Christopher Sanders

Sgt. Christopher Alan Ignatius Sanders, a Roswell native, born April 30, 1985, to Kelly and Marie Sanders, gave his life with honor in service for our country January 9, 2008 in Sinsil, Diyala Province in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was assigned to ReconHHC in 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division, stationed out of Vilseck, Germany.

A 2003 High School graduate of New Mexico Military Institute he joined the Army in 2004 fulfilling a lifetime goal. His urgency to serve our country intensified after the 911 bombing so continuing in college was no longer an option. He attended infantry boot camp in Fort Benning, GA and then was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington and assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment better known as Deuce Fourand he was an original member of the Punishers. He served his first tour in Iraq in Mosul Oct 2004- Sept 2005 and was present at the Mosul tent bombing. He received numerous c ommendationsmedals including the Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, and Commendation Medal for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He returned for his second tour in August 2007 to Bagdad and was scheduled to return to Germany in November 2008.

Christopher was a soldier to be remembered by his company commander on his first tour Maj Jeff Vanantwerp as an unbelievable soldier, a great guy, and that he gave his life for a purpose much greater than himself.. .he will be remembered for his laughing and joking and great attitude even things were really tough.

Christopher was blessed to meet his wife, the love of his life, Dara Johnson, at an early age and they have two beautiful children, Christopher Alecsandar and Jacquelyn Marie, who brought much joy to Christophers life. Christopher was a wonderful husband and father and looked forward to his time with his family on his return.

Christopher is survived by his parents, Kelly and Marie Sanders, sister Beth and husband Larry Akin; his brother Michael Sanders. Grandparents Gliserio Rod and Margaret Rodriguez, JW and Shirley Weldon and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Christopher was loved by all and will be missed by all that were touched by him.

Friday, January 18, 2008, a Rosary will be prayed at 6:00pm at Assumption Catholic Church followed by the Funeral Vigil at 7:00pm. A slide show and Eulogy will follow. Saturday, January 19, 2008, the Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Bill McCann at Assumption Catholic Church at 10am with graveside services with Full Military Honors at Southpark Cementery
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Visitation

LaGrone Funeral Chapel
900 South Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
5:00 p.m.

Service

Rosary

Assumption Catholic Church
2808 N Kentucky Ave
Roswell, NM  88201
Friday, January 18, 2008
7:00 p.m.

Ressurrection Mass

Assumption Catholic Church
2808 N Kentucky Ave
Roswell, NM  88201
Saturday, January 19, 2008
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203