Remembering Christopher J. West

The military made the following announcement today:

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Christopher J. West, 26, of Arlington, Texas, died Feb. 4 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered on Feb. 3 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

West is one of my relatives by marriage -- the brother-in-law and extremely close friend of my wife's nephew. His family told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram more about the life of the Texas A&M graduate and fourth-generation soldier who joined the Army in 2007.

Spc. West was a combat medic, and was scheduled for rest and relaxation at his family's home in Arlington this weekend, according to his sister, Lauren West, 27.

"It was going to be his last mission before he came home," she said. "He loved what he was doing. He said he felt like he had found his calling. He thought that it was very possible that he could make the Army a lifelong career."

My heart goes out to his family and friends back in Texas and the people who knew him at Fort Bragg.

Iraq · 2008/02/05 · 9 COMMENTS · Link

Comments

Rest in peace John.

#1 · Clint Moewe · 2008/02/05

CJ was such an honorable man and will be so missed. RIP

#2 · visitor · 2008/02/05

It's most sad that this exemplary young man has left us too, too soon. My thoughts are with his family, his fellow soldiers and his friends in Arington, Texas which was also my home town.

#3 · Joel Norvell · 2008/02/06

My grandson Zac Lewis served with Christopher. He considered him his best friend. Our heart and our prayers go out to you. May the Lord comfort you, Zac said he was a wonderful man. God Bless you Ray and Pat Gunnells

#4 · Ray & Pat Gunnells · 2008/02/11

I wish to extend my condolences to all of of CJ's family and friends. I worked with his father on the Presidential Helicopter Support Facilties at PAX River NAS in MD.

I thank God for CJ's commitment to freedom. God bless CJ and all of you.

#5 · Pete Greivell · 2008/02/11

26 is far too young.

Condolences, thoughts and prayers to friends and family.

RIP CJ West.

Be Well.

#6 · dethspud · 2008/02/11

RIP bro.

#7 · Albert · 2008/02/26

yes spc west was a good man and friend. i was with him on that mission. i deployed with him and was lucky to know such a good hearted person like west. ill always miss him and my prayers go out to his family.

#8 · raymond.becerra · 2008/03/25

RIP bud

#9 · Josh · 2008/07/27