After high school, Chris joined the United States Marine Corps. He served from 1989 to 1994 and completed basic training at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. His military occupation specialty was infantry rifleman, where he was an expert in combat arms and tactics and fire team/squad leadership. He was assigned to New Hampshire’s own Bravo Company 1st Battalion 25th Marines. This infantry rifle company was highly trained as a cold-weather mountain warfare unit, training both here in NH’s White Mountains, and in northern Norway with NATO, in joint teamwork exercises. He fought courageously in the Persian Gulf War and made numerous lifelong friendships with his fellow Marines. He has always been a loyal friend, and a dedicated service man which manifested in meritorious service during his years as a Marine. Chris was always the first to volunteer for difficult assignments and ceaselessly gave maximum effort in all missions during Operation Desert Storm. He excelled as a natural leader, and motivated other Marines with his dedication and pursuit of excellence.

Chris had earned the rank of Lance Corporal and consistently kept his fire team at maximum combat effectiveness. He also displayed strong composure and was an uplifting presence during the difficult times. In one particular event, a Gunnery Sergeant was checking the frontline positions late at night and found Chris lifting weights with a pole attached to sandbags, down low in his fighting position. Just as his dedication to lifting never changed due to circumstances, nor did his selfless service to his country and his friends ever change. Chris served his country with honor and distinction, earning the Combat Action Ribbon, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. He was an inspiration to all who knew him.