21, of Oregon.
Whitham died in Mosul, Iraq, when an electrical current charged the water of the swimming pool he was in. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Washington. Died on May 8, 2004.
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"Even after 17+ years, Chase has lived on in memories for those who knew him. We still welcome any thoughts or memories of him. Addresses change and a current e-mail address for the Whitham family can be sent to: whithamlaurie@gmail.com (spelling important!) Thank you."
Laurie Whitham of Bend, Oregon
"Visiting spec Withams memorial bench on the walk way in warrenton oregon thank you Chase for your service may you always be remembered fondly for your sacrifice ."
Gary crawford of Vancouver wa
"This May 8, 2014 will be 10 years after Chase died. It seems like a long time, but I can still feel his hug like yesterday. Thank you ALL for the good thoughts and words about him. It is nice and feels great that he is remembered. God bless all. May 2014"
Laurie Whitham of near Sisters, Oregon
"Mark and Laurie,
I have been meaning to write for years. I was Chase's school bus driver when he attended Wyatt Grade School. Oh, that boy!! LOL I loved him! He was always causing trouble on my bus and never without a smile, and a "You know you love "Me" Mrs. Whatley"!! . I did love him. He was funny, happy and always going. At the time I drove school bus I had just returned home from active duty and was serving with the Marine Corps. reserve unit in Eugene OR. I too went to Irag in 2003-4. It wasn't until I returned home that I was informed that Chase was deceased. I served as a Combat Triage Officer for the 2 and 5th Division in Iraq, we lost many Marines and Soldiers, but in some strange way, Chase was one of mine. I felt I had lost him personally. Harrisburg, Wyatt, home.....He was a part of MY personal life. It is my hope you and your family are all well. I have no words to say, as you know I understand all to well. My blessings and hopes for you all. "Doc" Toni M. Whatley, USMC, FMF."
Toni M. Whatley
"Thank you ALL for your rememberances of Chase. It is hard to believe that we have not seen him for eight years. We have great memories, and appreciate the new rememberances made by others, and have a strong faith laced with hope that we will enjoy his presence again. God bless all, Laurie, Chase's mom, still triberries@juno.com May 16, 2012"
Laurie Whitham of near Sisters, Oregon
"To the family of:Chase R.Whitham
I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all 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 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015.
Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"1-18-11"
"I served with Chase through basic and a.i.t. with alpha 2-47 at ft benning and then went on to korea with the 1/506st charlie co. thanks to the army's "buddy" system.Chase was a great friend and a truly good-hearted man. it was an honor to know him and call him my friend."
sgt jesse weeden of newark, ny
"Thank you to all who come here to post about Chase. It always helps when we hear that people are thinking of him. Each story told is a little gift that we cherish. It will be six years since that May 8 in 2004. It falls on a Saturday, just like it did on that year, and the next day is Mother's Day. It is so hard to believe it has been that long, and many people ask if it is easier. Less raw, but it doesn't go away. There will always be a void, so that might not ever be "easy". Still, we believe we will see him again, and are so blessed to have had the time that we did. What a precious nut! He can still make me laugh, and I hope he does you too. Thank you, Laurie Whitham, Chase's mom...still at triberries@juno.com 5/03/2010"
Laurie Whitham of Hammond, Oregon
"The last time I saw Chase was on my 21st birthday.. Chase was always someone I thought highly of and I'm so sad that he passed away. He was so young and it's unfair..."
Heidi Surber of Eugene , Or
"May 8, 2009...
Laurie, I just wanted to put up a post today to let you know that I was thinking of your family and of Chase today. It is funny that one day can have such significance every year, but there is still not a single day that goes by that he doesn’t make me laugh or cry in some form! I miss him every day.
I am sending all my love to your whole family today, your in my thoughts all the time and I smile knowing that Chase is looking down on us each day with that big quirky grin on his face.
With all my love, Kelsey"
Kelsey of New York, NY
"May 7, 2009
To the family of Spc. Chase R. Whitham:
Chase 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
"There are so many memories of Chase growing up. One of my favorite is that Kyle and I actually arrived at Marist (nearly on time) after the adventure that was Chase behind the wheel of the Honda on Coburg Rd. each school day. Thinking of Chase."
Blair Cook of Beaverton, Oregon
"Dear James (Foreman),
Thank you for your message. It is really a blessing to us to recieve thoughts about Chase. He could really make us laugh! We know he had lots of contact with people, but he was always so busy, he hadn't shared all. We keep offering our DVD of Chase's time to all that knew him. If you'd like you may e-mail us and we'll send a copy. God bless you, and thank you for YOUR service."
Laurie, Chase's mom of triberries@juno.com (Hammond, OR 12/08)
"Seems just like yesterday we were in basic training. Laughing, singing afroman, and just enjoying our acomplishments. We both made it. You helped me because the person i am today. Chase I miss you man! not a day goes by where I dont think about you man! One day we will see each other again until then keep those angels laughing!"
james foreman of san juan pr
"Dear Kelsey,
We DO remember you! (Chase taught you to drive a stickshift on our farm, right? :o)..) Thank you for your kind
words. It blesses us that he is remembered and thought of, and we are glad he can still make you smile. With love, Laurie, Chase's mom"
Laurie Whitham of Hammond, Oregon
"To the Whitham family,
Hi, it’s Kelsey Morris. I am not sure if you remember me or not, but Chase was a close friend of mine back in high school at Marist and all the days that came after. Even 4 years later to the day, he is still filling my heart with his generous laughter and selfless love for the many friends that filled his life. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of him and each second he is in my prayers. I still think he is around and I talk to him all the time, I know he is just as full of life as the day he had to leave us. I just wanted to take the time today to send out my love to you all, you raised an unbelievable son and brother in Chase and I am endlessly thankful that I had the chance to be bless with him in my life. God bless, Kelsey"
Kelsey Morris
"i am Rockwell (Rocky) Whitham, my father Ellis was born in 1910 and was in WW2 my brother was also in WW2 i was born in 1958 i was to young for vietnam and to old for anything else. i am sorry for your loss. we have children and grandchildren with medical problems but have not lost one, i hope God has blessed you with peace in your heart. love from the Whitham Family. rgwhitham@yahoo.com"
Rocky Whitham of Murray, Utah
"Dear Lowell (and your wife also!)
Thank you. We appreciate you and your service. We enjoy hearing anecdotes of Chase's life. We believe he was always so "in the moment" that he neglected to share them with us. When in high school, he did say "some day, I want to have my own stories to tell". We have made copies of our memorial DVD to share with friends. You may contact us if you would like to have one. God bless you Lowell."
Laurie Whitham, Chase's mom of triberries@juno.com Hammond, OR
"To the Whitham family,
I served with your son while he was in Korea. He was a great man and a great friend. I will always remeber him and his smile. When we were on a 12 mile road march together we pushed each other so hard that we had the best 2 times in the battalion. He had the best. He was always funny and an amazing soldier. My wife also knew him and he will live on in our hearts. He was my friend. I hope that this pain for your family will someday heal. I just want you to know that he touched our life and I am sure that he touched everyones life who he met. Again I am so very sorry for your loss."
SGT Lowell Blackwell of Illisheim, Germany
"Dear Mrs. Whtham, While searching for geneological sites, I happened upon your son's memorial. My heart goes out to you. We too have had son's in the military and one too has served in Iraq. I know that there are no words possible to comfort you. Please accept my thoughts, condolence and prayers. May god give you comfort."
J. F. Whitham-Ball of Canaan, Indiana
"On days that I find myself thinking so much about Chase, I do a "search" on his name and check the list. I guess it is a way for a mom to keep tabs on her son's history. I would like to thank all who have left messages here. Thank you Linda Michael for wearing the hero's bracelet with Chase's name. I think about the many soldiers that Chase served with and hope that they are doing well. He loved his buddies. At the same time, I would welcome any and all stories about him. We have lots of photos, but not a lot of names to go with them. We miss his humor and spunkiness. It has the ability to make us laugh and cry at the same time. God blessed us with a special son. Two actually, Kyle has such respect for his big brother. God bless all serving in the military and their families back home."
Laurie Whitham, Chase's mom (triberries@juno.com) of April 7,2006 Oregon
"Thank you for your service. You will be missed."
E.D. of Woodbridge, VA
"To the family of Chase Whitham. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that I honor Chase for his bravery and sacrifices he made for our country. Over the Easter week-end my sister, Margaret gave me a bracelet she got for me from herobracelets.org. It is the bracelet for Chase. I'm honored to wear it in memory of Chase for all that he has done for our country. Bless You All."
Linda Michael of Dorr, Michigan USA
"On behalf of the whitham family, selby, England. I am very sorry to hear of your tragic loss.
My condolences to your family at this time of grief.To give ones life for the benifit of others in the line of duty is the greatest sacrifice any one can make."
raymond whitham of england
"My thoughts go out to you all for your loss, may you find peace in knowing that Chase has many thoughts with him and he will not be forgotten."
Ken Carlson of Eugene, OR
"Specialist Whitham, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas
"To Chase's family, I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Please know that many of us appreciate his service to and sacrifice for his country."
F. Smith of Pennsylvania
"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, Chase, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "
"To the family of Chase,
I too have lost someone dear to me in this operation. I want you to know that my heart and prayers are with your family and friends while you are grieving. I know the process and it is a painful one to go through"
Jessica of Corvallis, Or
"Chase represents the best of our youth.....prepared, selfless, committed..... and we extend our deepest sympathy to his family on his loss. May God give you solace and strength during these days of reflection and sorrow. Rick and Solveig Conklin"
RiCHARD CONKLIN of LOS ALAMITOS, CA 90720
"Dear Chase,
Thank you for your noble actions. Few people in this day in age have the courage to fight for what is right. But one thing always remains true: The tyrants of the world will always fall because of their foolish arrogance and deep evil. It is not even a question that evil in this world must be eradicated; it is just a matter of time and effort. Our great country is even safer because of your heroism. Thank you Chase."
mark reif of winchester, VA
"May God give you His peace and comfort in the loss of Chase. My heart is broken for every family feeling the loss of someone they love. My prayers are with you."
Connie Sylvester of Cynthiana, KY
"To Chase's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas
"To Chase's Family and Friends:
On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for his bravery and sacrifice.
Sincerely,
The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.
Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX"
"Thank you Chase Whitham, 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 Spc. Chase Whitham:
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 Chase 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 Spc. Chase Whitham:
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 Chase, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia