NATCHEZ — With clarity that seemed to stretch up to the overcast skies, the staccato of the three volley salute followed by the mournful notes of “Taps” echoed across Natchez National Cemetery as friends and family gathered to say goodbye to Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Shaw.

A Natchez native, Shaw, 37, was killed Sept. 29 on Jolo Island, Philippines, when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device.

A private memorial service was conducted at the Natchez Convention Center Wednesday morning, and he was buried at the National Cemetery following a closed military service there.

Shaw’s family was presented with the military medals he was posthumously awarded.

The posthumous awards included the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Serving as spokesperson for Shaw’s family, Sgt. 1st Class Joe Ybanez said the family was thankful for the words of encouragement and gifts.

“They appreciate the support they have received from the community,” Ybanez said.

Shaw was deployed on Jolo Island as part of Operation Enduring Freedom — Philippines.

It was his second deployment with Operation Enduring Freedom.

Shaw was a graduate of Natchez High School, and he attended Texas Southern University on a track and field scholarship, where he enlisted in the U.S. Army reserve in November 1995.

He later received a bachelor of science degree in history from Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, N.J.

In May 1995, he joined the active service as a forward observer. He completed basic training, advanced individual training and the U.S. Army Airborne School, and was assigned as a fire support specialist to 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.

He was assigned to 1st Special Forces Group — Airborne at Fort Lewis.

Shaw also served as an instructor at the Special Forces Qualification Course at Camp Mackall, N.C., but he later returned to the 1st Special Forces Group — Airborne at Fort Lewis.

His military education included the U.S. Army Airborne School, U.S. Army Ranger Course, U.S. Army Jumpmaster Course, Basic Instructor Training Course, Advanced Non-commissioned Officer Course, Basic non-commissioned Officer Course, Warrior Leader Course, Special Operations Target Interdiction Course, Combat Lifesaver Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course and the Special Forces Qualification Course.

Shaw’s awards and other decorations included 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.