Print this story |
E-mail story |
This story has 28 comments Add your own |
iPod friendly | Bookmark this
What is this?
Local soldier killed in the Philippines
Published Saturday, October 3, 2009
NATCHEZ — Natchez native Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Shaw gave his life in the Philippines Tuesday after the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device.
The explosion happened on Jolo Island, where Shaw was deployed with the 3rd battalion, 1st Special Forces Group — Airborne in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Christopher D. Shaw
The U.S. Special Forces Command Public Affairs Office released a statement Thursday confirming Shaw had been killed.
This was his second deployment in support of the Operation Enduring Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Jack M. Martin III, of Bethany, Okla., was also killed in the incident.
Shaw’s family released a statement through the Special Forces Command Public Affairs Office, stating they would not grant media interviews.
“On Sept. 29 we lost a husband, father, son, brother and uncle.
“We would like to thank everyone for their support during this most difficult and trying time.
“We appreciate the condolences, prayers and acts of kindness that we have received,” the statement said.
“Chris was a man who deeply loved his family and believed that he was making a difference in the fight against terror.”
Shaw enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve on Nov. 22, 1994. At the time, he was a student at Texas Southern University, and in May 1995 he left college to join active-duty Army as a forward observer.
After attending basic training, advanced individual training and the U.S. Army Airborne School, he went to the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Lewis, Wash.
In 1997, Shaw volunteered for the Special Forces Assessment and Selection course, and in March 1999 he completed the Special Forces Qualification Course.
Later, he was assigned to 1st Special Forces Group — Airborne at Fort Lewis, and went on to serve as an instructor at the Special Forces Qualification Course at Camp Mackall, N.C., before returning to the 1st Special Forces Group at Fort Lewis.
Shaw’s awards and decorations include Meritorious Service Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medals, Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Meritorious Unit Citation and the Philippine Presidential Unit citation. Shaw earned the Special Forces tab, Ranger tab and the Parachutist Badge.
He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Shaw had degree in history from Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, N.J.
Survivors include his wife Attina; five children, Darian Shaw, Erielle Smith, Jalyn Smith, Dante Shaw and Cydney Shaw of Fort Lewis, Wash.; his mother Camille Felton and step-father Willie Felton of Chicago; his father Walter Owens of Port Wentworth, Ga.; two brothers, Orlando Shaw of Chicago and Maurey Owens of Jackson; and two sisters, Kenya Shaw of Chicago and Gwen Owens of Atlanta.
Comments
Posted by webk23 (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 12:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I had the pleasure to SERVE with SFC Shaw in 1995-1998 in the same company at FT Lewis WA. 2/8 FA . I remember when we were getting promoted to Spec (E4) he was the only one that i let give me my blood stripes he gave me the same HONOR. When we found out we were from the same place he from natchez me from franklin co. best friends with his bro. Maurey we clicked this is a sad day for the ARMY & COUNTRY, that i still serve. He was a born LEADER and a great FRIEND. to the family stay strong, GOD has a GREAT WORRIOR by his side to stand on the hill to watch over us.
Posted by crawgator (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 7:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Ultimate Sacrafice.
Prayers Sent.
Posted by miss601 (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 7:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have known Chris since we were kids, thanks for all that you did for our country, it will not be forgotten. To his family, my heart goes out to you and my prayers.
Posted by kuntryboi (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
may god bless the family during this difficult time,chris we gonna miss u man,you did natchez and the c/o 1990 proud!!!
Posted by trulyblessed (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I remember Chris as an outstanding track star. He set many records. I pray that God will give his family strength during their time of sorrow.
Posted by belle_south (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
thanks for being a guardian of our freedom
Posted by judy9205 (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Chris I don't know you or your beloved family. Your courage, valor & bravery has touched our soul along with all those who served beside you to protect me and all citizens of The United States of America. I want to thank the family of such a man as this Moral Courageous Brave American Soldier that gave his life for me and you. I thank you Sgt. Shaw with all my heart. I thank each and every member of Sgt. Shaw's family who now grieves for their beloved Chris.
In prayer,
Posted by harvest1 (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A strong trooper has crossed over. Thank God for this paratroopers service. To the family....know that he was trained by the best---- to be the best. RIP.
"AIRBORNE ALL THE WAY"
Posted by TRON601 (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To Chris and his family: While I didnt know Chris, since he was years ahead of me in service, I too am from Natchez and have been in for eight years active. I have been stationed at Ft. Bragg in the 82nd since 2004 returning from two years in Germany 02-04. For him to have achieved so much is a truly a blessing. He is the second active duty Natchez native killed in action that I know about. The first was Henry Brown in 2003. I am sorry for your loss as well. While I am fellow forward observer too, and have done much for today's Army, nothing I can say or do compares to the sacrifice that your families have made thus far. But to still be alive after three tours to Iraq already, and prepping for my fourth in the next two months...obviously my talking to you and being here on this website says nothing when compared to the efforts, sacrifice, and achievements of what Chris has done and made. Especially with making the ultimate sacrifice for this nation no matter what state it is in. When I hear about a fellow vet, I am inclined to personally share my thoughts and feelings with the families. I pray that while you are going through these hard times, GOD continues to be with you and let you know while it may feel like it, your pain and grievance is not in vain. Often times a soldier doesn't even think about what he is fighting or doing his mission, he only cares and thinks about what his mission is doing it. I know, because I do it. and this is my motivation. Im sure that like Chris and Henry both, we just care about doing our jobs to make it, which as an enlisted member and a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), isnt easy. We do what we are called to do and thats all we think about with any mission we have. So to both families: If noone else does, let me tell you that while Chris Iand I are years apart and in a totally different active status (him being Special Forces any my being regular Army) I too am hurt to lose another fine Sergeant. While we both do different things, we share the same burdon..which is fighting for our families and fighting to preserve what we believe in and taking care of each other on the battlefield, no matter what we do. What one soldiers does or gives up is not in vain to the rest of us. We are all borother and we love and care about each other because less than 1% of this country does what we do for a living. Fighting so everybody else wont have to.
TO BOTH SIDES OF FAMILY: GOD BLESS AND MAY GOD KEEP YOU!!
Posted by southernbelle (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My sympathys to Chris family and friends. You can be proud of him I'm sure. God has a special place for those who die while giving up their life for his country. Time won't take away all the hurt but it will dull it. Be patient and believe in God.
Posted by retnavyit (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
RIP BROTHER
FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS TO A OUTSTANDING MAN.
MY CONDOLENCES GOT OUT TO THE SHAW AND SPECIAL FORCES FAMILY.
Posted by dwash (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To one of my favorite cousins and dearest friends. I will truly miss your true spirit. It has made me a more cheerful person and that has allowed me to be far more sharing than I have ever been. Always, all ways, and forever. HEY, HEY, ALL THE WAY - SGT AIRBORNE
Posted by treeclimber (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My husband was 82nd Airborne. Even though it was years ago, he is still proud of the fact that he served his country. I did not know this young man but I do want to tell his family that our thoughts and prayers are with you. To his children, to know that your father was an honorable man is a great blessing. If you don't already realize it, one day you will know that to be Special Forces, a person has to be brave and have a great character. Rest in peace, SFC Shaw. I know that when you met your Heavenly Father, He looked at you and said, well done.
Posted by treeclimber (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Todd Partridge of Natchez was also killed. And let's not forget about Seiveren - he was married to a Natchez girl and recently lost his life.
Posted by bellesouth (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 8:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My heart goes out to this man's family and every family that has lost a loved one serving their country.
Posted by southernbelle (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
treeclimber, I will never forget. God bless.
Posted by consider_reason (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 9:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things.
The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse.
The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of
better men than himself.
(John Stuart Mill)
Thank you, God bless and keep you SFC Shaw.
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
just goes to show that terrorism is global, and we are at war against an enemy that has no honor, no uniform, no goal other than death.....
these men are our heroes and because of them we enjoy the freedoms and peace that we have managed to preserve, yes we have some problems of criminal violence and political struggles, but because of our soldiers we have the opportunity to work things out ....
God Bless Sgt Shaw and Sgt Martin, God Bless their families, let us not let their sacrifice be in vain, and do our best as good citizens to fight, as they did, for our freedoms...
Posted by SableSkye (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 11:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My prayers go out to Christopher's family. May God be with you.
Posted by emp (anonymous) on October 4, 2009 at 12:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for giving your life to keep my family safe.
Posted by danielsbasketry (anonymous) on October 4, 2009 at 12:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
As the mother of another SF soldier, my heart goes out to you, the family left behind. May God wrap you in a special peace.
You need to check out the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, www.specialops.org. There are some special benefits for the children when they get ready for college, and Chris and Jack need to be acknowledged there.
Posted by jdix1 (anonymous) on October 4, 2009 at 4:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Growing up across the street from this young man-sharing each others grandmothers dinner tables-to late night discussions about how we would one day serve our country, marine corps and army....gone are the days of our youth, but the memories will last forever!!!
EB and I pray that you float among the stars and look down upon us all from the heavens!!! Vaya con dios my neighbor-my comrade-my friend!!! Semper Fi -------Blue Skies
Posted by guzzler44 (anonymous) on October 4, 2009 at 7:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
All gave some, some gave all.
God please be with his family and bring them the comfort they need during this tragic time.
Be proud friends and family. This man is a hero.
Posted by Hardcorps (anonymous) on October 4, 2009 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Sgt. Shaw thank you.
Posted by geauxtigers11 (anonymous) on October 5, 2009 at 12:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
To the loved ones of Sgt. Shaw,
I honor the sacrifice that your solider made to keep all of us free and safe. May the Lord be by your side during this sorrowful time. Hold tight to your sweetest memories of him and know how grateful we all are.
Posted by mississippimom (anonymous) on October 5, 2009 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My name is Suzanne Tanner, my son severed with Sergeant Shaw on Jolo Island. To Sergeant Shaw's loved ones, our deepest sympathy. Please know our prayers are with you.
I John 1:5 .....God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
Posted by peacemaker0606 (Charles Matthews, Jr.) on October 5, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For those who did not know Chris, you missed a treat. The guy was as silly and fun as he could be. My fondest memory of him was when he refused to get a hair cut until a particular track meet. LOL. He would get a line and just pack his hair down really REALLY tight.
Always smiling about something and just being Chris. I hung out with his family quite a bit, and as I'm typing this, I can see him in his Gold shirt and green shorts running and getting in shape for a track meet.
Run brother. . .keep running. . .you are free! ANd when you get tired, sit down and take a break. You're closer to God so you have no worries now.
Posted by faithblessings (anonymous) on October 5, 2009 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
God Bless
VNVet
Sp4CLMS
L.sthul Ger.
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)