Christopher John-Lee "CJ" West

1982 - 2008

FALLEN SOLDIER HAD LOCAL CONNECTION

U.S. Army SPC Christopher John-Lee "C.J." West, 26, of Arlington, Texas, entered eternal life on the morning of Monday, February 4, 2008, in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered on February 3 in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated during combat operations. He was a Combat Medic assigned to the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division from Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He graduated from Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia, on August 17, 2007. This was to be his last mission before a scheduled rest-and-relaxation break back home.

His family in Arlington, Texas, kept up their Christmas tree in anticipation of his 12-day visit.

Although Christopher never lived in the El Paso/ Las Cruces area, he had a strong local connection. His mother, Hattie Brettler West, was born in Ysleta, Texas, and lived in El Paso as a young child before moving to Las Cruces with her mother and sisters, after her father's death. She attended Central Elementary School, Court Junior High School and graduated from both Las Cruces High School and New Mexico State University.

Christopher's parents met while they were both students at NMSU. His father, John Lee West, earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from NMSU. Christopher was born to John and Hattie West on January 8, 1982, in Dallas, Texas. He arrived at 8:02 P.M., weighing 8lbs., 2oz., and shared his birthday with Elvis Presley. Christopher was a gifted student, avid history buff, talented athlete, devoted family member and dedicated soldier.

In 2000, he graduated magna cum laude from Bowie High School, Arlington, Texas, where he was a member of the soccer team. He also attended Sam Houston High School, Arlington, Texas, where he played soccer and football. In 2004, he graduated cum laude with his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Marketing from Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. After graduating from Texas A&M, Christopher was considering admission to law school, but was drawn to the military which seemed to be his "calling." He was thinking about making the Army his career. He came from a 4th-generation military family: great-grandfather, Homer Lee West; grandfather, Lt. Col.(ret.) Kenneth Lee West; and father, John Lee West.

He is survived by his parents, John and Hattie West of Arlington, Texas. His elder sister, Lauren Olivia West, of the family home. His younger sister, Cameron Marie West Wade, her husband, Justin Eugene Wade, and their infant daughter, Charlie Anne Wade, of Houston, Texas. Four-legged family members, Daisy, Angel, Spanky and Harley will greatly miss their beloved "C.J." His paternal grandmother, Betty West of Arlington, Texas. Paternal grandfather, Lt. Col.(ret.) Kenneth Lee West and wife, Earlene, of Springfield, Missouri. His godmother and very special maternal aunt, Magi Louise Brettler, who is coordinating funeral arrangements with U.S. Army officials.

Magi resides in Lafayette, Louisiana, with "Precious" the family parrot. His maternal aunts, Hannah Edahl Monsimer and husband, Clement William (Bill) Monsimer II, of Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Anna Edahl Baltensperger and husband, Bruce, of Arlington, Virginia. His paternal uncles, Jim Lee West, Jerry Lee West, Jeff Lee West and their families, of Grand Prairie, Texas. His cousins Judith Baltensperger of Arlington, Virginia; Rebecca Baltensperger and husband, Brad, of Las Cruces, New Mexico; Matthew Baltensperger, his wife, Erin, and their baby daughter, Joslin Odessa Baltensperger, of Arlington, Texas; and Sarah Baltensperger of Arlington, Virginia. A host of relatives in Europe, including Rosemarie, Roy and Rebecca White of South Wales, United Kingdom, Great Britain.

Christopher will be buried with full military honors on Wednesday, February 20, 2008, at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. Funeral services have been entrusted to Murphy Funeral Home, Arlington, Virginia. A reception at the Fort Myers Officers' Club will follow interment services, with a hospitality suite at the Sheraton National Hotel that evening.

His awards and decorations include: The Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Medic Badge, and Parachutist Badge. The family is planning to establish a memorial fund to benefit the Wounded Warriors Committee for the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as well as, memorial scholarship funds at Sam Houston and Bowie High Schools in Arlington, Texas.

Condolences may be sent to the John and Hattie West Family, c/o 2401 Overbrook Dr., Arlington, Texas, 76014-2733.