At the memorial service for Army Staff Sgt. Christopher R. Webb, Pastor Steve Norman talked about the “dash" - that seemingly insignificant mark that comes between birth and death dates.
The Winchester soldier, 29, was killed when an explosive detonated near his vehicle on March 7 in Baghdad. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, based at Fort Hood, Texas.
However, the service dwelt less on Webb's death than on his life. Family and friends remembered him as a soldier, a husband, and a father. One who loved model planes as a child and motorcycles as an adult.
At the service's beginning, Norman fleshed out the details of Webb's life. Born December 16, 1978 and attended Hemet schools. Joined the Army National Guard at 17 and the regular Army at 18. In 2001, married Shalan Harris of Alturas. A fire support specialist and the top recruiter for the Midatlantic battalion for three years. A long list of military honors, including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Daughter Mary born in late 2006, a month before Webb was sent to Iraq.
Webb's father-in-law recalled Webb's passion for motorcycles. He remembered the time he flew out to New Jersey to help his son-in-law make the move to Fort Hood. He asked Webb if he had packed the U-Haul.
A letter to Webb's family from Army Lt. Col. Kurt J. Pinkerton, commander of 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, called Webb an “inspiration for all - focused, disciplined, confident, and humble."
This is cache, read story here
