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Staff Sgt. Kristopher L. Shepherd
Staff Sgt. Kristopher L. Shepherd
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Kristopher L. Shepherd Obituary
A husband and father of two, Shepherd married his high school sweetheart and decided to join the military at 17, figuring a military career would offer them a good future. He never passed up an opportunity to laugh, said his mother, Sheila Campbell.
"If he could pull a practical joke on you, he would," she said. Shepherd, 26, of Lynchburg, Va., an explosives ordnance disposal specialist based at Fort McNair, died Feb. 11 when an explosive detonated during clearing operations in Baghdad.
His unit had already been to Afghanistan, where his hands and face were burned in an explosion, before shipping out to Iraq in January, his family said. Shepherd started as a mechanic after joining the Army, but decided to go into the explosives disposal unit _ later turning down other opportunities to stay with the tight-knit group.
"He was an exceptional soldier with a positives 'can do' attitude," said Charles Barley, who supervised Shepherd before retiring from the Army explosives unit.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Adrian Lane
August 23, 2020
18 Nov 2003 Khost, Afghanistan Fire Base Chapman. Kris, it has been 17 years. I tried to tell your story several times. Each time the event becomes too painful. I will try again. Somehow,I will see that your children hear of your heroics that day. They deserve to know the man their father was and the lives he saved. I will never forget. Rest easy Bro.
Charles Gili
January 28, 2019
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Shepherd Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of Kristopher L. Shepherd US Army Staff Sergeant.
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, their families, friends and others who support our mission.
We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
February 11, 2017
I am part of a running group called wear blue: run to remember. It's an awesome organization that runs in honor of our military fallen, those currently fighting for our freedoms, and the families that stay behind and support. Today I ran for Kristopher. I picked the name of a soldier that paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date and dedicated my miles to him. After my run I came home and looked up more information on Kristopher. My condolences to his family and friends. Thank you for your service Kristopher. You were in my mind and heart today.
Cissy Campbell
September 12, 2014
I love and miss you son.
Always
Mom
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Peggy Childers
February 21, 2013
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Kristopher L. Shepherd:
It has truly been my honor to sign Kristopher's guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Kristopher will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy
Peggy Childers
February 13, 2012
February 11, 2012
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Kristopher L. Shepherd:
Always remembering Kristopher. "Some gave all."
Adrian Lane
November 9, 2011
Kris, bro you are not forgotten. One day I will tell your children about their dad, the hero I knew from our time in Khost.
April 25, 2011
I am so sorry for your lost. May the God of comfort continue to be with you and your family.
March 18, 2011
Still Thinking About You Bro. E.
Paul Farrell
March 16, 2011
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Peggy Childers
February 11, 2011
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Kristopher L. Shepherd:
Please accept my remembrance of Kristopher on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Dan (Mac) McMaster
September 9, 2010
I served with Shep in the 767th at Ft McNair. He was the utmost professional and a true friend. Always reasy to get the job done and quick with a joke, I am truely sorry to hear of his passing. My sympathic regards to his wife, kids, and family.
Ray Burt
February 12, 2010
Kris was a great friend who I miss dearly. Ruby, my condolences to you and the children, and I will miss him.
Peggy Childers
February 11, 2010
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Kristopher L. Shepherd:
Remembering Kristopher 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
Kenna Larra
July 15, 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 1,600 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 and Respectfully,
Kenna
Ronnie Johnson
March 13, 2009
It's been four years since you passed, it's not a day that goes by that something don't remind me of you.I love you like a brother. 90% of my childhood was spent around you, playing in the woods at paw paw's, setting booby-traps for other kids, and all other kinds of foolishness. I just wish I could have talked with you more before you left us. I'll always remember you and keep you in my heart.
Your Cuz,
Ronnie
In Memory of Kristopher ~ (Debra Estep)
February 11, 2009
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 Kristopher, 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/c33qzm
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Peggy Childers
February 11, 2009
To the family of Staff Sgt. Kristopher L. Shepherd:
Kristopher 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
Adrian Lane
November 25, 2008
I first med Kris while serving as the SF medic at Firebase Chapman Khost, Afghanistan. I was on site when the ordinance cache prematurely exploded from which Kris sustained facial/hand burns. I would one day like to tell his children of their fathers heroics that day. The thought and images still bring the tears. If anyone could provide family contact information it would be greatly appreciated.
Gabe Palazzi
August 3, 2008
Kris was an outstanding EOD Tech., and I'm sure an even better father and husband.
We worked several POTUS missions together and I was always impressed by his professional comportment and the leadership qualities he brought to the table - a temendous assett and just the kind of guy you want, and need, to help keep the Pesident safe.
I would count it a blessing and an honor to be able to meet his family some day soon.
Warm regards,
Gabe
KRIS & CHEY
July 22, 2008
LET ME THINK ABOUT IT
July 22, 2008
Debbie .Kenny Coffey
May 26, 2008
Our continued thoughts and prayers out to the Shepherd / Campbell families and all.Knowing now few of the many things they have always known,are but one of the many reasons that our HERO[s] shall NEVER be forgotten.Rest well brother as promised and in your honor that star spangled banner shall FOREVER wave.Your name stamped in steel shall be FOREVER clutched in the talons,as your spirit FOREVER soars high in the skies in the symbol of our greatfull nation..THANK YOU,.All Hard Chargers If you are wonded I will carry you**If you are captured I will come for you**If you are K.I.A. I will FOREVER reamber you..We have one and all COME by NORTH**COME by SOUTH**COME by EAST**COME by WEST..We were all gatherd and united on that great day as strangers.As we stood and upon those last [4] spoken words we are..................................FOREVER BROTHERS..............B.V.C.....................SEMPER FI. .. ......... ..
April 28, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Staff Sgt Shepherd!
brian bradley
April 4, 2008
I was in Mosul when this happend. I remember all of it. He was our brother and words can not express the feeling I have for him or any of our fallen heros. He will be sorely missed. I'm head out for another rotation and I'll carry his name to vicory again.
Cissy Campbell
February 11, 2008
God Bless everyone who thinks to check Kris's book today. It's been 3 years and it still feels like yesterday. I miss him so much.
Kris's Mom
Tony
January 10, 2008
Shep
You are missed Bro, Rest in Peace.
Susan Stanley
November 5, 2007
Dear relatives of Kristopher, my son SSGT Russell J. Verdugo is buried in Arlington National Cemetery along with your hero. He is just a few stones away. In fact Russell was also in Kristopher's unit. They both died as EOD team leaders, saving the lives of countless others. I took some photos last Memorial Day Week-end 2007 and have a photo of your Kristopher’s grave site and marker. If you would like a copy emailed to you, please let me know. I know we are so very proud of our fallen heroes, but we miss them so.
In loving remembrance of our heroes!
Gold Star Mother,
Family night at the movies!
November 1, 2007
Before becoming a soldier
November 1, 2007
Ain't love grand!
November 1, 2007
Baghdad
November 1, 2007
Mr Personality
November 1, 2007
NowI know where the kids get their love of silly string!
November 1, 2007
Kris Ruby and Cheyenne
November 1, 2007
Kris and his snowman
November 1, 2007
All dressed up
November 1, 2007
Kris introducing Erik to Cheyenn
November 1, 2007
Kris in Baghdad
November 1, 2007
Kris with Erik looking for shells
November 1, 2007
Kris with Chey and Erik on vacation
November 1, 2007
Charles "Charley" Barley
October 4, 2007
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Kris. He was a model soldier. We were stationed at Fort McNair together. It was a honor to have the opportunity to lead a soldier of his quality. To top it off we were from the same home town. I was elated to find another home town boy in the same EOD unit with me. He had success written all over him and like cream in milk he was rising to the top. My heart goes out to his wife Ruby and children as well as the rest of his family on their loss. God Bless!!!
Chris Broome
September 27, 2007
Although I personally did not know Richard, I know his line of work and others performing it.
God bless Richard and his family.
August 19, 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 15, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Staff Sgt Shepherd and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Debbie Elam
July 7, 2007
My name is Debbie Elam and I am the Chairman of the Virginia Memorial Quilt Project. Our Project's Mission is to present the immediate family of each fallen soldier from the State of Virginia in the Iraqi War with a numbered memorial quilt. Please contact me at
Debbie Elam, Chairman
Virginia Memorial Quilt Project
2621 Linbrook Drive
Richmond, VA 23228
phone 804-379-3817
or you can email me at [email protected]. We hope to hear from you soon. God Bless your family and friends.
Eric Kreis
April 9, 2007
Sgt. Shepherd,
I was at Arlington today visiting a few of my brothers who had gone before me when your wife, mother and children visited you. It was a beautiful site. Your children are beautiful and they left you some pictures. I felt the need to learn about you and say thank you brother. God Bless and good job soldier. A brother Soldier.
Garnet Jenkins
February 11, 2007
In Remembrance of Staff Sgt. Kristopher L. Shepherd, on the 2nd anniversary of the day, he gave his life for our Country, with a Multitude of Thanks, for his Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
Rest Safely Kristopher in God's Loving Care and may the Peace of God continue to be with the Shepherd family.
Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills-
from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth."
~ Psalm 121:1-2 ~
I am sincerely hoping that you continue to feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you each day, as this Country Remembers Someone Very Precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
I am So Deeply Sorry for your loss.
Debbie Elam
February 10, 2007
My name is Debbie Elam and I am the Chairman for the Virginia Memorial Quilt Project. The Friendship Circle Quilters and other Volunteers in Richmond, VA have a project to present the immediate family of each fallen soldier from the Commonwealth of Virginia with a memorial quilt. Please contact me at the following:
Debbie Elam, Chairman
Virginia Memorial Quilt Project
800 Hallsboro Road
Midlothian, VA 23112
Home Phone 804-794-6364
or you can email me at [email protected]. We hope to hear from you soon! God Bless.
ROBYN GARSIDE
August 20, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE 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 FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Deanna Reedy
August 16, 2006
I grew up with Kris, going to school with him since elementary school and I can remember how sweet and funny he was. That great big smile with all that red hair. I and many others were very blessed to have met such a wonderful person. It's been 1 year and 6 months since Kris passed away, but it doesn't get any easier to know that he's gone. To Ruby and Kris' entire family, may God bless you all.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
February 16, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Shepherd family in the loss of Kristopher. I did not know Kristopher, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine 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. Today while I was at Arlington National Cemetery I stopped and prayed for Kristopher and family. It has been a little over a year since you were taken, but you will never be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Vangi & McKaLyne Lunsford
February 7, 2006
Psalm 23
1
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3
He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
This is a verse that I have found to be comforting to me during my husbands death. Remember that when it seems that no one else is round, God is still there with you! And he will be your rock!
My daughter,McKaLyne, and I send our heartfelt sympathy for your loss! God Bless this warrior, God Bless those whom serve freedom's cause! They are our true HERO's!!!!
If you need anything, please feel free to contact me!!!
Wife & Daughter of the Late
Sgt. Audrey Daron Lunsford
KIA May 23, 2005
Connie Powell
December 6, 2005
Ruby, Eric, Cheyenne, Shelia and family~~
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. (Jeremy went to preschool with Cheyenne on Ft. Belvoir).
Connie, Mark, Josh & Jeremy Powell
Sheila Campbell
November 18, 2005
I want to thank everyone for their kind words and thoughts for Kris and his family.
God Bless you all.
Kris's Mom
Susan Johnson
April 30, 2005
Thank you brave soldier for your selfless sacrifice for the freedom of others. I am deeply grateful and profoundly humbled by your service to our great country. May God bless your family and bring them peace and comfort.
Dan Rogers
April 28, 2005
Although I didn't know Kris, he was a friend to my son Eric. It broke my heart to hear of his passing. My sincerest condolences to his entire family and friends.
theresa baker
March 7, 2005
kris will be greatly missed by his family.he was a wonderful loving husband and father.he was loved by all who knew him.he was a good son to his mother,who will forever have a whole in her heart,god bless all of them and may he keep them close to his heart
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