Posted by Maryellen Picciuto on March 3, 2003:

Chris was a dear friend. We met yearling year when we were both newly assigned to Company D-3. Chris was one of the most easygoing people I've ever met. He never let things bother him or get him down, and he always - always - had time for everyone else. He put himself last. That is just the kind of guy he was. At West Point, I remember hanging out in the company dayroom watching tv with him; going to the firstie club; his blue firebird firstie year (he loved that car!). His birthday was the day after mine, so we'd celebrate together. We often went to mass together at Most Holy Trinity. Chris always spoke lovingly of his family and of his Montana home and community. I know he came from a large family, but my memory fails me as to how many brothers and sisters he had. He spoke often of a younger sister - I think she may have been considering being a West Point cadet at the time. I also had the privilege of meeting Chris' parents at West Point - I think it was when we graduated. Three weeks after our WP graduation, Chris was a saber bearer in my wedding to my husband Jack. Our paths continued to cross - at jump school at Fort Benning (where he married Tracy) and then at our first assignments at Fort Hood. Chris and Tracy lived just a couple of miles away from us so we'd often get together on weekends. When the helicopter crash happened, the Fort Hood community came together to mourn its great loss. I couldn't believe that Chris was gone. I wish I had gotten to say good bye to him. We're stationed at West Point for the second time, and I visit Chris' grave often. The photo that appears on his gravestone always makes me smile. It is just as I remember him - quietly confident, unassuming, happy. He was a great friend, and it was an immense loss when he passed away.

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