.

Fritzler is one of about 3,500 soldiers who are part of the largest deployment of Oklahoma National Guardsmen since the Korean War.

His previous two deployments, in 2005 and 2008, were to Iraq. This time he is headed for Afghanistan.

“My first deployment was to an area we call ‘the triangle of death,’” Fritzler said.

Although Fritzler said he likes serving his country, this time it’s tougher to leave his daughter, Hensley.

“I don’t mind being deployed,” Fritzler said, “but leaving my daughter behind at 6 when she understands now — she’s always asking when I’m leaving for Army, and I tell her, ‘Soon.’”

Charlene Miles said her son’s choice to become a soldier was no surprise to her.

“He played soldiers since he was little,” Charlene Miles said. “It’s his love and his passion, and he’s good at what he does.”

“We know God will be with him, protecting him, and he’s going to be home safe before we know it,” Mike Miles said.

In civilian life, Fritzler works for his dad’s pest control business.

“We kill bugs for a living,” Charlene Miles said.

Nicole Wilcoxen, 15, who began the MACS group five years ago, said she was motivated to bring girls like herself together to do things for others because she’s grown up with an awareness others need to be shown love.

“It’s just in me to do it,” Wilcoxen said. “I’ve grown up with it. I know it starts with my sister, Jamie, because she has Down syndrome — which makes it easy.”

Bailey Miller, 16, and Madison Perry, 16, were among the earliest member of MACS. They recalled the earliest days when they wrote letters to children with illnesses. Then the group started visiting nursing homes and doing other projects to help others. Both now are on their schools’ student council, in youth group, in Future Farmers of America and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Being in the MACS group helped lay the foundation for their service to others, Bailey and Madison said.

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