Sisters, Ore. – A former Oregon Guardsman who grew up in Sisters, Oregon, was reportedly killed while fighting with the Ukraine Foreign Legion, according to the soldiers friends and family.
Sgt. Cruz Michael Bryan, 34, who was honorably discharged from the Oregon Army National (ORNG) in May after 14 years of service, was reportedly killed on July 15th while volunteering in Ukraine, just weeks after arriving in the country.
Bryan, who previously served with Oregon’s 41st Infantry Brigade, previously served combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, according to sources close to him.
“We got news today that my cousin Cruz Bryan was killed in the Ukraine on July 15th after being shelled while fighting with the Ukrainian Foreign Legion,” said Christina Adele Hon via Facebook.
“He was an infantryman, he was super passionate, very into the military, but an all around great guy,” Warburg told the Prineville Review by phone early Monday.
“A few years back, this was a young man who was learning the Russian language because he dreamed of moving to Russia someday and experiencing it for a few years. He had nothing against Russians – he respected them deeply and wanted to learn more about them and their culture,” said Warburg.
“He wasn’t in Ukraine to fight Russians. He was there to fight Putin,” Warburg also remarked on Facebook.
Warburg also explained that Bryan was posted near the front line at the time of his reported death. He also said Bryan was originally going to go to Poland as a trainer, but eventually went closer to the front in Ukraine as part of his duties as a foreign trainer.
Nathan Howe, another guardsman who reportedly served with Bryan, also shared his thoughts. “Our unit lost a great man recently,” said Howe on Facebook.
“The people of Ukraine will forever be in your debt, and the rest of us will see you one day, just not yet.”
Hours after initial publication, officials with the Oregon Military Department responded to our request seeking comment and confirmation regarding Bryan’s military service. Major Leslie Reed, Deputy Director of Public Affairs with the Oregon Military Department said they are working to provide more information.
“Public affairs is working to obtain more releasable information,” Reed explained.
“[Bryan] was honorably discharged from the Oregon Army National Guard in May 2024,” she also stated, confirming information provided by friends and family.
Bryan had been working for years in personal support for people with with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while also working on completing as masters degree in rehabilitation and mental health counseling from Western Oregon University. He previously obtained a BS in Counseling & Psychology.
Originally from Sisters, Bryan moved during his teenage years to live in Salem, attending North Salem High School where he graduated in 2008. After high school Bryan enlisted in the Oregon Army National Guard.
Bryan was also an avoid martial artist who practiced jiu-jitsu, according to numerous friends and family who said it was his passion.
“He was a reliable person, good friend, and great training partner always there to push me harder at jits [sic],” said friend Barrett Nutsch of Independence.
Bryan also leaves behind a 10-year-old daughter.
According to the family, a private service is planned for August 10th in Sisters, Oregon, followed by a military service on August 17th.
Note: This story was updated hours following initial publication reflecting a brief response from the Oregon Military Department.
First reported by The Prineville Review — This is a developing story and additional updates may be made.
