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Hero Soldier Makes Ultimate Sacrifice
(March 9, 2011) | 
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U.S. Army Spc. Christopher G. Stark
was a 22-year-old Monett, Mo., native assigned to 705th Explosive
Ordnance Disposal Company based at Fort Polk, La., when he died
during an improvised explosive device attack while on a dismounted
patrol in the Tangi area on Feb. 28, 2011. Stark was working out of
Combat Outpost Tangi in support of 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry
Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, while
deployed in Afghanistan. Courtesy photo - Jan. 13, 2011 |
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LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan (3/5/2011) – A soldier attached to 4th Brigade Combat
Team, 10th Mountain Division’s Task Force Patriot based at Fort Polk,
La., died as the result of an enemy attack in Wardak Province Feb. 28.
U.S. Army Spc. Christopher G. Stark was a 22-year-old Monett, Mo.,
native assigned to 705th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company when he
died during an improvised explosive device attack while on a dismounted
patrol in the Tangi area. Stark was working out of Combat Outpost Tangi
in support of 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, while deployed in
Afghanistan.
Several soldiers said Stark was an outstanding team
member and a great EOD technician. Stark’s comrades said he was always
willing to help others and made everything he did fun for himself and
for those around him.
“Spc. Stark served as my EOD team member;
his input and enthusiasm was crucial to the successful completion of
numerous missions,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Czikalla of Clive,
Iowa. “He loved being an EOD technician. There was never a day that
Chris didn’t live life to the fullest. He experienced more in his 22
years than many do in a lifetime.”
Stark’s “strong sense of
loyalty and devotion to his team made him a very reliable technician,”
said U.S. Army Sgt. Chandara Hak of Santa Rosa, Calif., and 705th EOD
member. “You could always count on Spc. Stark to have your back in any
situation.”
U.S. Army Spc. Dwayne Rhymes of Conroe, Texas,
knew Stark as a friend and brother who worked hard and was always
willing to learn new things. He said fellow soldiers could |
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always count on Stark if they ever needed anything, calling him “a
blessing to those around him” who will be missed but never
forgotten. |
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The officers of 705th EOD
also valued Stark as an EOD expert and a soldier. They knew Stark was an
integral part of their organization.
“Spc. Stark was great at
everything he did. You could always count on him to do his best and give
his fullest effort,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Alex Dial of Decatur, Ill.
“He was an invaluable asset and an absolute pleasure and blessing to be
around.”
“Specialist Stark was a gifted and motivated soldier,”
said U.S. Army Capt. Aaron Teller of Hillsville, Va., Stark’s company
commander. “He had a driving passion for EOD work.”
Stark’s
awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army
Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service
Medal, Afghan Campaign Medal with star device, Global War on Terror
Service Medal, NATO Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon,
Combat Action Badge, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Basic Badge. | |
By Army SFC Matt Meadows
Combined Joint Task Force 101, Patriot Public Affairs
Copyright 2011
Provided
through DVIDS
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