Lynchburg, Virginia
Kristopher Shepherd managed to keep his eye on the future while thoroughly enjoying the present.
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.
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.
Adrian Lane
August 23, 2020 | Jacksonville, FL
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...
Charles Gili
January 28, 2019 | Brooklyn, NY | Neighbor
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...
February 11, 2017 | Mesa, AZ
I love and miss you son.
Always
Mom
Cissy Campbell
September 12, 2014 | Lynchburg, VA
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 21, 2013 | Carson City, NV
February 11, 2012
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Kristopher L. Shepherd:
Always remembering Kristopher. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
February 13, 2012 | Carson City, NV
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.
Adrian Lane
November 09, 2011 | Jacksonville, FL
I am so sorry for your lost. May the God of comfort continue to be with you and your family.
April 25, 2011
Still Thinking About You Bro. E.
March 18, 2011