Chris had a contagious smile, he was sociable and welcoming with whomever he met and his attitude on life was always positive!

One of Chris’ biggest accomplishments was as a baseball player in high school. He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2007 but chose to sign with the University of Arizona. Following his first semester at the U of A, Chris always had a desire to join the military, he did just that. He put his baseball career on hold and enlisted with the US Army and became a sniper with the 82nd Airborne. Chris embraced this new team (reconnaissance) with great pride and true dedication. Chris was blessed with an athletic talent and loved challenges but never recognized his accomplishments.

I will never forget one of our last conversations before being injured; Chris was in the mountains, while on the phone he says “Mom, guess what I’m looking at? I am looking at the Arghandab River and the sunrise, it’s beautiful. Even in this terrible place I look for the good in everything.” Come to find out Chris was a positive light to his men and he made a big impact on them.

Chris loved family gatherings and he loved food! Being 6’2” he had a hefty appetite. His favorite foods were green chili enchiladas, his mom’s salsa, his aunt’s frybread, wings, and he loved creating his own food concoctions. His smile was big just as his humorous side, you could hear his laugh anywhere. 

We were blessed with a remarkable son, even if it was for a short while, we cannot thank the Lord enough for blessing us with him.  He taught us to appreciate life, to know where our freedoms come from, and to find the good in each day of our lives by keeping a positive attitude.

Chris’ hope, faith, and trust in the Lord are what gave him strength to overcome trials in life. He had this verse on his bedroom wall “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippines 4:14