Sgt. Christopher Curtis Simpson

In the early morning hours of Monday, March 17, 2008, Sergeant Christopher Curtis Simpson, 23, made the ultimate sacrifice during his service to his country, his family, and his friends. Chris was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq with the 1-68th Combined Arms Battalion, Charlie Company, when his convoy came under attack. In addition to other numerous personal award and campaign ribbons, Sgt. Simpson will be awarded posthumously the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his courageous service. Chris was a soldier and so much more. He loved life, family, friends and country. His heart was as large as his selfless love for his fellow man. He lived his life for others. His strong, yet gentle, being was a beacon for the young and old alike. The Army gave him direction in his life, a direction aimed at helping others. Chris's aspiration was to return to school, become a teacher, and help young men and women find the right path in life. Chris's love for his fiance, Carol, was insurmountable and unconditional. Always remember, Cobra Commander, Is it time? Redskins' football, 4 David Drive, Living on the Edge, and Memento Mori. We are better people for having known you. Our hearts have been touched by you and we will never forget you. Surviving are his mother, Kate Lukenbill and her fianc, Dave Rosser; father, Scott Simpson and his wife, Mary; brothers, Corporal Richard Simpson, United States Marine Corps, Matthew and Michael Simpson; sister, Anna Simpson; fiance, Carol Fries; paternal grandparents, Alan and Evelyn Simpson; maternal grandmother, Joan Lukenbill; maternal grandfather, Felix Lukenbill and his wife Marcia; great-grandmother, Mary Simpson; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Services for our hero, Christopher, will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph's Church, 5600 W. Genesee St., Camillus where a funeral Mass will be celebrated. Friends may call Tuesday from 1 to 7 p.m. at St. Joseph's Church. Burial will be private at the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Syracuse. Arrangements are by the Buranich Funeral Home, Camillus. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Hampton, VA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Jordan-Elbridge Dollars for Scholars, In Memory of Christopher Simpson, P.O. Box 901, Jordan, NY 13080. Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless-Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage