Christian Emil Schmitt

To those who read this I met Chris whe his family first moved here from Germany to open up the Schnitzel Ranch. He was full of energy. When Chris found out I was retired miliraty he had a thousand questions. Chris loved the USA and wanted to be in the military. I remember the night I took him to Gander Mountain. He was in awe at all the guns and ammo. Renja called me the next day and thanked me because Chris kept her up until 2:00 AM talking about everything he saw. My wife Helga and I loved...

Chris, we will miss you brother.
Fly high,

~Erik Jackson and Paul Blanken

My wife and I were deeply saddened to hear of the death of your son Chris from my mom. The last time we saw Chris was at the restaurant and he was in his ROTC uniform. Our oldest son is a pilot so we feel a special kinship to those like Chris who are living their dream by flying. Please accept our condolences and prayers in your behalf.

missing my buddy little brother will cherish all the memories and your personality and smile, from the day you and the family arivied in the U.S. you have been one special kid to us

The North Alabama Chapter Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association met at the Schnitzel Ranch each month. Chris was always there to help his mom. He loved having us pilots tell our stories and talk aircraft.He loved flying and the freedom you feel when you are up there.Our group will miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with the family.

Chris' light shined on all of us who knew him. His enthusiasm for life was contagious. The world lost a promising young man in Chris.

Chris was enthusiastic about the USA and our military. He supported the North Alabama Chapter of the VHPA superbly. We will miss him.