My Life in 5 Photos
My Life in 25 Photos
My Life in 50 More Photos
What is this photo? Me and my Dad on a train, probably in Europe, maybe Canada? We rode a lot of trains because he loved them.
What is this photo? This is Sally and Dave with me on one of the Youth Group camping trips and below is Sally re-creating the pose 30 years later!
What is this photo? In 1988 ish, Chris (driving) needed to move stuff and when we put the piano in, I thought it would be funny to have me playing Scott Joplin tunes while we drove around.
Why is is important? Again, lifetime friendships forged in demanding but fair leadership. This was my first super loyal military team, more were to come as I got better and better at it.
Why is is important? It’s just cool to be a part of a ship’s history in that way. I took this photo in 2005 when she visited Bahrain while I was there.
What is this photo? This montage was of us in the 1980’s and 90’s. Either in Campus apartments or at her parents house and the one time I tried to take her camping.
Why is is important? Because we are so young and cute, and once I took her camping to show how fun it was and did not bring the right tent and got her cold and wet and she literally will NEVER go outside with me again, even 40 years later…
Why is is important? You have not really lived until you are running through the sand dunes, presumptively lost, being chased by a man who is SMOKING while running. Plus I look fabulous.
What is this photo? 2006, I am in Bahrain, and a 3-star admiral is giving me a medal in front of dozens of fellow officers, while my roommate in a Zorro costume reads the citation, and I am wearing a sombrero.
Why is is important? The Navy can be really odd sometimes. To be fair, I was ambushed as my roommate set this up behind my back and did the ceremony as part of a party where I was already socially lubricated (hence the sombrero). Great memories tho.
Why is is important? So crazy what you give up when you deploy. You never get that time back. I only deployed twice on my kids, others do it many more times.
Why is is important? I loved being my son’s best friend when he was little, it reminded me of me and my Dad.
What is this photo? Daughter Brie on a crazy day when I took them on a floating adventure to navigate the river from the Dam above our house, back to our house. The hammer she is holding fell off a truck on the bridge above and landed only inches from her in the brush.
Why is is important? You just NEVER know where danger lurks. That day, we had the foot of luck we needed!! Still have that hammer.
What is this photo? Me and my sidekick, Maj. Cheryl Hanke, taking the fast way home over Baghdad, Iraq, no convoy for us that day! The fasted best-armed Air-Uber ever.
Why is is important? Great memory, not sure if the flares were for an actual threat detection or they were just wasting ordnance. Door gunners are a nice touch.
Why is is important? I never appreciated how young and fabulous we were. I mean, she still is, but man, I miss that guy!
What is this photo? Enna sitting with me at the Detroit Thanksgiving parade in 2009.
Why is is important? A happy father memory, I can feel the love in this picture.
What is this photo? Our kids and Sister in Law’s kids on a family trip in Italy. We are in Pisa…
Why is is important? It was so great for the kids – three families of kids the same ages, so lots of family memories over the years. Some of the littlest ones in this photo are married now!
Why is is important? Earlier that day the group had nearly lost cohesion in a squall that came up literally 30 minutes after launch, everyone stayed calm and we gradually reformed the group. Then we found reports of fire damage to be UNDER stated and could not find an intact campground for MILES. We ended up with our LONGEST and most stressful day on day one, and they all rallied and did not flinch. I knew then it would be a great trip.
What is this photo? The boys (mostly vets) out at my land, for range day. We definitely like our firearms.
Why is is important?Just one of dozens of events each year that build camaraderie within the tribe. Vets love their pew pew!
What is this photo? One of any of HUNDREDS of SVA Happy Hours during the time I mentored them. It was just a given, for like ten years, that on Friday, the tribe would gather. “Dr. Fretz, where are you tonite?” was the only question.
Why is is important? This social core drove everything good that the SVA did, because the members were all TRIBE, they wanted to be with each other as their primary social affiliation. They tutored each other, supported each other, it was AMAZING. Such a shame it was destroyed by ignorant administrators at UM.
What is this photo? I like to host “Floats” down the river from the dam to my house. They are sort of a ritual. What amazed me was this crowd on a bad rainy day. Veterans literally have been trained to ignore rain. They all still showed up in droves, would not dream of not going. Look at them all just like they are out for a walk.
Why is is important? The social vibe of this group was immaculate. Ran with military precision, with assigned roles, float buddies, safety briefings, the whole thing. So fun. Still do these from time to time.
What is this photo? This is not the first time I have stopped the UM faculty procession into the Big House at graduation for a selfie with a student. In this case, my mentee Russ said he wanted a bagel so I brought him one from the faculty breakfast.
Why is is important? This is reason #527 why students like me more than administrators.
Why is is important? This was the last picture of “old me”, before I spiraled into heart failure and my world turned upside down. I commissioned Adam, on the left, who is now a pilot and I think David maybe became a monk? This was the end of my “party era”… it was a good run.
What is this photo? When the University skipped graduation ceremonies during COVID, the Veterans asked to have a real ceremony in my backyard. This was the second one, as restrictions were fading.
Why is is important? Such great friends, such great fellowship. To have experienced it at all is to have been blessed.
What is this photo? The screen on a drive-in movie theater in Plymouth, I sponsored a movie night during Covid, for Veterans (and everyone).
Why is is important? I love continuing my father’s tradition of service.
What is this photo? This is an annual tradition with the Student Vets to cut a cake on the Diag for the Marine Corps Birthday. These are all the Marines from the SVA from before it was destroyed by a UM Administrator.
Why is is important? This started years before with Jon Chen, SVA president, saying we needed to cut a cake and me saying “then procure some cake” and he bought every slice of cheesecake from the Deli nearby and we headed to the Diag to share it. Marines are crazy and are some of my best friends. I also love that we contacted DPS to get permission for the sword to cut the cake. Such a nice contrast between that and the Marine way, lol.
What is this photo? This is the “secret” underground club and Vet center I ran just off campus. It was such a great spot, and a collaboration between me and a student veteran entrepreneur that I helped. Dozens of veterans helped build and maintain it, hundreds used it.
Why is is important? During the day it was a study spot, napping spot, all the latest tech. At night, the kegerator made it an ideal hangout. It closed up after that SVA was destroyed by a UM Administrator. It’s a great example of having outside entities actually step in and meet Veteran needs when the UM simply does not care.
Why is is important? This screen under the sink appeared after an unfortunate lack of decorum by my groomsmen David and Jeff, and we’ll leave it at that. Unless you want to hear the whole story… it’s pretty funny.
What is this photo? This is a campsite by a river (we DROVE up the river to find a spot to camp), north of the Arctic Circle off the Dempster Highway, on Jeff and my trek to swim in the Arctic Ocean.
What is this photo? Mason and Dad, on a raft trip on the Colorado River near Aspen. Guide gave us the option of riding through the next rapids OUTSIDE of the raft.
Why is is important? Big father son trust moment as Mason said he wanted to try it. At one point when it was rougher than this, I spent quite a while underwater holding him up. It worked out pretty well!!
What is this photo? Family Trip to Iceland in 2024, at the ‘Instagram Ready” Blue Lagoon pool.
Why is is important? One of our first “all grownups” vacations, really nice to have everyone together.
What is this photo? 2025 Family Dinner with Grandma and Lori and Paul, at the new AYCE Korean Grill and Hot Pot restaurant.
Why is is important? A very tasty night of family fellowship.
Why is is important? One of the nicer gifts my wife ever gave me, she thought my artistic efforts were amusing and as always immature : ). I famously had this on my desk in Iraq and they tried to tell me I could not have magazine pinups, but I explained it was a picture of my wife, so it was (technically) allowed. Yet again, I am “that guy”.
What is this photo? My E-Trike Pegasus had transported me to and from campus 100+ times, but one spring there was some confusion on the rail trail with a dump truck and trailer (going slow, allowed to work there) and some other bikes and I ended up dumping the trike on top of myself. Broke 6 ribs, got back on the trike, rode to campus, taught my class and THEN went to the ER.
What is this photo? A chat with one of my best friends and mentees, joking about my injuries, and my enjoyment of having adventurous lady friends.
Why is is important? This will lead us into the Leisure section of the photos. I have had a life of very adventurous socializing with few regrets!
What is this photo? Early 2000’s decided to hold a “Corsets and Kilts” party, and it went REALLY well!
Why is is important? These were the early Grad School years, with many great friends who are still around to this day.
What is this photo? A trip to New Orleans with some of my Vets, we decided to try the “big” Hurricane at Pat O-Briens, and they said the three of us needed a group of at least 8 to be allowed to order the drink. SOOOO, we gathered some friends, and then ordered a SECOND one. New Orleans was a very good time!
Why is is important? Hurricanes, amirite?!
What is this photo? One of my legendary “Fancy AF NYE” Parties, with some classy ladies. As I recall, some Charlie’s Angels” films were out back then, ha.
Why is is important? This is one of many examples, probably my favorite, of the impact my work has. It truly is the reason I get up and “go to work” each day. : )
What is this photo? The biggest of my annual social events is the Ultimate Basement Halloween Party (UBHP) now in it’s 117th year. Costumes required. Dress to impress, and my friends certainly do!
Why is is important? Definitely the party of the year, although the 4th of July Float/party one year did break all records.
What is this photo? Another view of UBHP, with the dance cave/DJ and the announcing of the costume contest prize results!
Why is is important? I just love getting groups together for a good time… so many great memories.
Why is is important? My father’s father died when he was little, he worked his whole life to put me in a position to succeed. I work and serve every day to honor his life. His final words to me were “I am so proud of you and everything you have done with your life”. See you soon pops, but until then, keep enjoying this view.
What is this photo? In 2020 my huge Vet family and SVA gave me a rare Distinguished Achievement award AND a REAL championship belt, saying I was “their champion” who fought for them. Pretty much the nicest award anyone ever gave me, and I’ve had a few.
What is this photo? One of the marriages I have officiated, several have been in my back yard (as this one).
Why is is important? A beautiful moment with great friends.
What is this photo? My final trip to the Iraqi Scout Camp I led the construction of, and some of the boys came out to salute my vehicle.
Why is is important? I will never forget those young men and girls who we served with our Boy Scouts and Girl Guides troop. I hope they always remember us.
What is this photo? I am not on Insta that much, but my students let me know I was trending, lol.
Why is is important? I love that so many students love our class together!! (Someone had to explain “top 2 not 2” to me) : ). FWIW Shelly Schreier has been my mentor since the start.
Why is is important? “It matters to this one”
Some Short Videos…
Here’s me finally using my train horn on my bike to “talk” to a train…
Matt’s speech giving me his “champion” award on behalf of all my vets.
A memorial to friends I have lost.
Placeholder














































































