Remember Our Heroes
Army Pfc. Christopher R. Kilpatrick, 18, of Columbus, Texas.
Pfc Kilpatrick died in Tal Afar, Iraq, during convoy operations when enemy forces attacked his HMMWV with an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 603rd Transportation Company, 142nd Corps Support Battalion, Warrior Brigade, Fort Polk, Louisiana.
Christopher Reed Kilpatrick, 18, gave his life for his country and went to be with his Lord on Monday, June 20, 2005. He was born in Houston, Texas on June 28, 1986 to Tracy Soape Kilpatrick and Scott Reed Kilpatrick.
He attended elementary, junior high and high school in Columbus, Texas, graduating on May 28, 2004. He decided during his senior year to join the United States Army, with the intent to attend college after serving his country, and so he signed up for the Army in the spring of 2004. He began basic training Aug. 18, 2004, at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., completing the program on Oct, 28, 2004. He attended Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood and then arrived at Fort Polk, La., on Dec. 4 and was assigned to the 603rd Transportation Company, 142nd Corps Support Battalion as an 88M10 Vehicle Operator. On Feb. 20, 2005, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
While serving on active duty, Christopher received the following awards: National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal.
Christopher was a member of First Baptist Church, Columbus, Texas and also attended the Frelsburg Baptist Church. Among other things, Christopher played on the Columbus Cardinal basketball team throughout high school and he also played tennis. He was also a member of the CHS FFA chapter and a member of the FCA. Christopher was a Cub Scout, a Boy Scout and earned his Eagle Scout. He qualified for the academic all-district team and was voted most outspoken in 2004 by his classmates.
Christopher was many things to many people. He was a son, brother, nephew, cousin, grandson, friend, step-brother, stepson and finally, a soldier. He was loving, caring, brave, adventurous, fun, funny, athletic and warm-hearted. People enjoyed being around him. Even though his life was cut short, he experienced much, and lived life to the fullest. He had a wonderfully positive attitude and did his best to share it with everyone with whom he came in contact.
Army Pfc Christopher R. Kilpatrick was killed in action on 06/20/05.
3 comments:
What an outstanding person? He was a valiant soldier, never afraid to take the lead gun truck on missions. That is where he was the night in Tal Afar. The lead gun truck protecting the convoy scouting out hazards before the rest of the convoy entered the area. He was a brave soul. It was an honor serving next to you and I am remembering you this Memorial Day.
-James F. (5/27/2011)
I don't know what to say today. Every year this day stopps me in my tracks. I remember your smile and your friendly disposition. I remember your motivation and drive that inspired everyone around you. You were a good Soldier and a great young man. I often wonder why you went that day and the rest of us made it home. I now have 3 kids, but I can remember telling you about my 1st born 2 week old son just the day before. You told me you would like to meet him someday. I am sorry you never got the chance.
KP, I still compare my Soldiers to you. I still hold these newbies to your high standard. Every Soldier in my Company has heard the name Kilpatrick and knows how well you did your job and how honorably you gave your life for the convoy behind you. It was an Honor to serve with you and a great privilege to know you for the short time you were with us. RIP KP. You are not forgotten and never will be.
SSG Isham, C.
US Army
I meet PFC Kilpatrick at Fort Polk, LA now Fort Johnson, LA in 2005. I was on rear D waiting to go over to Iraq after healing from a surgery. He was one of a few Solders who had just finished basic training and newly assigned to the unit. He and other Solders would help us (NCOs) with anything around the unit ie, barracks, and motor-pool etc. This was just until he and others could move forward to Iraq. I must say I only had a few encounters with him but I do remember that he was quiet and meek and did his assigned tasked without any complaints. Once I heard the news it was very sad and emotional because I had just seen him a few months ago prior to going on deployment. Such a sad lost but I do remember him every once in a while and I will keep his family in pray.
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