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1st Lt. Christopher N. Rutherford
1st Lt. Christopher N. Rutherford
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Christopher N. Rutherford Obituary
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Matty B
July 2, 2025
Thinking of you and praying for your family Banana Hands. Cowboy Up!
Marcus A. Rivers Sr.
May 26, 2025
Chris is/was my brother from another mother! I had the distinct honor and privilege to be assigned as his Officer Candidate School barracks roommate. Let´s just say that he truly lived and loved life to the fullest. Words certainly can´t fully convey what he meant to me as a Battle Buddy, Comrade, and more importantly a Friend. During our OCS graduation ceremony in December of 2005, as a surprise and just like you would expect of Chris´ humor, he put me on the spot and asked me to pin him - I stood in shock as his family looked on; that was truly a humbling and profound experience. I´ve uploaded one picture of us at our Dining Out event and I have several more photos and personal stories that I would like to share directly with the family. If anyone could connect them to me, that would mean so much and I will forever be grateful. Thank you in advance!
Marcus A. Rivers Sr.
April
May 26, 2025
I remember Chris from OBC. We were in the same class the entire 6 months in VA. He was a bit of a flirt. He would prank me during training simulator sessions and asked me for help on projects I know he was smart enough to not need my help. He was a great guy with a good heart. His parents raised him well and each Memorial Day I pray his family is comforted by his memories and the memories that others share about Chris.
Steven Stanek
July 29, 2024
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Steven Stanek
July 29, 2024
Steven Stanek
July 29, 2024
Went to see a traveling version of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Shepherdsville KY, stumbled upon this and found Lt Rutherfords name. I went back to lay a rose down. I´ll never forget that day, we knew someone didn´t make it, but when were told his name it was disbelief. Best lieutenant we had in the 19th Engineer Battalion! Stand Tall LT
Matty B
May 30, 2022
Memorial Day is to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. I spent today sharing your memory with my children. I will always remember you and continue to share your story whenever I can. Love you brother!
Robert Wheeler
November 17, 2018
Chris, Ill never forget OCS and every night toeing the line across the hall from you. The world needs you today. And we miss you immensely. Godspeed, Chris, and ill See you some day.
Brandon Rutherford
May 27, 2018
Miss you brother. See so much of you in my boys. Cant imagine how much fun they would have had with their uncle. I make sure to tell them all about you. Hope you're resting well and I get the chance to see you again. I owe you a butt kicking or a 100. Love ya always.
Kim Newhart
October 9, 2015
Miss you Christopher and love you always.
October 9, 2015
Thank you for all the kind words. It means the world to me to know that people still think of him . He never leaves my thoughts. He brought so much joy to me and I have wonderful memories.
E W
October 7, 2015
1LT Chris Rutherford,
As I grow older, I realize more every day what a sacrifice you made to give your life at only 25 for your family, your country, your unit, your platoon, and the Soldiers that you loved so much. Beautiful October days should see you playing flag football with obnoxiously tall socks.
Penny and Gary, you have always known what a wonderful son you and your family raised. There are so many who hold Chris in their memories as a role model, leader, and reminder to always work hard while never taking yourself too seriously. That is a tribute to him and to both of you. I had the privilege of working with Chris both stateside and deployed and saw him respond to challenges, success, setbacks, and hardship with equal humor, determination, and positive spirit. His attitude, joy, and faith are constant guides.
As we continue in Iraq, it is often hard to reconcile his sacrifice with our changing mission there, but whenever I begin to feel negative I can remind myself that Chris was the brave one who volunteered, and his efforts at crater repair and supporting Engineer missions DID save lives of his fellow Soldiers. He also has inspired a generation of leaders (both in the service and not) who are better people for having known him. His ripple continues to spread. I'm grateful to have known and served along side him, and hope to add my small assurance that his memory lives on and continues to inspire those who miss him so much.
Matty B
July 2, 2015
Miss you Banana Hands, still think about you every day.
I saw a Mark Twain quote the other day that reminded me of you"the two most important days in a man's life is when he is born and when he realizes why."
Penny, I know this was the ultimate sacrifice for you and your family but I truly believe Chris served a grand purpose. The passion and intensity he lived his life with lit fires inside everyone he came in contact with and I, like may others, carry that memory with me daily. He pushed everyone to be better than themselves and could bring a smile to your face in the worst situations. Your son was an inspiration and his impact will live on forever. Cowboy up!
1 Lt Christopher Rutherford
Penny Rutherford
June 21, 2015
Torres Ferguson
June 19, 2015
Never knew you but a couple if weeks while you was our platoon leader with 618th ESC while in Iraq in 2007 but times we did talk you were a great leader!! There is never a yim where I didn't think about you or the other guys we lost during that deployment. Can't believe its been 8 years!! Gone But Never Forgotten!! BROTHERSS FOR LIFE!!
Larry Henderson
November 6, 2014
Thinking of you.
Matty B
June 9, 2014
Miss you buddy, Cowboy Up!
Lamb
April 1, 2014
Thinking of you always.
1 Lt C N Rutherford
PENNY Rutherford
November 29, 2013
Penny Rutherford
November 28, 2013
My hero, my son. Miss him so much
October 1, 2013
Chris is not forgotten
Matty B
July 2, 2013
Chris, I can't believe it's 6 years today. I still wear your memorial bracelet and therefore carry you with me everyday. I will always remember you and I hold you and your family in my prayers. Love you brother.
Lamar Irvin
July 1, 2013
R.I.P brother
annonymous
May 26, 2013
Just thinking about you this memorial day and always.
Nick Lauer
December 17, 2012
There isn't a day that passes that we don't all miss you. You were a great friend and I think of you often. I try to stop at east lawn to visit, but even when passing I always think of some memory I shared with you. I hate it that I didn't see you on your last trip home, but I get to see your picture every time I pick my daughter up from school, as it is proudly displayed by the door. She knows you as Daddy's friend, who was a hero. Passing the signs on rt7 daily for work is also a reminder of the legacy you left behind. Love you buddy, until we meet again
A picture in Honor after He left Us.
Nolan Carruth
December 15, 2012
Penny it has taken me a long time to figure out what I should truly say about the Love I had for your Son Chris. When I first met him at Fort Benning I was in basic trainning and he was in Ocs. I shared a few words with him as I passed him in the Px. He was such a alive soul. He kicks me even now for telling you this, but his gentleness as a soul amazed me. I longed to follow his lead into battle. just to see the leader I knew he would become for our dear family. This Brotherhood I will always Love, Honor, and Respect. Only All goes out to my dearest fallen Brother Chris. I want you to know I pour a little out for him in toast. I love you my extended Family Nolan Andrew Carruth. 79C out.
Bobby Jones
July 6, 2012
Thinking of you all the time Rudy. Thank you for everything you sacraficed for our country. I will see you again someday. R.I.P Chris
Peggy Childers
July 4, 2012
July 2, 2012
To the family and friends of 1st Lt. Christopher N. Rutherford:
Always remembering Christopher. "Some gave all."
Mara Boggs
July 2, 2012
Thinking of Chris and the wonderful life he lived. His memory lives on.
Stephanie Taylor
July 1, 2012
Thinking of you today as I do often. R.I.P chris.
Matt B
June 29, 2012
I miss you like crazy brother and can't believe it will be 5 years on Monday. I constantly share our memories with everyone I can, like No Rank Friday, the 24 hour Fray repeat, and all our antics with the mingo. I love you brother and not a day goes by that you don't cross my mind.
The Johnsons
November 11, 2011
Rutherford, every year on the anniversary of your passing and on Veteran's Day we think of you. You paid the ultimate price for our country's freedom with your life. You are missed.
Bobby Jones
July 5, 2011
Miss you Chris, we will be together again someday to catch up on all the cars deals. Love ya man.
Tara Bichard
July 4, 2011
Hey Rudy,
Well its hard to believe that you have been gone for 4 years. Time flies when you lose the ones you love. I miss you so much. Im bringing my 3 wk old son down to meet you. I know you would love him and he wouldve loved you. I still see that smile and think of you often. I love you honey and look forward to the day we meet again.
Buffy Kephart
July 4, 2011
Everyday goes by I think of you. I remember looking down the street all the time just to see if you and Brandon was shooting bball so I could come down and hangout. I miss you Rudy!!!!
Peggy Childers
July 2, 2011
To the family and friends of 1st Lt. Christopher N. Rutherford:
Please accept my remembrance of Christopher on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
nick lauer
July 1, 2011
Miss ya buddy, and think about you often
RaKersha Lacewell
June 30, 2011
LT,
No matter how much time passes, u have never been and never will be forgotten. Your life was a reflection of truly leading by example and I thank God every day that I was blessed to share a portion of it with you. God bless
David Ruiz
June 30, 2011
LT,
Every year around this time is bittersweet. My family celebrates the birth of this nation and the many that laid down their lives to keep it free.
Sir, I celebrate you! The lives you have touched with your presence, leadership and companionship will never be forgotten. Father God, thank you for allowing me to be in his presence! God bless you and your family! Cowboy Up!
SSG David G. Ruiz
eileen thomas
November 24, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Athena Nix
July 4, 2010
As the years pass and you are no longer here. I am reminded that you are still with me in my memories and I am blessed to have known such a great leader and friend. Miss you dearly.
Peggy Childers
July 2, 2010
To the family and friends of 1st Lt. Christopher N. Rutherford:
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
Nick Lauer
June 9, 2010
I know July is fast approaching, and I still can't believe your not here. It's hard to believe how many years have already passed, but my memories of you will never fade. You were a great friend Rudy. I miss you Buddy.
Tara Bichard
May 8, 2010
Chris,
The first day I met you several years ago, I knew you were an amazing man!! Those eyes, that amazing smile and the most incredible laugh! I will never forget you!!! I can still remember that night, me sitting in the chair at Jason's and you walking in the door and throwing me an Army beanie. I was soo mad at you. We had a conversation and i remember asking you "what would happen if you died", your reply which I'll never forget was "Tara I'll die doing what I love". You were an amazing guy Chris. I still watch Family Guy and think of our times watching it over and over again...dvd after dvd. I still see your face singing me our song when I look in the rearview mirror. I think of you daily and can't wait til the day I see your face and hear your voice again!
I love you Rudy!!!
EILEEN THOMAS
April 10, 2010
I THING GOD BEAUTIFUL PICTURES EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT FOR GIFT IS FROM ABOVE COMING DOWN,FROM THE FATHER OF THE HEAVENLY LIGHTS I LOVE YOU
Danny Latham
September 17, 2009
Chris
I remeber when you first showed up to the unit another brand new officer who needed Training. 5 minutes with you and I thought to myself, This guy is gonna be a General Someday. You were different then the other officers, better. I remeber late night talks and early morning sunday breakfast. I remeber playing WII in the room, from Mario Go Kart to WII fit, I remeber no rank Friday and Texas Hold-em Saturday. The must important thing I remeber is no matter what happen you had the Big cheesy smile on your face no mater what what was going on.
If my day was horrible you would do something so stupid it had to be funny. I remeber a barbie girl song and you wearing nothing but that stupid road gaurd vest. (crazy) The day you died was day I will never forget, The day you were buried you should have seen the roads in your home town Americans as far as the eye could see, there supporting your family and paying there respects. Chris you will be missed by everyone, not a day goes by I dont think of you. Ill see you when I get there. Love ya.
Anthony Cameron
September 17, 2009
To the Rutherford Family,
I want to first say that today I was thinking about Chris and decided to Google his name. I am very proud to have known and served with him during our stay at Fort Knox as well as Iraq. I still remember been nervous and deeply sadden while giving the narration for the ceremony. He will truly be missed. I wear my bracelet everyday to honor and remember a good MAN, SOLDIER, SON, FRIEND, and above all LEADER.
Griffin Lehy
September 17, 2009
I miss you man, I know its been a few years but I dont think i'll ever forget the radio call on july 2. You were a great man and an even better leader. The army truly lost one of its best that day. My sympathy to your family, friends and to the rest of the world that never got to meet you.
Peggy Childers
July 8, 2009
To the family of 1st Lt. Christopher N. Rutherford:
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
Ken Boggs
January 23, 2009
I continue to think of Chris always. I was honored to have served with such an incredible man, officer, leader...one of the finest I have known in this profession. To the Rutherford family-my heart still goes out to you. Chris touched many hearts and led with distinction during one of the most difficult times of the war. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kenna Larra
December 30, 2008
We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families at this time. War does not discriminate – It breaks my heart to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
Please contact us! 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
bryant dalkert
November 23, 2008
to the rutherford family my name is sgt dalkert i served under your son chris he was a true hero and a great leader i was the truck in front of him when he got hit by the ied i still see that day alot and i wana send to you my depest regrets he was a special kind of a person
ryan ladd
September 22, 2008
My deepest condolences to the Rutherford family, Today I helped dedicate Your son's memorial, and I still feel over a year later as much grief as I did the day I found out about your terrible loss, but it also made me think of all the good times we all had together, and they far outweighed the bad. Thank you for giving me the privilidge to serve with the man whom I now try to mold myself after.
Athena Nix
August 10, 2008
I will always remember your smile and you saying to me 'my homework is done now mom, can I go play?' I would laugh and smile. If I was having a tuff day; you always seemed to appear and would cheer me up. You were the only one who I didn't mind when you rubbed my belly when I was pregnant. I have blessed to have known you. I think of you often and you are not forgotten. "COWBOY-UP"...hehe.
19th Engineer Battalion, 15th Engineer Company
In Memory of Christopher Neil ~ (Debra Estep)
Debra Estep
July 2, 2008
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. 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 –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb
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
.
June 30, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you 1st Lt Rutherford!
melinda stanley
June 2, 2008
I just want to say thank you Chris for what you did, not only for your country, but for your family and friends. I look back now, and I hate that I never got to really know you. The last time I saw you was at Thanksgiving at Uncle Hermans...a few years ago...maybe in 2003 or 2004? Who knows...I am married now and just had my first child, a boy on July 18, 2007...thankfully I was able to pay my respects to you at the funeral home that day. Thank you Chris...and may God bless our family, especially your mom and dad, through this rough time. I can't believe it has been almost a year. We love you Chris. May you rest in peace.
Mara Boggs
May 25, 2008
Remembering Chris on this Memorial Day, and every day.
August 19, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by 1st Lt Rutherford and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
August 1, 2007
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)
cindy greene mother of Sgt.Jeremy R. Greene kia 4/28/07
July 20, 2007
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
DEWAYNE PITTMAN
July 16, 2007
Sir,
It was an honor to have known you. When you sat down to inprocess into the battalion, I was glad to have been able to provide you the best service that I could for you and your family. I am really going to miss you.
DEWAYNE PITTMAN
SSG, USA
S-1
Chuck Brasington
July 15, 2007
My deepest sympathy for your loss. My son served under Chris and served as his gunner many times. He spoke very highly of Chis and I appreciate his leadership and support to help Jonathan during his time in Iraq. Jonathan was hit by an IED on June 20th and is back in the US recovering. He was able to attend the funeral. I am proud that Jon had the opportunity to know and learn from someone that was as much of a positive influence as Chris was. I know from all that I have read that Chris was a fine young man and that the impact he had on all around him will insure his presence will live on through the many lives he touched. God bless and comfort your family.
Guy Boggs
July 15, 2007
I would like to pay my respect and condolences to the family and friends of 1Lt. Chris Rutherford. May God’s strength and comfort be with you, your family, and friends, during this painful period of mourning. It is my prayer, that the mournful ache of loss be replaced with only the fondest of memories for this young hero that gave it all for his country. I will never understand how God makes his choices of who to call home. It is apparent that the brightest and best are not exempt from his needs and requirements. For if they were, this fine young man would not have been called so early. May you rest in eternal peace Chris Rutherford, knowing that you are loved, respected, and missed by all that knew you. God Bless you and your family for your service and personal sacrifice.
Brenda Lewis
July 14, 2007
Life is precious and Chris did not waste his life to live and die a HERO is more than most people can accomplish. To know that people die everyday for nothing, Chris died for a purpose and he will never be forgotten in my families life. I have never met Chris but my husband is the 19th En. Chaplain and spoke of Chris so highly. I know that Chris is in a better place and my what an American Hero he is....Trust God to comfort you in these days ahead.
ROBYN GARSIDE
July 13, 2007
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. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Dennis (USMC - Vietnam) & Pam Robertson
July 13, 2007
We are deeply saddened at the loss of this brave young soldier, a hero. May God comfort and embrace you as only He can. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
In loving memory of our nephew
Lance Cpl James R. Davenport KIA 11/22/06 Anbar Province
Brian Thompson
July 12, 2007
To the Rutherford family,
The pastors words were so true that Christopher had preached his own funeral while here on earth from the showing of friends there today. I never had the pleasure of meeting your son but Anthony Amos is a dear friend and i knew he and Christopher had been close. Christopher achieved in his short 25 years what several men never get to in an entire lifetime and to have a relationship with Jesus Christ made him complete. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Let the knowledge of how your son touched the people of your community and everywhere he went be comfort to your heavy heart.
Love & Prayers,
Brian Thompson
Wayne, West Virginia
Dean and Donna Booth Sr.
July 12, 2007
TO GARY, Penny and Brandon;
I can't imagine the pain and grief you have suffered since the terrible news of Chris's death. Donna and I send you all of our sympathy. Words are just not sufficient to express how we feel. We should all be proud of all of our troops that keep us safe and free. May God bless and sustain you through this terrible time.
July 11, 2007
From a spouse of a 19th EN. soldier, I send my support and appreciation for the service of Chris to our country. May God give you comfort in your time of sorrow. Chris is a true hero.
Cassidy Smith
July 10, 2007
To the family and friends of 1LT Rutherford, I just want to say how sorry my family is for your loss. My husband is in the 19th Eng. and I know that hearing the news has had a deep impact on the Ft. Knox community. My families thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Cassidy Smith
Tom Gugliuzza
July 10, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the Rutherford family in the loss of Christopher. I did not know Christopher, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young 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. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Christopher you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
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~
July 10, 2007
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Rutherford family. We lost our grandson in Iraq on November 22, 2006, and have some idea of what you all are going through. We share your pain in the loss of your loved one. Another American Hero--may he rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. May our Lord give you all the comfort, strength, courage, and HIS peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank you Christopher for standing in the gap so that freedom prevails. God Bless!
July 9, 2007
To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. 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 guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA
Steve and Sonia Lavy
July 8, 2007
We want to extend our deepest symathies to Christopher's family. Our nephew, Captain Andrews, has been chosen to escort your son to his final resting place. He has shared with us that Lt. Rutherford was an honorable man. Thank you for your sacrifice. Our prayers are with you in this time of grief.
Mara Boggs
July 8, 2007
The Paratroopers of the 618th Engineers write this with deepest sympathy for the Rutherford Family, and in greatest appreciation for the leadership, compassion and fine humanity of 1LT Chris Rutherford. To know Chris is to love him, and he will never be forgotten. The 618th was lucky to have the opportunity to work with Chris for many months in Iraq, and all of the Paratroopers of the unit are better for it. We all salute Chris, and strive to be better people in his mold. Thank you to the Rutherford Family for sending such a fine man to lead Soldiers, and we grieve for your loss and sacrifice. We stand behind you in support.
Ronn Massie
July 8, 2007
God bless the family and friends of Christopher.
You will all be in our prayers.
Thank you Christopher for being such a brave hero.
(In remembrance of Cpl. Joey Cantrell 4-4-07)
deborah rivers
July 7, 2007
To the family of Christopher, my grief for the loss of your son is felt. I know what it's like to loose your child in war as my son was killed in action too. It feels that your heart has been ripped from you and you don't understand why this happened to your child. I've felt all you will feel in the coming days and weeks and though I’m not close in relation to area, but I am very close by email. I offer any support to you and your family that I can. It's with the Grace of God that I've gotten through each day and with His healing love and comfort that I've been able to once again sleep at night and not cry each day. Believe me I do know how hard it is. May God continue to heal you and your family and contact me when and if you are ever ready, even if it's to vent or cry.
In memory of my son SPC Harry (Buck) Winkler III KIA 11/12/06 Samarra, Iraq with the 2-505th PIR 82nd Airborne Div
Carllene Theobald
July 7, 2007
From jr high basketball to high school football and basketball to his love for family, friends and cars. This was a all round great American Man. To know him was to love him. He died a hero and his absense will be felt for years to come. We love and miss you Chris. I had the honor of knowing this young man as a friend. I am so very proud of you Chris. I am shure In heaven you look down and are saddend over the greif this terrible thing has caused. You would tell us to go forward and be happy that is what you were fighting for. We will honor you with our smiles and memories. Thoughts and prayers to his family Gary, Penny and Brandon.
MICHAEL HAMMER
July 6, 2007
I JUST WANT TO SEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE RUTHERFORD FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF MOURNING. YOUR SON WAS A TRUE AMERICAN PATRIOT AS WELL AS AN AMERICAN HERO. I AM IN THE 19TH ENGINEER BATTALION IN THE 60TH ENGINEER COMPANY. IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP OUT LET ME KNOW. RESPECTFULLY, SGT. MICHAEL E. HAMMER
Garnet Jenkins
July 6, 2007
Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy regarding the loss of 1st Lt. Christopher Rutherford, with so much gratitude for this Fine Young Soldier's Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
May Christopher rest safely now, in God's Care and know that he is a True American hero, that shall Never Be Forgotten.
May the Peace of the Lord be with the Rutherford family.
There will Never Be Enough Ways, to Humbly Thank these Young Heroes, for their Sacrifices, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam in 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
May you find peace in knowing the love and memories you have, will remain in your heart forever and that this Country Will Remember the Sacrifice Christopher made.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sandy Bonesteel
July 5, 2007
As the mother of a son (my only child) who is in the Army; I want to send my condolences.
valorie
July 4, 2007
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
I know how you feel losing a "HERO",Becoming a "Gold Star" Mother myself on 25 March.. The sacrafice our sons and daughters are making on a daily basis should tell us all..These young HEROS knew full well what they were doing and did it proudly When you hug your loved ones tonight.... Remember... We also hugged ours and now they are protecting you..We.. as Americans need to make the "Ultimate Sacrafice" by supporting all our military(HEROS)...the Proud Mom of SGT. Jason W. Swiger
5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne,Fort Bragg, N.C. KIA 3/25/007
Linda Clifton
July 4, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Gary Allain
July 4, 2007
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.
SHIRLEY DONEY
July 3, 2007
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU
Carol Cline
July 3, 2007
Know in your heart that you are a true hero and will never be forgotten. All gave some, some gave all. Rest in peace. You will be missed by everyone’s life you have touched.
To the family, as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family, friends, and all Americans for the sacrifice of one of your family members for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.
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