Ten years after Marine Lance Cpl. David Fribley was killed in Iraq, his legacy lives on through the community. A former Warsaw Community High School football player and track standout, the 1996 WCHS graduate was the first Hoosier killed in combat in Operation Iraqi Freedom on March 23, 2003. U.S. President George W. Bush addressed the nation March 19, 2003, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., announcing the U.S. military struck at “targets of opportunity” in Iraq, according to the Baltimore Sun. Fribley was the son of Gary and Linda Fribley, Atwood. “I said it when it first happened: Regardless of what your politics are, David is an American hero, no question about it, just like all the other kids who gave their lives,” said Dave Baumgartner, a WCHS teacher who was Fribley’s offensive/defensive line football coach. Ted Huber was the Tigers’ head coach at that time. “He was just the all-American kid. He was hard working in the classroom and on the field. He was the kind of kid you wanted to work with,” Baumgartner continued. David Bailey, WCHS teacher, went to middle and high school with Fribley. They also were on the track and football teams together. Fribley’s dad was their coach in high school, and both Davids kept in touch in college. Bailey then served as one of the pall bearers during Fribley’s funeral, which he said was an honor. “I have all the Times-Union and Indy Star articles on my wall (in my classroom) so I see it every day,” Bailey said. “I reference it every day with my students regarding sacrifice,” Bailey said. Bailey said he never saw someone work harder than his friend. As a track coach, Bailey references Fribley’s work ethic. Every once in a while, Baumgartner goes to Fribley’s grave at the Etna Green Cemetery. When there’s talk about the Middle East, Fribley crosses Baumgartner’s mind. When Baumgartner sees Fribley Field on East Market Street, Fribley crosses his mind. Young Tiger Football plays on Fribley Field, and it’s one of the reminders in the community of David Fribley. It was dedicated Oct. 17, 2004. “In my book, to me, I work with kids from age 7 to 12. Somehow, someway, you have to show the kids someone they can look up to,” Young Tiger Football Board President Allen Ross said. Fribley was someone the children can look up to. Many of the kids are without a father. “Football is more than a game. It teaches you to work as a team. If one person doesn’t do their job, they let a lot of people down – on the football field, on the job or in life,” Ross continued. Fribley, he said, worked hard on the football field and in life. During home football games or track meets at the WCHS Tiger Athletic Complex, the “77” flag flies. It was Fribley’s jersey number on the football team. “The legacy of David was he did his duty. He served his country and had no regrets. He did his duty and that’s a lesson we all can learn,” Baumgartner said. He said the best way to honor Fribley’s legacy today is “to do your duty as an American citizen and help other people. This kid felt he was responsible to answer the call after the 9/11 attacks. If everyone had that sense of (duty and responsibility), even politicians, America would be a better place.” Baumgartner said David Fribley was a credit to his family, especially his parents. His parents were supportive of their children, academically and athletically. They taught him the fundamentals, which all parents could learn from, Baumgartner said. “A lot of the kids still ask why it’s called Fribley Field and they know him that way,” said Bailey. “He was one of the friendliest people. He really cared about others.” He said he wants his children to be like Fribley. “I guess my thoughts on it haven’t changed that much,” said Troy Akers, WCHS principal. “Who knew at that point in our history how a whole chain of events would work out with the situation in Iraq. Who knew? He was the first serviceman from Indiana lost, and there were more after him. “Looking back at that day, it was kind of surreal, being close to David’s parents, especially his dad who had coached with me for a number of years,” Akers continued. Fribley had a college degree and tried different things, Akers said. After the 9/11 attacks, however, he said Fribley decided to serve his country and he gave the ultimate sacrifice. Principal at the time of Fribley’s death was Dr. Jennifer Lucht. Akers was at Wawasee at the time, but he said he knew Fribley was a very thirsty competitor and tough mentally and physically. Akers knew Fribley was an elite shot putter. He was not the largest guy, but he was a technician in everything he did, Akers continued. “When you think of a guy like David serving his country, you got to feel good about it,” Akers said. “It was definitely a huge loss. No question his legacy lives on.” With the support of Fribley’s parents and Lucht, WCHS started the Fribley Fund, which is still alive and well. Akers said if a student at the school is in need of supplies, eye glasses or whatever, he is able to use that money to help the student. Gary and Linda have been supportive of the fund, Akers said. “It’s one way every day we’re made aware of Fribley here at the school,” Akers said. The Fribley Award is an athletic award at WCHS given to a senior on senior awards day for mental attitude. Akers’ own son was presented the honor and it hangs in his room. The award is given to students who display the same attitude as Fribley. In May, before Memorial Day, Warsaw Parks Dept. Superintendent Larry Plummer said red, white and blue petunias will be planted beside Fribley’s monument at Fribley Field to mark the 10th anniversary of Fribley’s sacrifice. Bailey said he hasn’t been back to Fribley’s grave since he was buried. He thinks of taking his own kids there to tell them about Fribley and sacrifice. But it’s not because he’s too busy to go back – it’s still too painful for Bailey. “As a teacher, I just look at the kids today and I hope they know a friend like him. I see some kids like him, but he was a very unique and kind person. He was a throwback to the days of chivalry and doing what was honorable, and he was genuine about it,” Bailey said. “I want my kids to be like him. He was a hero, but if he were alive today, he would be making people’s lives better. That’s just the kind of guy he was.” At this time, Young Tiger Football has no plans to mark the 10th anniversary of Fribley’s sacrifice, Ross said. However, in the summer a motorcycle ride is being planned to raise money for the children of disabled Marines. Anyone who wants to contribute to the Fribley Fund at WCHS may contact Akers at 574-371-5099, or via e-mail at takers@warsaw.k12.in.us
