Christopher J. Van Der Horn Obituary

I worked for him as an interpreter and he had hard understanding my English because I learned on my own. RIP SSG.

I'm remembering you this day Christopher. I will always remember.

Chris you are not forgotten. Thinking of you and your family today especially.

In memory and honor of Chris in recogntion of the 8th anniversary of his passing. We have not forgotten him and remain grateful for his service to our country.

Chris we were squad leaders together. I never told you this but you was my idol. I looked up to you for your character and wisdom. It has followed me everyday. I miss you a lot and know you watch over us everyday. I will see you again my brother. SFC now 2LT Aaron price

Love for Chris and his love ones

Thinking about Chris, always a big brother for me.

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Van Der Horn:
It has truly been my honor to sign Christopher's guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, it has become increasingly difficult for me to continue at this time. Please forgive me and know that Christopher will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy

In memory of Chris Van Der Horn for his service and sacrifice for this Country.

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Van Der Horn:
Always remembering Christopher. "Some gave all."

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Van Der Horn:
Please accept my remembrance of Christopher on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

I think of Chris often, he was as great a soldier as he was a friend.
I toast his memory every new years eve and i will continue to do so for the rest of my life.

We think of you all the time: "OUT-Stand-ing!" :)

Added a wreath to my FB page today in your honor. And still have the candle holder from the first TAPS weekend that Teresa and the boys and I attended.

Never forgotten...thinking of you, Nancy, Bob, Theresa & kids.
God bless...

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Van Der Horn:
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

Chris..Never forgotten. Always loved and cherished.

Never forgotten brother. A great leader and mentor.

”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 and Respectfully,
Kenna

Chris, we will all miss you buddy. As on of your former classmates from BHS and a former Navy man myself, you have given this country your highest honor and we will always remember you, by our daily actions. May we all work as hard as possible to live up to your standards. Peace be with you on earth, as it is in heaven.

Chris you were a joy to be around in High School. Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice. You will be missed!

Nancy, Bob, Theresa and family...just wanted you to know that you are being thought of today.
We'll never forget Chris' sacrifice or your loss.

Teresa,
There is not a New Year or much time that goes by that I do not think of the loss we all suffered on the day that is suppose to be the beginning of a new year and new life commitments. I will forever be reminded of your loss for the rest of my time here in this venue. Please know that my thoughts and prayers go out to you, Max and Liam. May the good Lord bless you and your family. If you ever need anything please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Sincerely, Russ

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 and sacrifice. 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

To the family of Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Van Der Horn:
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

To Chris's family,
Chris and I shared some fun times and enjoyed each other’s company. When I returned back to 1/187Inf after Drill Sergeant duty he and I hit it right off. We had a love of family the army and we could talk about or competitive shooting for hours. I had the pleasure of his company as he and I represented our battalion pistol team for the 101st ABN Div competition just prior to he and I deploying to Iraq. I almost didn't get to compete with the team except for Chris telling them there was a mistake and I should be on the team. Well, we won it for our Battalion. He was always with a smile on his face eve when we were deployed to Bayji. I didn't get to see him except when we would cross paths in the chow hall between patrols. The last time we spoke was one of those times. He was smiling and we talked about taking our kids target shooting when we got back as we has made plans after winning the pistol competition. I learned of his death while I was on Mid-tour leave. Chris was a wonderful father, man, soldier, leader and friend. I remember him daily and especially today as my son was playing "Taps" this morning for all our fallen brothers.

If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guest book for the rest of my life, but I promised LE RON A. WILSON (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

I know this is late coming but did now know of his passing till now. I remember Chris when he worked at Armored Transport NW (now known as AT Systems). He was a great co-worker and friend. We shared some great laughs. My condolences to his family . Chris, I know you are in a wonderful, peaceful place. Receive my prayers and God bless.

Joe Susuico

I am sorry this comes late, but I just now heard of this terrible news, and I find myself deeply upset by it. Chris was my first sweetheart in jr. high, and a sweeter boy he couldn't have been. We remained friends throughout high school, but lost contact shortly after I went to college in CA. He was always so genuine, so honest, and so grounded. His easy smile and warmth would always uplift those around him, and stayed with me all of these years. I looked him up perhaps about five years ago just to see how he was doing and we began to correspond once in a while via email. He told me about being in the military, about his wife, his newborn son, his pets, his life, but mostly, how happy he was. He said he was so glad we had a chance to catch up, and that he hoped when next I visited Washington, I could meet his family. I was so happy that I was able to find him, and looked forward to some day meeting his wife and children, and seeing him again. I am so, so sorry that my chance has gone forever. The emails dwindled as life trudged on, but I always thought we'd run into each other again. I send my love and well-wishes to his parents, his wife and sons, and all of his family. The world is poorer for its loss...

Dear Nancy, Bob, Teresa and family,
Just wanted to let you all know that not a day goes by that I don't think of all of you, and of the sacrifice Chris made in the name of freedom. I have heard so many wonderful things about him this past year. I am truly sorry that I never had the opportunity to meet him. I visited his gravesite a couple of weeks ago and said a prayer for all of you. I know that Chris will remain in your hearts forever.
Gods blessings to all of you.
{{HUGS}}
~Lori

In Remembrance of this Brave Young Soldier, Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Van Der Horn, on the first anniversary of the day he gave his life for our Country and for Freedom.
May he rest safely in God's Loving Care and know that he is a True American hero, that shall Never Be Forgotten.
May the Peace of the Lord be with the Van Der Horn family.
There will never be enough ways, to humbly thank these Heroes, for their Supreme Sacrifice, my brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.

"And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,
there shall be no more death,
nor sorrow, nor crying,
there shall be no more pain.
For the former things have have passed away."
Revelations 21:4


As a New Year begins without Christopher, Please know he is close, in your heart and soul.
May you find peace in knowing the love and memories you have, will remain with you forever and that this Country remembers his sacrifice.
I am deeply sorry for your loss

To the family and friends of SSGT Christopher J Van Der Horn



I have only just begun this journey and have already found so many family’s sharing our pain.



I extend to you my deepest condolences. No words will ever express the grief those close to this lost treasure are feeling. I can only say that I can share this grief as I too lost a loved one last month. I will continue to pray for the safety of our soldiers and especially the family and friends of our lost hero’s. I only hope the memories will carry us through. I will continue and pray that you also will believe and know that our heavenly father will not give us more than we can handle.



As always I read (and cry) through the memorials of our lost hero’s, So many people have already expressed the things I would also say. I am amazed and take comfort that so many people care. I can only thank you for the sacrifice you and especially Christopher have made to protect our country. As others have said “I am only an email away.” I would be honored if you so choose to share about this fine man.



Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28



Laura Cameron (CPL Joseph P Micks KIA 7/8/2006 Ramadi, Iraq)

"...but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother"

Proverbs 18:24

To Theresa and family:

I just want to let you know that I loved Chris as a big brother while he lived, and that I will love him and remember him forever.

This past Memorial Day weekend my family and I took some time off. Time off between baseball games and barbeques to reflect on the meaning of this holiday we all love and enjoy. Time off to thank all those great Americans who gave their all while serving their country.



I had the honor of attending Law Enforcement training with Chris. Although I only knew Chris for a few short months, I knew he loved his family, and he loved to serve. He loved to serve his community and serve his country.



Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Van Der Horn gave his life doing what he loved to do. And for that Chris, you are a great American, and you shall not be forgotten.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. IOBTC-476

Chris,

thanks you for being a good american always

Dear Teresa, Max, Liam, and all of Chris’s family,



I feel this entry is a long time coming, but friends of Chris and mine had asked me to write a little something.



Chris and I became friends at fletc, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. We shared an especially close class together, a lot of very good friends who have continued to keep in touch and share life’s ups and downs. We are from all parts of the country, from Maine to Texas and Washington State, and from Puerto Rico to Hawaii.



I, and many others in our class, have also served in the US military, covering every branch in the US Armed Forces. A number of us have also served their time in the same particularly troubled part of the world where Chris gave his life.



We were all very saddened to have lost Chris. We all know that he believed in what he was doing though, and are very proud of him. Chris had many friends and we are glad that he was a part of our class and our lives.



All of us in IOBTC-476 wish you well. Chris is a friend we will all remember.



God bless.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE KNOW THAT YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON FOR THE LITTLE ONES. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI



A MARINE MOM

I served with ssg van der horn before the deployment he was always there me. always helping me out

I served with Chris in the same company at Ft. Campbell and I had the oppurtunity to have long conversations with him. I just wanted you to know that he helped me through things because he had the heart to care. Without our talks I don't know were I'd be right now with my life. Chris displayed the greatest form of leadership to me...he cared when no one else did. Though we may never meet or talk I just wat to offer my condolences and let you know that with our talks he made me a better man. Out of all the NCO'S Chris had the greatest impact on many of our lives

Our most sincere and hearfelt condolences to your family for your loss. Staff Sgt. Christopher J. Van Der Horn is a hero who paid the ultimate price for his country. He will never be forgotten. Words cannot express our deep appreciation for these young soldiers, especially Chris. Thank you.

Dear ones -

I went to Tahoma today to put flowers on the grave of my son who fell in Ramadi on 12/07/05. I placed flowers on SSgt Van Der Horn's also



Thank God for heroes such as SSgt Van Der Horn!



God bless you!

On behalf of the entire Patriot Guard Riders membership, I want to express my sincere condolences on the loss of Sgt. Van Der Horn. I can only hope that your grief is somewhat eased by the knowledge that he is a true American hero.



Jeff Brown

Executive Director

Patriot Guard Riders

My heartfelt sympathy to the Van Der Horn family in the loss of Christopher. I did not know Christopher, but my heart is broken and I am sadden for your loss of such a fine young man 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.

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~

My sympathies for your loss. He is a hero. Thank you for his service to our country.

Dear Nancy, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to you, Bob, Teresa, the boys, and all of your family. There can be no greater loss. Thank you for sharing your stories of Chris with me, and thank you for allowing the Patriot Guard Riders of Washington State to attend his beautiful memorial service. Your son, husband, father, brother and friend is a TRUE HERO to so very many people. We thank you all for your great sacrifice and share in your loss. America will not forget. SSGT Christopeher Van Der Horn is our hero, too.



God bless you all.

Thank you to Chris and his family for all they have done for our country!

just wanna offer my deepest sympathy to van der horns family

i am sorry for ur loss

may you rest in peace christopher

My son served with your loved one in Iraq. He said there was never a time when a soldier would walk away from Chris without feeling upbeat and good about what they were doing and who they were. May God bless you and keep you strong.

Teresa,

Words fail me for your lose. As Chris' former Chief of Police that gave a bright, young, caring and compassionate man the opportunity to serve the community he cared so much about, I am sincerely sorry for this event in all of our lives. Know this, that is there is anything you, Max or Liam ever need do not hesitate to call. You have all my numbers. It seems like yesterday that we were at your house have the biggest yard sale I think I have ever been too. God Bless you and your family. Russ & Jason Ellis

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

Teresa & Family,

I wanted to thank you for allowing myself and the other Patriot Guard Riders to attend the memorial service for Chris in Clarksville. I am so deeply sorry that your family has had to endure such a terrible loss. There are no words that bring comfort, just know that you are not alone, a nation suffers with you.

THANK YOU!!! Only those who have experienced such an unfortunate loss can truly understand how you feel. On behalf of my family and millions of Americans we wish you God's Best as you reflect, as time goes by, of the wonderful times you, and friends, shared with Christopher.



America has many strengths, and one of the best has always been those who are so ready to serve in the military. Christopher was another fine example of the zealousness of youth to help others, even those in another country, despite the risk of losing their own life, so that others may have a life that provides freedom and opportunity to be all that God wants them to be.



May your memories of him sustain all of your family members & friends, for your lifetime, as you remember his desire to serve others. Know that there are others out here that know what you are going thru! And we are here for you! You are in my thoughts and prayers!



Wife & daughter of Sgt. Audrey Daron Lunsford~ KIA May 23, 2005