Fallen Soldier: Charles S. Jirtle

Specialist Charles S. Jirtle, 29, of Lawton, Okla., was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, and served during Operation Enduring Freedom. On June 7, 2010, SPC Jirtle was killed when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Konar, Afghanistan.

SPC Jirtle grew up in Lawton and attended MacArthur High School. He worked many jobs, including with the City of Lawton, prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army. He also served in the Navy Reserves in Oklahoma City. He completed his basic training at Fort Benning, Ga., and deployed to Afghanistan. He also served a one-year tour of duty in Iraq from 2007 to 2008.

SPC Jirtle, whom friends and loved ones knew as "Scott," had graduated to the realm of "an American hero" for his service to his country. His daughter said. “My father was someone I looked up to. Now that I am older, I realize not everyone can do what he did. He was strong. He always picked me up when I was sad and told me to hold my head up.”

SPC Jirtle’s daughter is a Folds of Honor Scholarship recipient.