The James L Bartz Award was chosen in memory of Specialist James L Bartz, United States Army (2019-2023). James was a country kid through and through. Born in Jackson, Mississippi, on May 9th, 2001, James came to love the outdoors and working on small engines; he never understood the purpose of wearing shoes. James had an avid love for military history, past conflicts, and always dressed up as a soldier for Halloween

As time moved on James’ mother, Cynthia Privatte (United States Navy), made the decision to move James and his sister, Kathryn Privatte, to New Lenox Illinois to be closer to James’ older sister, Jessica Meder (United States Navy) and her husband, Scott Meder (United States Navy).

It was there in New Lenox that James’ life began. While enrolled in Oster-Oakview Intermediate School, unbeknownst to him at the time, James met his future wife, Lauren Bartz. James ultimately became a permanent resident of Monee, Illinois, where he finished high school and decided on the next step in his life.

In 2019, James decided to follow his passion for the military and enlisted in the United States Army out of Crest Hill, Illinois. After completion of basic training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT), James was assigned to Company G, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team in Fort Stewart, Georgia as a 91A, M1 Abrams Tank System Maintainer.

While stationed in Fort Stewart, the power of social media reconnected James and Lauren. Both knew that where they left off as kids was not supposed to be the end of their story. After serving a deployment in Poland, James knew it was time to take the next step. In October of 2021, James and Lauren shared their vows in Joliet, Illinois. Lauren moved down to Fort Stewart with James, where both discovered the unique challenges of being a military family. James and Lauren quickly learned the joy of knowing their first child was on the way as well.

With impending orders for James to deploy once again to Poland for the rising conflict in Ukraine, Hazel “Bug” Bartz was born in November of 2022. Lauren and James soon found themselves having to prepare for James’ deployment. As James and his unit’s final orders were given to deploy, James ultimately succumbed to thoughts that were only known to him. On February 11^th, 2023, James took his life while in his military housing at Fort Stewart, GA. James was survived by his wife, Lauren Bartz, daughter Hazel Bartz, parents Cynthia Privatte and James Jay Bartz, and siblings Jessica Meder, Charles T. Harpole, and Kathryn Privatte.

A Southwest flight later flew in with James into Midway International Airport on a cold February night with family, police, fire, and military waiting to receive him on the tarmac. James was given a full police escort from Midway Airport to Kurtz Funeral Home in New Lenox, IL where he lay in rest for the remainder of the week. On February 24^th, 2023, James was prepared to be escorted to his final resting place at Abraham Lincoln Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Scott and Jessica’s dear friend, Ryan Brazel (United States Navy-Retired), had to step in at Kurtz Funeral Home and provide military honors for James. In that moment, the realization of Ryan’s efforts with the Warriors Walk foundation weighed heavily on the back of everyone’s minds. James was ultimately escorted to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery by honor riders, military, police, and fire while numerous kids, residents, and Veteran associations stood on the streetside with their American Flags to pay respect. James was laid to rest with a twenty-one gun salute and taps that day.

Ryan later approached Scott and Jessica with the idea of the James L Bartz award to honor James’ memory and the support the entire community gave that day. After agreement from Lauren and Cynthia, it was decided that the James L. Bartz Award would be established as a beacon for the Warriors Walk foundation to always strive to gather community support in the fight against Veteran suicide.

To those who have served and continue to struggle, know that this award recognizes that there are individuals in the community who will go above and beyond for you. Your fight is not alone.