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Christopher Swanson Obituary
Staff Sgt, U.S. Army
Age 25, Staff Sgt. Christopher W. Swanson died while conducting combat operations against anti-Iraqi forces. He was in the Al Anbar Province on a dismounted Patrol when the Soldier encountered small arms fire.
Swanson was a member of B Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Division, Task Force 1-35 Armor, 1st Brigade, 1st Armor Division. This was his third tour in Iraq and had also been deployed in prior operations to Kosovo. During his tenure in the Army, Swanson received various awards to include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign, Army Good Conduct, Iraq Campaign, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, NATO, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medals. He was also the recipient of a Presidential Unit Citation, a Bronze Star and has two Purple Hearts pending.
The visitation will be held at LEE FUNERAL HOME in Owings, Md., on Monday, July 31 from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be at the First Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, MD on Wednesday, August 1 at 11 a.m. Swanson will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Aug. 1 at 2 p.m.
Surviving are his parents, Gary W. and Kelly L. Swanson of Rose Haven, MD; a brother, Kenneth S. Swanson of Rose Haven, MD.; four grandparents, Roger and Tillie Swanson of Philippi, WV, and Conrad C. Jr. and Peggy Sloan of Zephyrhills, FL.; numerous aunts; uncles and cousins.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Swanson
Nicole N.
November 2, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Missing him a lot..Will see u when it is my time to be up there as god will.
Jerry Mainer
July 23, 2016
Peace be with you ... You are not forgotten.
Vietnam Veteran
Vanessa Günther
July 22, 2016
10 years now Chris, you are still not forgotten.
Brian Eyer
May 26, 2016
On this Memorial Day weekend, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your service and your sacrifice in protecting the freedom and liberties we so often take for granted. GBNF
Watching over you
teddy arias
December 13, 2015
Chris thought I would wish you a Merry Christmas, another Army family thinking of you this holiday season!! RIP and God Bless you and above all thank you a million times for your service to our country USA!!
Amanda Frazier
April 1, 2014
I don't know why but he has been weighing heavy on my mind lately so I just wanted to say that he is still being thought of to this day. You are truly missed Chris.
Christopher Swanson
November 9, 2013
Christopher Swanson
November 9, 2013
Christopher Swanson
November 9, 2013
Christopher Swanson
November 9, 2013
Christopher Swanson
November 9, 2013
Christopher Swanson
November 9, 2013
Christopher Swanson
November 9, 2013
Christopher Swanson
November 9, 2013
Christopher Swanson
November 9, 2013
Christopher Swanson
November 9, 2013
Karen Mosley
November 8, 2013
One of my friends, Greg Yates, will be running in the Soldier Marathon in Columbus, Ga.(Ft Benning), tommorow, Nov. 9th. I understand he's running in honor of your loved and brave soldier, Christopher W. Swanson. I wanted to take this opportunity to say how grateful I am for his dedication and service...ultimately giving his life for his country. I also wanted to share my sympathy with his friends and family and let you know that when Greg is running tomorrow in honor of Christopher, I will be remembering you in prayer.
Peggy Childers
July 23, 2012
July 22, 2012
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Christopher W. Swanson:
Always remembering Christopher. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
July 22, 2011
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Christopher W. Swanson:
Please accept my remembrance of Christopher on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
July 22, 2010
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Christopher W. Swanson:
Remembering Christopher on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
karen welch
June 16, 2010
chris every year i visit arlington cemetery by computor,if i could go in person i would want to touch every grave. i love you all. your bravery, you gave up your life for me and my family.thank you chris your my hero.
Janelle Watts
February 11, 2010
Happy Birthday Chris - your family is being thought of today.
Peggy Childers
July 22, 2009
To the family of Staff Sgt. Christopher W. Swanson:
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
Kenna Larra
March 30, 2009
“”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna
In Memory of Christopher William ~ (Debra Estep)
July 22, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Christopher, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
May 31, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Staff Sgt Swanson!
August 16, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 30, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Staff Sgt Swanson and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
The Erich Family
June 15, 2007
Thank you for your dedicated service to our country. God bless you and your family.
Glen
February 20, 2007
“Soldier”
Written to Honor the Service of Our Fallen Soldiers
Soldiers write history, we pay the price
Many miles distant, you live the life
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We hope and pray that all will find peace
In God, in the flag, in memories of valor
Gone now, our pride and courage you see
“An Army of One” our motto forever
Willing to risk all for love of our Brothers
We’re still Your Soldiers…and we showed the way
Our Lives too short, now pray for the others
Lived free died Heroes in lands far away
Deep within souls all cherished our Service
We’ll always have what some never know
Courage and Honor, our names forever
Lived life with purpose…just our time to go
We march in the Heavens with Honor and Glory
Missions accomplished we fought the Good Fight
Many years from now…we’ll tell the full story
Until that Day we will live in the Light
Our lives we laid down in a land far away
Still watching o’er you this night and by day
No need to talk…just know we are with you
There in your hearts and we hear what you pray
Yes we are your soldiers
Our lives we laid down
Still We guard o’er you
Still Duty bound
Entered the Battle of our own free will
Out of Duty for Country, and we’d do it still
We’ll always have what some never know
Lived life with purpose…it was our time to go
Marian Tyler
January 7, 2007
To Staff SGT. Swansons family and friends,
Please accept my condolences on losing, what appears to be, an amazing man. I never had the honor of meeting SGT. Swanson but I've been wearing a HeroBracelet in his name. When I received his name on my bracelet, I wanted to learn more about him and through the web, I've been able to see he was a good man. His life has touched mine and those around me, even thought we've never met.
Michael Muir
November 19, 2006
SSG Swanson was a true friend and a good soldier as i served with him this last time in Ramadi,Iraq.As a friend i will never forget how much he teached me for the 2 years i knew him.As a wounded warrior currently in Walter Reed,i was injured 4 days before chris was and i will always remember he was there beside me saying i will see you soon as he presented me with some unit patches saying i earned them.To a true friend and leader.SSG Michael Muir
Dwight Helmuth
September 7, 2006
swanson family i am sorry for your lose. chris and i were good friends. i met him in germany when we first got there. we would go and play pool downtown all the time i am really sorry for your lose and my prayers are with your family everyday
Justin Tate
September 7, 2006
Dear Mr & Mrs Swanson I am deeply sorry for your loss chris and I reported to germany together in 2003 and became good friends he was the best soldier i ever had the pleasure of working with we rose through the ranks together and were always competing I will always remember his quick smile even when things were falling apart down here on our second tour he could always find the bright side best wishes to your family and again I am deeply sorry
SGT Justin Tate 1-6 INF
TILL THAT TIME BROTHER REST IN PEACE WE MISS YOU CHRIS!!!!!!!!!!!
Shelley Struble
September 5, 2006
Mr& Mrs. Swanson,
I graduated from Southern with Chris and was very saddened to hear about your loss. I remember him in school as friendly and easy going and I am sure he is greatly, greatly missed, by his family at home and his family in the military. My boyfriend is also in the Army (reserves), but I have no idea the pain you must be going through. Thank you so much for Chris and his service for our country. He will not be forgotten.
Lee Sirotnak
August 5, 2006
Our deepest sympathy is extended for the loss of your Soldier. We are thankful for the service provided by your loved one, the sacrifice that he made as part of our Armed Forces, and are blessed to be living in a country which heroes such as Christopher are willing to serve. God Bless your family with peace and comfort in his memory.
Grateful American
August 3, 2006
Thank you for your service to our country. God bless you and your family.
Ms. White
August 3, 2006
To the Swanson Family: Although I did not know your son, I, too, am saddedned by this loss. I normally don't sign these, but God has placed your family on my heart to continue to lift you up in prayer. Just know that there are strangers out there who care about you and are praying that God continues to give you strength. We commend your son for what he accomplished and we commend you for raising an honorable young man.
Erika Billman
August 3, 2006
I have many fond memories of working with Chris at Herrington Harbor. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jerry Mainer
August 2, 2006
We salute you my friend for a job well done serving the USA. You have our greatful respect and thanks for your service. You are one of our Great Hero's.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
August 2, 2006
To the Swanson family: I previously signed Christopher's guest book. I attended Christopher's service at Arlington National Cemetery. I am so sorry he was taken from you. Know that he is my hero and he will NEVER be forgotten. Also know that I visit ANC two or three times a week. I promise you that each time I am there I will visit/honor Christopher.
Tom
August 2, 2006
To the Family of Staff Sgt. Christopher W. Swanson:
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courgeous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life. We lost a son 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday.
I know first hand there are no words right now that will bring you the comfort and peace you need. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you mourn this loss. We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with. I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally, but none of these courageous men and women will be forgotten. They will never be able to be replaced, but sometime, someday your loving memories will help to sustain you. This courageous soldier will forever now be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well. To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is those wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever. If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero. God Bless this courageous soldier and family.
Pam Adams (SFC Brent Adams, KIA 12/1/05 Ramadi, Iraq)
[email protected]
(Millersville, PA )
Lauren
August 1, 2006
Thank you Chris for your love and friendship for the last year. Thank you for the e-mails and phone calls while in Kuwait. I know you were looking foward to coming home. I will miss hearing your voice and seeing you again. You are an awesome friend.
Carol Swann
July 31, 2006
Kelly and family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your son. I was deeply saddened when I heard the news on the bus ride to work last week. Having lost a child of my own, I know all to well the pain that you are feeling. You may not think so now but know that as time passes the sorrow that you are feeling will be replaced with wonderful memories of the times you shared with your son. I also want to thank you for having a son that was willing to give his life for his country and our freedeom.
Melinda Pearson
July 30, 2006
To the Swanson Family,
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time.
I did not know your son but I read his obituary in the Washington Post on Sunday July 30,2006 and was very impressed of the courage and the achievements of this young man.
I would like to thank him for his service and our freedom.
And remember that he will still live on in your hearts forever.
Thank you for rasing a fine young man.
Etta Robinson
July 29, 2006
To the family of an American hero. I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers and hope you allow God to help you with this awful pain. I am a grieving mother and might understand some of the pain you are enduring at this time. You are not alone and we love you.
Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
July 29, 2006
Rest in peace at your last post in paradise.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
July 28, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Swanson family in the loss of Christopher. I did not know Christopher, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. You are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten. My heart was touched by the article in the Washington Post. I live close to ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY and I visit there two or three times a week. I will attend Christopher's service and I promise you each time that I am at ANC I will visit/honor Christopher.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Garnet Jenkins
July 28, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss and a multitude of thanks to this Young Hero for his service and dedication to our country.
Please know that Christopher W. Swanson will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
May God's Loving Grace and Comfort be with the Swanson family.
From the sister of a Fallen young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam. KIA 1967.
Surely He hath borne our grief, and carried our sorrow.
Isaiah 53:4
ROBYN GARSIDE
July 28, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS. KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI
A PROUD MARINE MOM
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