Chris was raised in Elk County, Pennsylvania, the middle of three brothers. From a young age, he loved the outdoors and showed a strong interest in the military, music, sports, and scouting. At Brockway Area High School, he earned varsity letters in wrestling, soccer, and tennis, played in the band, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated in 2001.

Although Chris received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, he chose to attend Slippery Rock University to remain actively involved in his daughter’s life. While there, he balanced his coursework, Army ROTC responsibilities, a full-time job, and fatherhood—earning him the nickname “Papa” from fellow cadets. He graduated in 2005 with a degree in environmental science and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

After completing the Infantry Officer Basic Course and graduating from Ranger School, Chris was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. In July 2006, he deployed to Iraq as the platoon leader of 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company. On October 17, 2006, while leading a convoy along Route Penguins near Abu Ghraib, Iraq, he was killed along with three of his soldiers and his Iraqi interpreter when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle.

His legacy lives on through his wife, Jacey; his daughter, Isabel; and the many family members, friends, and comrades who remember him for his unwavering moral courage.