Christopher E. Loudon Obituary

As a classroom teacher I remember reading with my students a piece about a mother leaving a letter to her son at the Vietnam Memorialit had been 15 years since he had been KIA and each year when I read that, my voice would crack and I would get teary eyed. I couldn’t fathom 15 years of pain, but here I am15 years without you Chris. Love you foreverMissing you Always. Mom

Miss you Chris - last time I saw you we were getting Amys ice cream in south Austin. Warm day and nervousness as you were about to ship out.

13 years of missing you every day.
Forever loved and missed. Til we meet again....

Very sad to see a fellow Chris Loudon die

Thinking about you today, missing you, wishing you were still here.... til we meet again forever loved and mussed

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Loudon Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Christopher E. Loudon US Army 2nd Lieutenant. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Dear Chris, how can it be that 8 years have passed? It seems like yesterday the phone rang and you asked " is Jacey there?" It always put a big smile on your wife' s face to know you were able to call and talk. Such happy memories... You are in our hearts forever. Til we meet again....

Papa,
You have continued to serve as an inspiration for me and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't remember you or share your stories with my own son. I miss you pal and wish I had my best friend back. Thank you for being my daily motivation and encouragement to try harder every day. Until that day, brother.

Dearest Chris...17th October 2013: Another string of murky dark October days not unlike those that lead to the darkest day of my life. The only difference, it is warmer, and I picked the last ripe tomato mid month, when other years snow dusts the ground.

Seven years have gone by and though I haven't written much to you on here, I think you know how much you've been a part of my life this year. In January, I received a phone call about a musical horse and dance production that would take place in September. A military tribute was planned for one part of the program and the organizer, Pam, wanted to honor one fallen soldier, and she asked me if I would allow that soldier to be you. She described her plan to wear your fatigues and blast into the arena on her 18+ hand Belgian. I told her I'd write and speak and in the end I also created a DVD to play in the background as I spoke. I knew from the beginning that this was going to be different. I was going to write and speak in your voice. It was heart wrenching to write as I described your final morning, with flashbacks to explain. It was short and powerful and also very healing. Strangely so, as I repeated thousands of times your final words..."My life was over so quickly, that I wasn't aware of the flash, or the deafening concussion, or the cloud of smoke and debris that shot outward." Words that were written as a result of the details reported to Nicholas by your medic as he witnessed the explosion from the vehicle behind yours. Everything I wrote, that "you" spoke was verified by someone who wanted to tell the story of that day to the family. The entire presentation...music...horses...dancers...was amazing!

When it was over I felt the need to visit Arlington and leave a laminated copy of "Christopher's Voice". Sadly, it was most likely thrown away. As the month continued we were on baby watch. Your brother, Jonathan and Kassandra have been living next door since June and their baby boy was due in early October. Uncle Chris, baby Benjamin Everett was born on October 7th. He shares your middle name and I wonder if you remember when you called home to ask us how to spell Everett. The baby is beautiful and it is such a gift to have them next door...separated only by a winding path through the woods. We've all conquered the nighttime strolls.


October has also been made easier by a horse that came into my life. I wasn't actively looking, but a call from a friend, who talked to someone who was moving and looking for good homes for their horses got me thinking. Since Lexy is retired and no longer ridden, I decided to look at them. I had an instant connection with one, a 5 year-old quarter horse palomino and after a short ride I bought her. Imagine my surprise when I learned that Peanut was born on your birthday! It was simply meant to be.

There is a force larger than me. Good things have entered my life in October, a month that I have dreaded since 2006. Does that mean you are forgotten or that tears don't still fall? Nope! I will love you forever and I will always miss you.


You are a piece of my heart forever!
Love, Mom

Happy Birthday Christopher!

Today at 9:10 A.M., March 25th, begins your 30th birthday that you should be celebrating. It is a birthday that welcomes funny cards and varying attitudes from the recipient. We will never know how you would have faced this day. Dad and I will commemorate the day with BBQ pork chops and mashed potatoes, and rather than a cake, I will be making a Shaker lemon pie, the likes of which you never experienced. I will light a candle and wish for the day that we will be together again, not that I want to rush that day, but it will be a glorious day indeed.

On the subject of birthdays, you are part of a pretty incredible chronology among family members. You are turning 30, Aunt Cindy 50, and I will be 60 this year, but there's one you don't know about yet. Little baby Loudon is due in early October and will join us in the group with birth years that end with the number 3. Your Grand Dad is only ½ year behind us…and turns 90 in 2014. Jonathan and Kassandra are expecting their first baby and your little girl will be 12, the same age Jonathan was when your baby, Isabel was born.

Isabel is getting so tall. She is at least my height and she claims taller. We spent a Saturday in early March with the family and we attended the Science Center in Pittsburgh. Isabel enjoyed leading your Dad and me around to her favorite venues. We had a wonderful day with Isabel giving many unsolicited hugs. I know she will be filled with questions one day. Isabel is beautiful and you would be one proud Daddy!

We know that you are with us. The uncanny thing that happens for all of us is that Flogging Molly will begin playing randomly on our phones. Last week, Kassandra had her phone set to silent and Flogging Molly started blaring from her phone that was sitting across the room from where she sat. This was the day after Jonathan wrote a letter to Flogging Molly telling them about you.

On Saturday I made a fair weather trip to Arlington and enjoyed the sunshine while talking to you. I have had many teary moments throughout March. Without the distraction of work, my emotions have been able to play out in a way they haven't in years past. Chris…I miss you so much and wish you were here.

Happy Birthday Christopher!

Loving you Forever…Missing you Always

Love,
Mom

Even tho i dont know u..i do know ur mom and dad i had ur mom in ridgway for a 8th grade english teacher and to me she was the best english teacher by far..and i had ur dad in gym class when i made the move to st marys..they are both two of the greatest ppl i know..and i do love them both and know that they both love u and miss u so much..rest in peace bro years ago i adopted ur mom as a mother and still think of her as so..love u guys very much..

To the family of 2LT. Christopher Loudon.
I'm a Vietnam Veteran who wears a memorial
bracelet in honor of 2LT. Loudon. Brothers in
arms never forget.
My deepest sympathy to all family members
and friends.
Bob Moylan

Dearest Chris,

It's Christmas morning and there is a fresh coating of snow. Memories of snowy Christmases when you kids were little come back; testing sleds and skates brought by Santa. We'd be outside before the neighbors were even out of bed and we saved Christmas dinner for when we were all too cold to stay out any longer. Christmas was destined to change and it is so quiet now. Jonathan and Nicholas are home, but everything is subdued. I know you will never be with us physically but you remain in our hearts forever. Missing you at Christmas time. Loving you forever...Missing you always...Love...Mom.

Loving and missing you .... forever and always, your in-laws Larry and Suzann,
til we meet again....

Miss you Chris, I can't beleive it has been six years. It hurts to think I have been without my best friend for so long. I can't believe that next year when I get married you will not be there in person, I still remember the great time I had at you wedding. I know that you are looking down on all of us everyday.

Brant leyden

Susan,

Our family remembers and honors Chris' service and sacrifice especially today, but know that our thoughts and prayers are with you frequently.

Congratulations upon your retirement and I pray that God continues to bless you, Randy, Isabelle, Jacey, Nick, and Jonathan and your extended families.

As I continue my service, I often ask myself what would Chris expect of me as a leader. His legacy lives on thru those lives that he touched.

Loving you always....missing you forever.

Dear Chris,

Six years...How can it be that we have had to live without your smile and caring personality for so long? Your absence was felt at Jonathan's graduation from Slippery Rock University, your Alma Mater, and at his wedding in August. You were not there to take your position in the wedding, but Jonathan and Kassandra found ways to make you a part of their beautiful day. First, it was held at Camp Mountain Run's outdoor chapel, an extraordinary location because of your name on the memorial stone next to our family's seating. After Jonathan and Kassandra presented the mothers with roses, they placed a rose on top of the stone. The music was also chosen with you in mind. It was a combination of classical and Celtic music played on a violin and keyboard by two sisters. Very importantly, your beautiful "baby" girl, Isabel, graduated to the position of junior bridesmaid and was escorted by your cousin Gus. Everyone remarked at how grown up she is, and how much she looks like her Daddy. We got some great family pictures and Isabel finally learned how big our family is. After the wedding, Jonathan and Kassandra traveled to Arlington and Kassandra left her bridal bouquet with you. It was such a beautiful selfless act.

Your final voice mail to me..."hey mom...just...a... givin' ya a call to say hi...i figure you might not be home from school yet..." Chris you could call me anytime now...After working 27 days at the beginning of this school year, I hit 35 years in the classroom and I have retired from teaching. Now I can be with you at Arlington whenever I wish. Of course I'll be with you this Wednesday, October 17th, the date that changed the lives of 5 families; Culbertson, Dumas, Unger, Loudon, as well as the family of your Iraqi interpreter.

Chris, dealing with your death has been a very difficult road for me, but with the passing of six years, help from above, and several folks on earth, as well as a lot of hard work on my part, it has gotten easier. I have so many things I want to do in retirement and I plan on doing each of them with a joy for life that you would embrace. Chris, you are permanently etched in my heart, always missed, and forever loved.

With love,
Mom

Happy Fathers Day Christopher! Though you are not in this earthly world to watch Isabel grow up, I know that you are pleased with what you see from Heaven. She holds you dear in her heart therefore you are with her every step of the way.

Loving You Forever...Missing You Always
Love, Mom

Dear Chris

It's Memorial Day and May 28th, the last day you were home. In 2006, the rhododendron was in full boom and Isabel's jacket was a perfect match as you stood for your last photo with your daughter in your arms. This year the blooms are already spent and the forget-me-nots are going to seed. Those little blue flowers that magically appeared several years back are now filling in the perimeter of our yard. Each tiny blossom a reminder of how many times you are in my thoughts and how much I miss you.

I tell your story each year to my students and find the strength to do it without tears, yet in church when the pastor referenced the fallen in a prayer, the tears silently streamed down my cheeks. This is a tough day for me, Chris. I will listen to your voice, your last message to me, that is now safely tucked in the belly of a stuffed bear. "Hey Mom...just calling to say hi." Oh how I wish you were here.

Missing you always...Loving you forever

Love you...MOM

Dear Chris, Rembering you and all of the others who were taken away too soon. Your memory is with us forever. Aunt Cindy

Chris, Forever young, Forever loved, Forever missed, never forgotten.

Dear Chris,

There is only one birthday in a son's life that he is the same age as the mother was the moment she gave birth to him. Chris, this would have been that birthday for you. I was 29 years old the day that you were born, and that is the age you would have been today. Twenty-nine...on the cusp of a new and often dreaded decade that you will never see. Forever young...cliche I know, but no words express it better.

I have spent a lot of time this week looking at old photos and reminiscing about the son you were. What a joyful child, often accomplishing developmental stages surprisingly early. At 6 months old when other babies were conquering balancing at a sit, you were pulling yourself to a stand. My own mother watched in disbelief as you walked across the living room when you were just 7 months old. When you were 1, family members answered the question, "What's that?" a million times, maybe more. Six months later you carried on precocious conversations with adults.

As a child, you had an impish grin and your mind raced with quirky ideas that you rushed to test. It was not unusual for you and your older brother to be co-conspirators. How about the crumbled styrofoam blizzard that you two created with a toy blow drier? Who knew that styrofoam could do such acrobatic tricks and defy clean-up! No doubt, I was the one that ordered you both to your room, certain that if you put your heads together you could find something to do; creativity that was later stymied by my intuition.

Memories...so dear...so bittersweet!

Happy Birthday!

Missing You Always; Loving You Forever

XOXO

Love, Mom

Happy Birthday buddy. I miss our days back in college. I will see you in a few weeks when I get back to Virginia.

To the family and friends of 2nd Lt. Christopher E. Loudon:
Please accept my remembrance of Christopher on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Love to all your family on this saddest of days. 5 years ago you, Russ, David, and Joseph were taken away from us all too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families as I know your families are with us.

Chris, five years later I'm remembering your strong desire to keep family connected to each other and you continue to have that impact to this day. May your family gather strength from your strength. Remembering you always, Aunt Cathy

Dear Chris

Did you know that I started an email to you on the evening of October 16th 2006? Did you know that it began, Dear Chris, It’s Monday and what can I say, but it’s Monday…I didn’t know it would be your last…that you had just hours to live.

Chris did you know that I woke up at 1:30 AM on October 17th ? Yet, I didn’t know you were gone. I tried to continue my email, but God felt it was better to leave me at a loss of words; God knew…I didn’t.

Did you know that I read the incoming news on Yahoo at 3 AM? 12 minutes ago, 4 soldiers killed in an IED attack in western Baghdad…I shuddered…I didn’t know.

Chris, Did you know that October 17th 2006 was as dark and gloomy a day as ever occurs around here; that dusk to dawn lights never went out? Did you know that I taught mood writing that day and the focus was gloom? The fog came into the village and one could not see the lighthouse beam. Words: sadness drips, misty shroud could not begin to describe the emotions to come.

Chris did you know I didn’t get home until 6:30 PM, tired and hungry. Still, I didn’t know, but the news was minutes away. Did you know that I answered the knock and for an instant I didn’t get it? Did you know how that news broke my heart and snatched my breath away that I did not believe I would ever breathe again?

Chris, I can’t believe it has been five years. This date brings it all back with such clarity. I sure miss you Chris…so much has changed, so much to tell you.

Yes, we will be together again one day.
Loving You Forever…Missing You Always.

Mom

You will not see me, so you must have faith. I wait for the time when we can soar together again, both aware of each other. Until then, live your life to its fullest and when you need me, just whisper my name in your heart, ...I will be there.
~Faith, Emily Dickinson
5 years have passed, but time seems to stand still. I will forever be frozen at 23, waiting for my crazy monkey to come home to me.
I miss you and I love you, more than you know.
Your proud wife,
Jacey

May you rest in peace and may your loved ones have healing of heart and soul this day and all days.

Almost 5 years since you were taken from us --- still feel the loss as if it were yesterday. You are our HERO, loved and missed forever. Til we meet again... Larry and Suzann Laidacker, father and mother-in law

Chris...Happy Fathers Day. I know Isabelle remembers you. You have had and will continue to have an impact on so many. I love you and miss you always.

DAD

Chris, our family misses you often. Thinking especially of the meaning and power your life had this Memorial Weekend. You will always be an inspiration... all my love.

Chris, I know your family misses you terribly. Here is to the healing power of time to all who have lost heroes.

Chris. I know your family misses you terribly. Here is to the healing power of time to all who have lost heroes.

Chris, our family talks about you often. We have vivid memories of your short visit to Texas before you were deployed and how happy you were talking about your future. Thank you for your sacrifice. Our love and prayers are with you and your family today and always.

Thinking of you this Memorial Day Weekend. Missing you always

Dear Chris. We are thinking of you in Austin during this memorial day weekend. I think of you often. Kids at Gus' have parents in the National Guard and I am reminded of you every time I see their uniforms. We will miss you forever. Aunt Cindy

Chris, you so loved your wife, daughter, family and extended family -- and we loved you right back. You are in our memories, thoughts and prayers daily. Always loved - never forgotten. RIP ... til we meet again... your in-laws, Larry and Suzann

Dear Chris,

This week I taught my final lesson of the year to my 8th graders. It is a lesson about Memorial Day and its true meaning. Part of that lesson includes a letter left at the Vietnam Wall that was written by a mother 15 years after she lost her son in the war that spanned my school years from kindergarten through graduation and beyond. It reveals quite simply that a mother’s heart is just that, a mother’s heart, and it doesn’t matter which war or how many years have passed, 5, 15 or 100, there is a universal connection of our hearts. It is a tough read for me, and I don't always get through it without tears, but it is a powerful lesson for my students.

Chris, today, May 28th marks the last morning you woke up in the house that had been our home for 17 years. The rhododendrons were in bloom, a perfect match with Isabel’s jacket as you held her for a picture. There was sadness in your eyes and I wonder if you sensed you were holding your daughter for the last time. Saying goodbye was difficult, as tears filled my eyes and words failed me, something that is just my nature. I hate goodbyes.

Now, Memorial Day weekend not only honors you and all fallen heroes of American wars, but it also reignites the memory of your last morning home. I hate lasts.

Loving your forever and missing you always,

Mom

On this Memorial Day, I remember and am thankful for 2LT Chris Loudon's service and sacrifice. I think of Chris often and smile at the way he lived his life; anything worth doing would get his 110% effort. What a tribute to American pride that his family continues to serve our Nation even after such a tragedy. My recent chance encounter with CPT Nick Loudon at Fort Stewart, GA took me back to November 2007 at Arlington with the horse-drawn caisson carrying Chris to his final resting place. Rest in peace, Chris, you are never forgotten!

Dear Mrs. Loudon and family,

Please know that Chris remains in my thoughts and prayers! I am so grateful for his sacrifice for my freedom. Chris and I went to high school together! He was a great man! I had the honor of visiting his grave in Arlington this past September when I was in Washington D.C. on business.
He will never be forgotten!

Dear Chris,

Forget-me-nots are in bloom; your Mothers Day gift to me. They were never in our yard until after you were gone, but now they flourish and I harvest their seeds and scatter them, hoping for the Mothers Day when the yard is blue with the delicate flowers, punctuated by yellow dandelions for contrast.

It has been a bittersweet day and I know you are pleased. Hooah!

Loving You Forever and Missing You Always!
Love, Mom

Friday's child is loving and giving and Chris, you were a Friday's child. Happy Birthday! I'm heading your way and will be with you tomorrow at Arlington...Friday, March 25th. Loving you forever and missing you always. Love Mom

Merry Christmas Chris. I know you and the guys are all up there spending Christmas together. Just wish you were all down here with us. I am honored to have been able to visit your gravesite several times in the last two years, sad I won't have that opportunity anymore. :( Send your mom a warm hug.

Diana Pitts
Proud GS Mom
Cpl David M Unger
KIA Iraq 10/17/2006

It's another quiet Christmas Eve and as I sit listening to classic Christmas music I am thinking of you. You would have loved seeing your little girl sing a solo in her school Christmas play. She stood tall and confident, but with a sad look as she sang "The Best Gift is Me". She sang beautifully in tune just as you were able to do.

Your stocking is still hung alongside Isabel's and those of your brothers and although many other traditions have fallen by the wayside what is missed the most is you. You are in our hearts this Christmas as you are every day of the year. Loving you always and missing you forever. Love, MOm

Christopher,

Thoughts & prayers are especially with you & your family today. The sacrifice you made could never be measured or appreciated enough.

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends and for his country.

Dear Sue and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My family and I greatly appreciate the sacrifices our military are willing to make, and are sometimes called to make, to achieve and maintain a life of liberty. You are all in our prayers.

To the family and friends of 2nd Lt. Christopher E. Loudon:
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

Mrs. Loudon,
I am so sorry for your loss! You and your family are in our prayers!

Thinking of you and your family today......

There is not one day that passes that you are not thought of or mentioned in our household.May God Bless all that loved you so.Thank you Chris for making the ultimate sacrifice...thank you for standing in the gap!

Thank You

Chris, certainly thinking about you and your family today...It's still hard for me to believe. I will cherish all the great times we had together. Here's wishing you could see how far Iraq has come thanks to your efforts. You gave the ultimate sacrifice for your country and you will NEVER be forgotten....Miss you!

Remembering you Christopher, and praying for all those you've left behind. You are not forgotten.

John 15:13~~Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends~~

AND for his country.

God Bless you RIP

Denise and Malcolm Carlisle,UK

We think of you today and often. Your name will be read and we will say a special prayer in your honor this week. Our thoughts are with all the family.

Our thoughts are with you this weekend as yours are with us. May Christopher wrap himself around your hearts today and always.

Dear Chris, We still miss you and talk about you often. I was telling your cousins the other day about all the ice cream cakes that you would want for your birthdays. You will be with us forever. Aunt Cindy

Our thoughts and prayers are with Isabel and the Loudon and Laidacker families this weekend. May Chris continue to watch over you until you are together again.

Dear Chris

Three days will mark the last time we spoke...four days later you were gone. The raw tangle of real and surreal moments have diminished yet continue to lead me to conflicting issues: the gold star on our window...the tattered ribbon on the maple tree at the end of the driveway. To someone else it would appear to be such a simple thing...take them down....the thought of which was the fuel for a poem I wrote several weeks ago that says it all.

October

The breath of autumn
Slams the senses.

Foggy morns blur visions of hope and
Chill fond memories of Octobers past.
As shredded ribbons of faded yellow
Cling to peeling bark
To banner a grim reminder
Of a celebration cancelled for eternity.

Leaves fall.
Mindlessly...Counting...Another year

Without you.


Missing you always...Loving you forever!

MOM

Lighting this for your service and the healing of those mourning your loss.

Lighting this for your service and the healing of those mourning your loss.

Dear Chris,

The autumnal air of September has returned, reigniting emotions that have quieted due to the business of life that does not stop because I'm remembering...feeling emotions that I now keep silent. I've busied myself by pursuing a masters degree and another year of teaching. Sometimes I do things just to prove I'm alive and can. I think you would be proud of your mom.

Once again Isabel's birthday is around the corner and she's about to turn 9 years old. She sneaks questions about you when she can and she knows that I will always be there to answer them. Surprise, I've been invited to make Isabel's birthday cake this year, the first since 2006 when I made the pink castle cake and when she last spoke to her Daddy. Her tastes are changing and this year she wants a tie dyed t-shirt cake. I was thrilled to be asked to take part in the celebration. I'm certain you'll be looking down and I think a raindrop kiss from you would be perfect for the day.

Loving you always...Missing you forever!
Love MOm

Dear Chris,

Today has been filled with many thoughts about you and the kind of father you were. What a wonderful caring Daddy! Happy Father's Day!

Loving you always, missing you forever.

Love Mom

Chris, You're in our thoughts and heart on this Memorial Day. Your sacrifice continues to burn as a beacon of freedom! Looking at your pictures in the guest book album reminds me of the time we spent together at SRU...you are missed!

Chris, We are thinking of your sacrifice today. The whole family misses you and we talk about you often. Love Aunt Cindy

Lighting a candle in your memory today.

Happy 27th Birthday Chris. We miss you so much. RIP Til we meet again....

Happy Birthday

Dear Chris,

I'm heading to Arlington to be there for your Birthday! I'm looking forward to our visit. I have so much to say to you. Happy 27th Birthday! Loving you forever and missing you like no one understands. MOM

Dear Chris

You're in our hearts and dreams this Christmas. Missing you always...Loving you forever.

Love, Mom

Dear Chris, I give thanks for having you in our lives and a part of our family. Your gifts of love, compassion and forgiveness are with us always. Your memory brings a smile even though our hearts have an empty spot. We are blessed for having known you. 'Til we meet again...Love, Mom and Dad Laidacker

Chris,
Another year has passed and your loss hasn't faded from any of our memories. You were a great Soldier and a great man. I will forever miss your smile and enthusiasm. Enthusiasm you had even though you had to ride around with me for a while before you got a platoon to lead. I think of you each day and will never forget. You will forever be a Regular, by God. Rest in peace, brother.

Dear Chris

Last night in my dreams, I gave you a big hug. It seems you knew what I had planned and it was as if you were saying, "Go for it Mom!" So today, in your memory, I hiked one of our family's most beloved mountain bike trails to its summit overlooking the Toby Valley where I left a personal rememberance wired to a sturdy mountain laurel branch. So many great memories. You were just 13 the first time you accompanied me on this challenging ride, and so what if we occasionally went over the handle bars. With very scar was a good story to tell when we got home.

As I prepared to descend the steep switchback trail I expected to see the path compromised by erosion, but I was pleasantly surprised; It remains just as you would remember; waiting for the hardy and most daring to make those sharp turns.

I sure miss you Chris! What I would give for another bike ride. I can't believe it has been three years since you left us. Missing you always; Loving you forever.
Love, Mom

Chris,

You will always be in my thoughts. I remember all of the the adventure we had over the years. It just seems like yesterday we were meeting as freshman at SRU and not knowing the events that were to follow. You will forever be missed.

Your Friend

Dear Chris, You are in our thoughts, hearts and prayers. We honor you each and every day til we meet again.
Happy memories of you and sad memories of that awful day 3 years ago are with us always.
Love You Forever, Mom and Dad Laidacker mother and father-in-law

Chris,

I think of you often, but especially today. I carry the coin with your name engraved on it in my pocket everyday. It reminds me of the energetic, driven, smart, and dedicated young man I had the honor to serve with at SRU. You are not forgotten!

Jacey, Randy, Susan, Larry, Suzann:

Our thoughts and prayers remain with you on this and every day. I look forward to my next trip to Arlington...it's such a peaceful and beautiful place in the heart of our Nation's capitol.

Thinking of you today like each day that goes by.
Diana Pitts
Mother of Cpl. David M Unger
KIA 10/17/2006 Iraq

Do not stand by my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am a diamond glint of snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awake in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starshine at night.
Do not stand my my grave and cry.
I am not there...I did not die.
Author Unknown

Sharing with you the sorrow of the day. I'm sure our boys are talking and laughing together like they loved to do while they wait for us. Remember the good times.

Denise Culbertson
Proud Mom of CPL Russell Culbertson III
KIA October 17, 2006

Dear Chris, We will remember you always here in Texas. This date and week will always carry a sad memory followed by many sweet and happy thoughts of you. You are missed.

Aunt Cindy

Dear Chris

It's the first day of autumn and your baby girl turns eight! Before we know it she'll be 18 and heading for college. She wrote me a note the other day to tell me that school is going great and she loves her teacher! You'd be very proud of her and the young lady she is becoming.

The Time of Remembrance is taking place this weekend in DC but we will not be attending. Instead, our family will be together here, at home. Jonathan turns 21 and Nicholas and Catie are coming home for the week. Nicholas deploys in October, so an early Thanksgiving dinner is on tap, with Jonathan's birthday apple pie for dessert. I know that it is a favorite meal of yours and I can not express how much your presence at the dinner table will be missed, but hopefully Isabel will be able to join us and fill your empty seat.

We will be with you soon at Arlington,
Missing you always...Loving you forever!
Love Mom

Dear Chris

June has had some difficult days as time and people move on, and the void caused by your death continues to consume me. I no longer expect anyone to understand...it's my journey to take...alone. It's Father's Day once again and though your little girl has a different last name, I know by the way she hugs me that one day she will want to know everything about you. Chris, I had the privelege several weeks ago that should have been yours. Isabel and I rode every roller coaster at Kennywood! When we entered the park I didn't think there was a chance in the world that she would get on that steel coaster with me, but after tackling several of the smaller wooden coasters we waited in line. Her little heart was thumping double time! As we started up the first big hill Isabel screamed, "Grandma Sue! Hold my hand!" I asked her if she was sure she didn't want to hold onto the safety bar, but hand holding it was. That was a first for me! When the ride came to a stop, Isabel was ready for some dipping dots, and announced that she had enough of the steel coaster. Of course on the way to the car she told her mom that it had been her favorite ride of the whole day. She definately has her Daddy's spirit!

Missing you always...Loving you forever! LOve Mom

Dear Chris, our HERO, our son-in-law,
We honor you and your fellow fallen heroes every day, but most especially today. You gave all of us standards to live by. Your decency, compassion,and courage will always be there for us to live up to.
We miss your quick smile, your hugs and that wonderful laugh; but most of all I miss your phone calls to my daughter, "Hi, Is Jacey there?" I will never forget the excited sound of your voice when I answered the phone when you asked for her. Oh, to hear that happy voice again..... Someday..... til then you remain in our hearts- the best memory of all.
the laidacker family

Hi Chris, I'm thinking of you this Memorial weekend. I miss you visiting and I wish you could celebrate my 11th birthday with me on the 25th.
love,
Rebekah your cousin

Happy birthday, Chris! I still haven't made it down to Arlington to visit you. I knew it would be hard, so I've been waiting until Steve returns from Germany in May. That way we can go together. I can still hear your laugh and your wonderful stories. I'm so thankful to have known you, if only for such a short time.

Love,

Ashlea

Happy Birthday Chris

Happy Birthday Hun!
I wish we could be celebrating together. I'll be in Austin thinking about you and our unbroken bond.
I miss you and I love you always!

Dear Chris... I will always remember the morning that you came into this world...9:10 AM on March 25th. You didn't wait for the doctor and even though the nurses shouted, "Not yet!" you made your entrance in spite of them...all 8lbs 10oz of you. As I look back, that first day of your life set the pace, as if some internal mechanism programmed you to cram as much life as you could into 23 years. It didn't make sense at the time, but it does now.

Last weekend, Dad and I left flowers and a card at Arlington. And we were suppose to be in Harrisburg today for the proclamation to name a bridge in Brockway in your honor; I could think of no better day than your birthday to do that, but it's government and it has been postponed until May, so I'll be heading to school instead.

Chris, there is no greater love than that between a mother and child. In the beginning we shared life and that connection continues and will not end until I take my last breath.

Happy Birthday Chris
With all my love forever!
Mom

Dear Family of 2nd Lt Loudon,

Please take comfort knowing you are remembered in my prayers today.

Dear Susan, as sure as you and Christopher shared heartbeats before his birthday, he is close to you on this day.

I pray that memories of happy times came to you all today.

Sincerely,
Debra
Proud Air Force Mom

Happy Birthday Chris
Forever young--Forever loved
Always in our thoughts and hearts
Your in-laws Larry and Suzann

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