Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"I cannot believe this will mark almost 20 years since God took you from us Chris. It still hurts my heart deeply. I’m not over your loss, nor will I ever be. I miss your laughter, your friendship, your easy conversation, and just hanging out with you. We never get enough time with the ones that truly matter. I often think about the day you asked me to pin your CW2 on you. It was an incredible honor and privilege. The photo of me, you, and Craig in WOBC sits in my desk to this day and I look at it every single morning. I try to carry myself through life as you did. I miss you Chris. So damned much. Rest easy my friend. I have the rest of your watch."
John Murray of San Antonio, Texas

"Remembering Christopher G. Nason on this Memorial Day weekend.
Love,
John and Christine"
Christine van of North Hollywood, California

"Gina Maddox, I so miss your brother. Please reach out to me, I lost contact with you after I left Arizona. I hear the memorial motorcycle ride is still going on every March in memory of Chris and now many other fallen hero's from Ft. Huachuca. 05fltri@gmail.com"
Scott of Augusta, Georgia

"Thinking of you today my friend. Still think of you most everyday, I miss you."
Scott of Augusta, Georgia

"I will never forget what your passing away taught me....it taught me that we don't know what life will bring us and to hug our family whenever we can....and as long as we all practice that lesson your death is not In vain..."
Family of Los Angeles

"In retrospect what shocks me is your willingness to smile and hug everyone even though you just came back from an EXTREMELY stressful situation halfway around the world;you CHOOSE to be warm and kind...I'm thankful you sought me out at times even though our parents were not in each others daily life...thank you for your kind words and bear hugs...I pray Gina knows what you meant to us!"
Family of Los Angeles

"Love and missing you on your 50th."

"I met Chris when I was Military Language Instructor at DLI in 1996. I think we arrived DLI about the same time. We sat side by side in the Instructor Certification Course for 2 weeks. We became good friends in DLI until he departed become CWO. He's a good friend and I'll always remember him."
Shuy of Bowie, MD

"Thinking about you on Memorial Day weekend."
Kevin of Germany

"Have thought about you everyday for the past ten years buddy."

"Here it is almost Nov 23 2013- Still with me----you are so missed--with love"
Iolani of Los Angeles

"Recently at my son Rocco's kindergarten class the students took part in a Fallen Soldier event. It was in remembrance of those killed in Iraq or Afghanistan and meant to keep those names alive and in memory. Obviously most kids that age don't know someone personally that may have been lost so a letter was sent home to the parents asking for help with creating a "Never Forget" collage that would hang outside of each classroom. So after work I went to the school and met with a few other military parents that were already there working on the project. It was not long before I had a list of friends written down to be added to the collage. As my son was writing each of their names down to be added he would ask me "Daddy who is this? Is he an Army guy like you?" So when he got to Chris' name I explained how I knew him and where he was from and what he did for our country. His name was then added along with many others. I thought it would be appropriate to share this because I shared his story with my son and his classmates. It is important to never forget.

It has been a long time since I have been on here and I am sorry it took so long to respond to the email request, however if you needed to get in contact with me you can reach me at jersey2717@gmail.com"
Jay of Germany

"Happy Birthday
Always on my mind and in my heart.
Love ya"

"Happy Birthday
Always on my mind and in my heart.
Love ya"

"Thinking of you on this 9th anniversary. You are always there."

"Love does no harm to a neighbor; therfore love is the fulfillment of the law---Romans 13:10
you are missed-- still"
Iolani of Los Angeles

"Jay,
Thank you for your service to our nation, and you words about that morning. Chris was my best friend in the Army, and I wish you could have known him as I remember him. He had the best laugh, amazing smile, bearhugs like a grizzly, and heart of a lion. I would have given anything to have been there that morning, and I am comforted to know that my best friend was not alone in his last moments. Chris would not want you to dwell on his loss, but would want you to find strength in his peace. I understand firsthand the horrors you are dealing with. Please carry on in strength, knowing that you are not alone. Happy Memorial Day Jay. May God bless you and your family."
John Murray of Springfield, MO

"Chris, I cannot believe it has been almost 9 years since you passed. I miss you more every year. I suppose it is supposed to get harder as you miss loved ones. I think of you every single day, my brother. I look at your picture often and that is what I want to remember you by. That smile and that laugh. One in a million. I will miss you forever my friend!"
John Murray of Springfield, MO

"I listened to our song tonight. And every now and then, we'll dance in my dreams to it, when I'm lucky. You will never be forgotten, Chris. God, I miss you."
Gina Maddox

"Went to see you -how you are missed-How you are still loved-"
Iolani of Los Angeles

"Thinking of you....
A/D/A"

"Chris taught me in Monterey; we went to college at Brenau here in Augusta. A friend and I talked about him yesterday, 31Jan2011. The memories are still there; gone, but never forgotten."
Erik of Augusta, GA

"Has it really been seven years, Chris? In a way, it feels like yesterday; in another way, it was a lifetime ago. I will miss you for the rest of my life. I love you."

"As the years go on.
How I still miss you-I hope to have the courage to go on-to understand all this-I have and always will love you---"
Iolani of Los Angeles

"How lucky I was to have you. I am so thankful for you. I hope to, one day, love someone and be loved again in a way that was comparable to what we shared. I'll meet you in my dreams, best friend."

"Jay, I hope you are doing better.
I was thinkinig about you. If you are a reader, this reminded me of two really good books. It is called "Five People you Meet in Heaven". (There is also a DVD starring Jon Voigth but not many DVD copies floating out there.) It was about a Vietnam war vet at the end of his life. He runs into five people (in heaven) he has come across in his life. They explain the why things played out the way they did, rather than the way he expected to be the end result. I got a lot from it. I encourage you to take a look.

There is another book by Viktor Frankl, called "Man Searches for Meaning". It was written by a Jewish psychiatrist that survived the death camps. It is a quick read and worth the time. It is the most refered to books I have come across. I read other books and they mention this one by name.
wishing you a path to wellness."

"We all think of and talk about you with so much love and laughter. I'm so glad that you were and always will be a part of our family. We love and miss you."
Laurie Maddox of Augusta, GA

"Jay of Ft. Bragg, I hope you have found peace! sincerely! Family"

"Jay of Ft. Bragg, please leave an e-mail you can be contacted at. i have questions.Thank You Sir for caring enough to share your story. Family"

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH

"So much has happened and wished you would of been here to share...Missing you another year.
A/D/A 09"

"Another year and you R still missed-
with love always"
Iolani of Los Angeles,CA

"Chris,
We are thinking of you and miss all the things we would of shared.
Love you
D"

"Thank you, to all who have taken the time to honar my family"

"Chris is missed more than some realize,I will never forget his bear hugs.Gina I hope you dont think we forgot.FAMILY."
Family

"They didn't have you where I come from
Never knew the best was yet to come
Life began when I saw your face
And I hear your laugh like a serenade

How long do you want to be loved
Is forever enough, is forever enough
How long do you want to be loved
Is forever enough
Cause I'm never, never giving you up...

You're always on my mind."

"November 16, 2008
To the family of CW2 Christopher G. Nason:
Christopher gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"Dear Jay
I am Chris Nasons First cousin Debra. I would like to talk to you. You can reach me at Busyus3@yahoo.com. I am so sorry that you have had to have this picture of my cousins accident in your memory. There is nothing you could of or would of been able to do to change the circumstances but I do hope that you know Chris would of been very proud to know that you were there when you were. Please accept our gratefulness for your terms that you as a young man have served in Iraq. Go out and live your life to the fullest and remember that is something Chris did and would want you to do without guilt.
May peace be with you and thank you.
Debra

Chris We miss you and love you. Your sister just got married and Missy Ava was her flower girl. We so wish you were there and walked her down the aisle and seen Missy Ava..... Love you"
Debra of Los Angeles Calif

"I check this site every few months and was very surprised, to say the least, to read your message, Jay. I am so glad that you were able to write about it. One of the hardest things about losing Chris was feeling so helpless over here in Augusta, GA. When you love someone, you want to keep him or her safe, and I wasn't able to do so. Knowing that you were there with him, even if it were after the fact, eases some of the pain that I've had for the past five years.

I know that it's easy to wonder "what if." I was the last person who spoke with Chris that morning, about an hour before he died. I wondered for a while, what if I'd just kept him on the phone a little longer? What if I'd let him go sooner and they had left earlier? While I'll never know the answers to these questions, I let go of them a long time ago and hope that you'll be able to do the same. Chris was such an amazing person and would have been deeply moved that you have thought of him for this long, but he would never want you to dwell on might have been done to change the outcome. It was his time, and he is safe now.

While it means so much to me that you were able to reach out like this, I am so sorry that you've been so affected by having to be witness to it. I hope that writing about it provides some closure for you. Take care."
Gina Maddox of Augusta, GA

"Jay thank you so much for your post. It took a lot of courage to face the tough things. I am sorry you were the one to find Chris. I am also grateful someone with a big, warm, kind heart was the one to find them. Chris was in good hands in a war torn country half way around the world.
As a military career man, he died along side with his brothers, doing what he loved/committed to do. As a leader, he loved his men. You helping him in his hour of need would have meant the world to him. He went to Iraq to guarantee the survival of another family man. That was his nature. It would hurt him to know that someone felt responsible for (his death) something that was out of their control. Please do not beat yourself up with all the could have or what if’s. What is done is done. Nothing can change that. Please find a way to let the guilt go. Eating yourself up is a hard destructive life.
I am glad you are safe. Please stay safe. After three tours, you have seen a lot of ugliness. You have seen a lot of soldiers not come home safe. Please reach out and find a place in your heart to be ok with being one of the fortunate ones that survived.
To every side of destruction, there is a healing side. Healing is not an easy process. You have already shown a great deal of courage by taking the first step with this post. You have been through worse. You can do it! I believe there is a way back to peace of mind/spirit. Just when you think you are alone in your pain, there are others who have been through the same. Seek out those who’s lives you can touch and they will touch yours.
You are not alone."

"I was a member of the US patrol that stumbled across the accident on that long, lonely road in norhtern iraq. At the time I was a 19 year old private and this was the first of many encounters with US casualties. Now at 24, im a SSG and just returned from my third tour in Iraq. For everything I have seen over the years this tragic accident is the one image that still remains the most vivid in my mind. Im not much for writing out my feelings in a blog or on a message board but I feel like this was the most appropriate and easiest way to say something.
I think about what if we would of left our staging area near dohouk two minutes earlier, would we have slowed up that fuel truck that caused the accident. What if we would of left twenty minutes early, then our paths would of never crossed and it wouldnt of been my squad that found you and your friends in the middle of the road.
Im not even sure where im going with this. I guess if your family reads this I want them to know that even though you passed in an "accident" you did so doing your job, as we all were on the morning of November 23rd 2003. Sir, im sorry it took so long for me to say something."
Jay of Ft. Bragg

"I miss you so- love you then-and still-always"
Iolani of Los Angeles,CA

"Not a single day passes that you're not thought of. Happy Memorial Day and thank you."

"Happy 43rd, Chris. I love you."

"We miss you and keep your memory alive by telling Ava all about you.
Love you"
Debra of Los Angeles Calif

"My name is chris nason too my brother is a marine i feel i should send my respect to you for doing what you did"
Chris Nason of Philllipston MA USA

"Who would have thought
That such a day
Would be looked upon, now, three years away,
With gratitude, when all I could do was scream,
Begged God that I was trapped in a horribly lucid dream.

And wake me up,
I bow my head,
I had things to do, but I
Cried instead.

I'm sure you were around
And begged me to stay
That you knew one day, I would be okay.
I felt the ground,
The dirt was wet,
The grass was dead,
But the flowers were fresh.

I still hear the tune,
I bow my head --
Couldn't buckle my knees,
So I fell instead.

But I see it now
The dust clouds up
The shouts, God, they ring,
And the heat's too rough.
I asked the sky
To keep an eye over there
And didn't realize, then, when it
Answered my prayer.

But, yes, I see it now
And the road is clear.
Your pure was good enough that
He needed you near.
I thank God for delivering,
I bow my head,
Couldn't make sense of the evil,
So I understood of the good instead.

...I wear your cross, I kneel,
I bow my head,
I'll wait for you.
And this day is blessed.



I love you, Chris. Bless you, and may you rest in peace and happiness forever."
Gina

"It hasn't quite been three years, but I guess I shouldn't necessarily have to wait until November 23. Sometimes things are peaceful; I can imagine you smiling, laughing, being busy, completely absorbed in your proverbial element, for God knows, the indescribable Chris Nason was meant for a greater place than this Earth. And then just as quickly, things can turn gray and I'm selfish again, wanting you here, beside me. I believe that you see me and hope you look with pride in everything I have become and am becoming. You always did hate it when I became melancholy on you, didn't you, Chris? I watched you leave to Arizona and thought afterwards, I'll never cry this hard for him again -- I hope. I bid you good-bye when you left for Kuwait and thought afterwards, I'll never worry this much for him again -- I hope. I put on your cross when God took you to Heaven and thought afterwards, I'll never have my heart break like this again -- I know. I try to usually convey my feelings about you, to you and others, in a positive light, expressing my gratitude that God decided it was time to take you Home, and I have meant every word. But I also feel compelled to share that I do ache for you. And while I could never be self-centered enough to want to bring you back into this world just so I could have my best friend back, I do sometimes imagine you with me. I imagine your voice, I re-read your e-mails, cards, and letters, and I look at your pictures, sometimes just to get through the day, since it will most likely be a very long time before we're reunited.

Three years over the span of a lifetime doesn't seem like a long period of time until the three years marks the beginning of a new life without the special someone who lived to help you make an adventure of your growing up and sparked uncontrollable side-splitting can't-catch-my-breath laughing fits of what could have otherwise been so difficult. May I be so lucky to know at eighty what you taught me in your thirties.

I can remember, soon after your death, being terrified that I would forget memories about you that were so important to me. But in the moments that I am not thinking about you, I am using something that you've helped instill in me, utilizing everything I have to try and become more, like you always told me I would, or saying something that has become around the Maddox household a signature Chris-phrase ("Say again?")

A few nights ago, I had a dream in which you were asking people to let me know that you had never left me. I've always known this. And even though YOU already know it, for what it's worth, I've never left you, either. If I live to be 100-years-old, I will still be Chris's Gina.

'I think that passion and love and pain are all bearable, and they go to make love beautiful.' -- Robert Plant"

"Rest easy, sleep well my brother.

Know the line has held, your job is done.

Rest easy, sleep well.

Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held."
SFC Zach of Camp Victory, Iraq

"I miss him alot and i cant believe hes gone.Love u"
his little princess of California

"Please remember that this site is reserved for honoring the servicemembers who died for their country and their family members/loved ones. Other comments are inappropriate and should not be posted."

"I'm not sure whether or not the questions in the post below were rhetorical, but I'd like to respond to them anyway. I don't have stories about Chris from when he was young (Although, Debra, I'm sure you could tell those!), but he was a very intelligent and perceptive man. He seemed to know at least a little bit about everything and what he didn't, he wanted to learn. He had an insatiable appetite for knowledge and was just a fun person to talk to. Chris was a word nerd and a very articulate guy; I was blessed that we were similar in our thoughts and philosophies because he could often spell out my feelings on various topics better than I could. Kind, uniquely funny, smart, and attentive, but not at all pretentious, he was definitely the type of person everyone felt lucky to know, and it warms my heart (but doesn't surprise me) that someone could gather that about him from a newspaper."
GM of GA

"Late one Sunday evening, I picked up a copy of the local section of the LA Times newspaper. I saw Chris' smiling face. It broke my heart as I read the obituary. He seemed like the kind of guy everyone is lucky to know. The next day, I was at work. I was thinking about Chris. I remembered it said he went to Gr--High School. It occured to me that if he went to that hs, he was probably a student where I was teaching. I was a teacher at Kitt El in V.Glen. for many years.
I would love to hear stories about him as a child. If he were a student in my class, what kind of boy/student was he? He sounds like he would have kept me on my toes. Very intelligent and into everything. My favorite kind of student."
Keebler of LA CA

"Happy Birthday, Chris! We think and talk about you so often. I love and miss you!"
Gina and the rest of us of Augusta, GA

"Well Chris tomorrow is Memorial day and never felt like it meant much till your passing. Ava has grown into a beautiful 3 year old. Dre' and I often talk about the Uncle that she will only know through pictures and our stories. I know how close we had become during pregnancy and am always saddened to think how much we all miss you. Love you Chris"
Debra & Ava of LA, Calif

"OH my how I still ache for you. I keep your cell number still in my phone. Avas three yrs. old and has your hair, dark and curly. We went to your gravesite and I explained why mommie was so sad. Here was the man who insisted on holding you all day at Universal studios just days before you were deployed. Thank you God I love to take pictures I have the last of you here on this earth. Missy Ava and I strolled over to your mothers grave site. I explained the connection. That Uncle Chris's mommie is sleeping here too. She asks me "mommie when will Uncle wake up I want to see him again." I could not answer I could only shed silent tears. Chris, I love you and was so proud to have you in my Avas life to see you beam with pride as if she were your own. You would be so very proud of her. She knows about you and knows that when we go visit Aunt Rose, Aunt Dottie and Uncle Chris that we are sad for a bit, but loves to look at all the pictures she has with her Uncle and the funny stories we have of you and I growing up. I am so blessed that as soon as you found out about Andre' and I being pregnant we became so much closer, in a grown up way.
Like you told me when we parted that day at Universal Studios with a final picture of you and our beautiful Ava, "Debra, never let her go. She will be all our sunshine" and we hugged and kissed and you handed Ava back to us. I miss you so and wish I could share Ava with you, she is missing a great Uncle, so am I.

Love and miss you."
Debra & Ava Bond of Los Angeles, Calif

"The Arabic that you taught to hundreds of young servicemembers is in use amongst us in Iraq and elsewhere to this day, and it is doing good, bringing joy and hope to the downtrodden of Iraq, and saving lives. Thanks for all you did for us."
Jake J. of WDC

"I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Chris' death!! I met Chris when we were in the Air Force together at Crete, Greece. He was so full of life, such fun to be around, and devoted to his family. He was a hard worker but always had fun also. While I feel a loss with Chris gone, my heart goes out to those who knew and loved him as more than a coworker. May you be comforted by happy thoughts about Chris. I'm so sorry for your/our loss!!!"
Debby of Columbia, MD

"Every day I smile or laugh at least once about something funny you said or did. And sometimes I cry, too. It will never be easy living without my best friend, the one person who always understood me and could make me laugh during even the most difficult of times. No one has ever pushed me so much to believe in myself. No one has ever listened so intently to everything I have to say. No one has ever made my day so bright, and I have never had so much fun. There are so few people in the world like you, whose smiles light up a room, whose vibrant and beautiful (yet admirably humble) personalities leave an imprint that many will never lose. You are the type of person that everyone loves to love.

I will never stop missing you -- the Cribbage games, the South Park marathons, your patience during Robert's and my "Okay, now say THIS in Arabic!", the pained expression you got when anyone said 'irregardless', the courage you had in leaving everything behind in the States, the sacrifice you made for your country, your eternal optimism about being deployed, and the way you always, always found some way to tell me every day that you were safe -- I will always keep these things.

Thank you for sharing it with me. It's been two years since I lost you, and yet I still feel like I've got you by my side in some way. I can still hear your laughter and your voice in my mind, clear as day.

If I ever move one person as deeply as you have moved and affected so many people, it will be enough for me to consider myself a success as a person (you know, as opposed to a fish). We love you, Chris. You're in our hearts and our thoughts, always."
G of Augusta, Georgia

"To the family of:Christopher G Nason I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully, we will meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell, Gateway Community Church, 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ,"
Polly Ballew of Covington,Ga

"Still missed, and will never be forgotten. My family and I will never forget the wonderful memories and time we got to share with such a special person. I love you, bro."
Robert of Augusta

"I miss Chris, he was one of my favorite people. He was not just a CW2 to me, he was a friend and I was heartbroken to hear of his untimely end. We worked together at the GRSOC and I enjoyed our daily talks about work, family and life in general. I was with the 101st in Mosul and had no idea he was so close at the time of his death. Chris was a joy to be around and I miss him. Good Soldier, Good man."
Rick Spurbeck of Goodfellow AFB, TX

"If love was all it would take to have you here,
And my tears collected to form a sea,
I'd swim across to find you, Chris,
And bring you back to me.

We miss you."
The Augustans of Georgia

"It's taken me a long time to write anything about Chris, probably because it was so hard to process his death. Chris was always such a lively guy you didn't really think of him ever not being here. I imagine to those who were very close to him at the time he died that his death was like a bright light suddenly being switched off, or a loud radio being suddenly unplugged.

I can't remember when I first met Chris -- probably when we were both stationed at Fort Meade and assigned to NSA. But I remember well all the great times we had together: the summer we all spent in Egypt; him borrowing a pair of my boxer shorts to use as swim trunks so he could visit the water park at Ain Fashkha near the Dead Sea (and him "flopping out" of those shorts, so to speak, in front of a group of Israeli ladies and kids, frantically trying to tuck himself in and suppress his laughter); getting drunk with him on a bus to the Sinai before we visited St. Catherine's Monastery; him surprising me and J. at a restaurant in Augusta the day he first arrived at Fort Gordon; his energy and drive when we would train together at Gold's Gym.

One incident more than any really captured Chris for me. We were still stationed at Meade, and he had become friends with a girl we all knew. Even though we all thought well of her, we all shared the same thought: Chris can do so much better. Yet one day he and I were chatting, and he began talking about how beautiful and intelligent this girl was and how there was no way someone like her could ever be interested in someone like him. I was stunned -- everyone I knew, man and woman, young and old, military and civilian -- thought Chris was one of the funniest, nicest people we'd ever known. And here he was, doubting his worthiness in the face of someone we all thought he could do much better than. Chris was humble to a fault.

Except for an occasional e-mail, Chris and I fell out of touch after I left Augusta. I discovered he had passed away through sheer chance; reading the USA Today over lunch one afternoon, I happened to glance at the section listing Iraq casualties. I never thought I'd see anyone I knew listed there, and it was a horrible shock to see that such a kind, gentle man had to end his life in a war. Chris jumped from the Air Force to the Army to pursue opportunity; I am sad to this day that his desire to better himself led ultimately to this outcome. I also know that friends often fall out of touch, but I will be forever sad that we never got the chance to call each other out of the blue one last time.

Unfortunately, I never got to meet Gina, but I am told that Chris finally found happiness with her. For that she will always bear the gratitude of all of us who knew and loved Chris back during his NSA days. Gina, I hope all that was good about Chris and your life with him lives on in your spirit, and that you find joy and peace.

I'm sure that for every one of the 1,200+ soldiers whose stories have ended in Iraq, there are hundreds of tales told and memories recounted by friends over beers or holiday meals, tales that fill out the cruelly brief death notices in the paper, and that explain to those who never knew them who each face on CNN.com really "was". To the extent my words about Chris can shed light on who he "was", I am happy. I know that my words speak for many others who loved and admired him.

Chris was a good friend and a good man. He was loyal, smart, and funny. He knew everything there was to know about '80's hair metal and professional wrestling. I always knew I could trust him, not just in matters requiring honesty but also those requiring bravery. One doesn't meet many like him, so it's that much more painful to know the world has one less.

One final personal note in closing: my family are Cajuns who moved to southeast Texas from southwest Louisiana. I went to high school in a little town whose phone book contained roughly five Thibodeauxs for every Smith or Jones. Chris was a very dark-skinned guy with curly, thick black hair and a moustache. When we went to Egypt and got the chance to let our hair grow out, Chris looked like Super Mario. Our nicknames for each other were "filthy Cajun" and "greasy Dago." It was impossible not to laugh at each other when we exchanged those greetings, like we knew that nothing we could say to each other could ever be misinterpreted. It's always wonderful to be in on the joke with a truly funny and generous person.

Greasy Dago, you are missed.

Thanks for everything,
Joe"
Joe Miguez of Austin, TX

"It is hard to believe that today is one year and one day since Chris' death and nearly a year since I met Gena Nason and Gina Maddox along with her mother. I've been thinking about Chris for this past year and found some thoughts I wrote for his memorial service conducted last year at Ft. Huachuca, AZ. I knew Chris fairly well because he was my senior rater before he left for Iraq. Here are some thoughts I wrote on December 1, 2003:

On the personal side, Chris was a funny guy; I will always remember his laugh. He would laugh about almost anything: a meeting that went too long, a flat tire, a missed flight, or not being able to guess a person's age. One time there were two coworkers on a plane and Chris was watching a movie on his laptop with headphones. He was laughing so much it almost embarrassed his coworkers.

Chris was also a giving man. He would take us to a local restaurant for breakfast and pay for our meals. This generosity did not stop at breakfast. He would entertain us at work with games such as "Name that Tune". We had a young college bound soldier who would find the oddest music that almost no one could remember, but you might have guessed it, Chris knew the name of the song and the artist!

Lastly, Chris supported my educational endeavors. During a six month ½ day-work-schedule commitment on his part I was able to complete four courses toward my PhD in Psychology.

In June 2004 I moved from Ft. Huachuca, AZ to Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, GA."
Paul J. Wright, SSG of Savannah, GA

"Your sacrafices will never be forgotten. Thank you for the gift of Freedom. I will honor it in your memory."
P Bell of Macon,Ga

"I cannot believe it has been a year since I lost my Chris. It seems like only a short time has passed since I last heard his voice, though sometimes I could swear that it has been half a lifetime. During the course of our last conversation, just a few hours before his precious life was brought to an end, Chris described to me several times how incredibly beautiful the sunrise was in Mosul. I look at it now as a metaphor for the way I wish to live my own life, being able to be in a very undesirable situation, at death's doorstep, and still taking time to appreciate and admire something as simple as the sunrise. Chris was more than the best friend I had ever had; he was (and still is) my hero, the person I looked up to the most. I look forward to seeing that inimitable smile and hearing his infectious laughter again someday; in the meantime, the love he created in my heart will continue to live on as I tell anyone who will listen about the man who changed me and changed my life in more ways than I will ever be able to describe. I love you, Chris."
Gina Maddox of Augusta, Georgia

"Chris Nason (Staff Sergeant Nason when I had the pleasure to know him) was my Military Language Instructor at DLI. I will always remember his words of encouragement and dedication to assist us in learning a difficult foreign language. Having learned of his untimely death after returning from OEF, I felt a terrible sadness for the loss of a fellow soldier who had an influence on my military career. You will not be forgotten Chris Nason."
Jason Alexander of Las Vegas, NV

"I never met Christopher, but I knew of him from talks I had with his father Bob, the instructor of a tax class I took a few years ago. When I read of Christopher's passing, I knew he had to be the son that filled Bob Nason with such pride. And reading that Christopher stepped foward to go to Iraq just confirmed his father's high opinion. My belated condolences to Christopher's family and friends."
Gordon Davis of Los Angeles, CA

"Chris Nason was my sponsor when I first arrived to Iraklion Air Station in Crete, Greece in April 1991. He was always nice and helpful in making me feel at home in a foreign land. Thanks for everything."
Nando Miranda of Helsinki, Finland

"Chris, you are so very missed. Your sister Gena is my dear friend. We are going backpacking next month. We will see you at night when we look up at the heavens & see the shining stars....."
Georgette Rieck of Santa Monica CA

"I knew Chris' dad Robert Nason but I never met Chris. I just remember how proud Bob was of his son and of his daughter Gena. His face would light up when he talked about them. He always said "My son is my pride and my daughter is my joy." Bob died a few weeks before Chris. I like to think of them as being reunited and as angels looking down on Gena."
Nancy Perov of Santa Monica, CA

"Dear Cuz Chris,
I sit here again with my precious baby and try to explain to her who you are/were to her. I miss you so and come back here often to see the thoughts that others have of you. As this memorial day comes it never meant much before but I now know it will be full of longing and tears. I just cant miss you enough it hurts and yet I am so proud of you and the wonderful memories I have of you especially in the last 11 months of your life when Missy Ava brought us so close . I will share the wonderful and loving dreams with her that we shared for her. Chris, may you rest in peace and forever in my heart."
Your Cuz Debra and Lil' Missy Ava of LA California

"During mass today, we were given names of fallen soldiers to remember during Memorial Day and to pray for those who lost their lives fighting for our freedom. My family picked Christopher Nason's name. We have posted his name on our refrigerator and will remember him and his family in our daily prayers. God Bless Christpher Nason."
m.s. of loudonville, new york

"Chris,
I miss you so. I sit here with the baby on my lap missing all that would of been. I am so thankful that we have so many memories and pictures of you and her together. I will always love you and think about you every day. I am glad that we were family."
Your Cousin of Los Angeles , Ca

"Warrant Officer Nason, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Christopher, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Chris I will alwys remember you as I first met you! Smiling, heartwarming, and doing pushups at WOBC! You made it easy to complete WOBC, and your friendship will alwyas be a reminder to me that good is always out there. I remember the meals we shared at my family's dinner table and the way you smiled as you held my young children. Chris I will always miss you and I wish I was at your side when you needed me. To your sister Gena I want you to know that Chris was one of the finest people I have ever known, and my life will always be beter for having shared some precious days with Chris. His infectious smile will always be in my heart. To all who knew Chris as I did please remember "No greater love hath any man than he should lay down his life for a friend". Chris I love you, and I miss you my friend."
John Murray of Stroudsburg, PA

"Thank you Christopher Nason, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of CW2 Christopher Nason:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Christopher for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of CW2 Christopher Nason:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Christopher, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia