Fallen Soldiers and Heroes

1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division in Fort Hood Texas Kristopher Dan Rodgers 29, of Burr Oaks Michigan, died in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan, on Aug. 16, 2008. He gave his life while saving 28 of his men, he was the only one that lost his life that day. He leaves behind a wife, Selina, and a 4 year old son, Kaden. Kristopher graduated from Lakeland High School in Lagrange Indiana where he excelled in sports during his high school years. He was an all-conference line-backer in 1996 during his junior year, and was team captain his senior year. He married his high school sweetheart in 1999. This was his second tour of duty, having already spent 18 months in Iraq. He had gotten out of the army and when his son turned one, decided that if he could make this world a better place for his son, then he would and he re-enlisted. He was just deployed in July. He earned a Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the NATO Award for his bravery and valor. He believed 100% in what we were doing and accomplishing over in Iraq and Afghanistan, he would do it again if he had the chance. We all miss and love him very much. He will be greatly missed.