Fallen Soldiers and Heroes

Cpl Christopher W. Belchik, 2nd Plt. 2nd Bat. 2nd Marines Regimental Combat Team-1, 1st Marine Division 1 Marine Expeditionary Force, Easy Co. Camp Lejeune NC June 25, 1974--August 22, 2004, KIA Al Anbar Province, IRAQ Chris was born and raised in Alton Illinois, he was the youngest of 3 children. He didn't join the marine corps until he was 26 years old. He decided he needed some direction in his life and felt he had a lot to offer the military. He was on his 2nd tour in Iraq, 32 days from coming home and 40 days from getting out of the corps. On August 22, 2004 he was killed by a roadside bomb while on patrol. He was in a humvee with 4 other men, Chris was the only one killed. His best friend in the corps was driving. We still hear from men he served with and they tell us what a great marine and friend he was and how honored they were to have served with him. I think because he was older than a lot of the men he served with, and had lived out in the world a little longer, it gave him the ability to have good insight. His marine friends often speak about Chris being able to make quick and accurate decisions that saved many lives. On the night of April 26th, 2004, the night he lost his life, he spotted a daisy chain of bombs and was able to get his men to safety. Due to his heroic actions on this night, he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with V for Valor. He said he wanted to be the best marine he could be and I believe he was that and more from all the stories that we continually hear about him. He was a squad leader and had been referred to as the heart of the platoon. Chris had the ability to tell a story like no one I have ever met. He was so funny and animated when he was talking to you. He had so much love for life. Chris had been married to his sweetheart of 8 years for 14 months when he got killed. He loved golfing, playing cards, movies, music, fishing, riding his motorcycle, laughing and spending time with his family and friends. He loved his family deeply. He was ready to get out of the corps and start his new life with his bride. He is deeply missed by his family and friends, we are never going to be the same without him. But we were so blessed to have had him in our lives.-Lynn (Chris' mother)