Wiesbaden Fitness Center renamed in honor of fallen Green Beret

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Wiesbaden Fitness Center renamed in honor of fallen Green Beret

WIESBADEN, GERMANY

06.26.2026

Story by Staff Sgt. Melyssa Vazquez 

U.S. Special Operations Command Europe  

Riley was a Green Beret with the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) who died during combat operations in Afghanistan, June 25, 2019. The dedication permanently renamed the facility the Micheal B. Riley Fitness Center, honoring Riley’s service, leadership and lasting legacy

Benjamin Brand, an administrative officer with the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden command team and close friend of Riley, reflected on the impact Riley had on those around him, both inside and outside the gym

“It was actually in this fitness center where I experienced some of the most crucial workouts I’ve ever experienced,” Brand said. “And you guessed right, it was Mike who put me through those.”

Brand described Riley as someone who challenged others to improve because he believed in their potential

“If Mike considered you a friend, a family member, a teammate, or one of his Soldiers, then you were fortunate. Mike constantly challenged people to improve themselves. He pushed people not because he enjoyed seeing them struggle, but because he believed in them,” Brand said. “That’s why naming this fitness center after Mike makes perfect sense. Not simply because he loved fitness, but because he embodied everything that fitness represents: discipline, resilience, commitment, growth and helping others become stronger than they thought they could be.”

Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, expressed that Riley’s legacy extends beyond those who knew him personally

“Every year on this date, his brothers and his family do the same workout all over the world,” Donahue said. “We’re here today to dedicate this building to Master Sgt. Micheal Riley so that when Soldiers, civilians, families and children walk through these doors, they’ll read his story. Every day they’ll know who Mike is. Every day they’ll know who to live up to. Mike will continue to live through this place.”

Command Sgt. Maj. George Graham, former senior enlisted leader of the 10th SFG(A), spoke about Riley’s character and the lasting significance of the dedication

“With the dedication of this remarkable fitness facility today, a perpetual symbol is forged that will outlive anyone in attendance,” Graham said. “Mike’s accomplishments as a son, brother, fearless warrior and mentor to many of us are now permanently honored here.”

Graham encouraged participants to remember that the day’s events were about more than competition. He said that although winning matters, how it is done matters even more. By winning the right way and helping those who struggle, Riley’s legacy would truly be embodied

The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the Micheal B. Riley Fitness Center, followed by the presentation of a ceremonial plaque and key to Riley’s mother, Andrea Riley, in recognition of her son’s enduring legacy. Participants then took part in an annual Hero Workout, completing the same workout held each year in Riley’s honor

“This momentous event today will never replace you or bring us another moment to hug or have a deep conversation,” Graham said during his remarks. “It does, however, illustrate our commitment to highlighting your bravery and fortifying your legacy for others to emulate. Once an original, always an original.”

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