In memorium: Staff Sergeant Christopher S. Kiernan

Staff Sergeant Christopher S. Kiernan was killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq on Sunday, May 6, 2007. He meant a lot to the soldiers of Dco 1-5 Cav 1st Cav Division. He meant a lot to every soldier and family he came in contact with. This loss is very hard for the men, my husband is in his company and has shared with me the sorrow he feels at the loss of a great man and soldier. His wife Donna is a very special lady and our hearts hurt with her as we know what SSG Kiernan meant to her. He was her life and soulmate. They were very good people. This is his biography that was posted on his guest book: was born in Charlotte, NC on February 12, 1970. He was an incredible person who possessed a special gift of effortless kindness and endless generosity. He would often give his time and resources to others in need while never asking for anything in return. The way Chris lived his life is a valuable lesson for all of us to cherish.

Chris attended King's Grant Elementary, Lynnhaven Junior High, and graduated from First Colonial High School in 1988. He enlisted in the US Army in 1990 and became a member of the armored corps. In 1991 he drove his tank in the front lines of Desert Storm. He went on to serve tours in Bosnia, Haiti, and Somalia. In 2004 he served in Iraq and was deployed there again in 2006. Throughout his military career, Chris was stationed at Fort Knox Kentucky, Erlangen Germany and Fort Hood Texas. He was awarded a Purple Heart during his service in Bosnia and a Bronze Star during his first tour in Iraq.

Chris leaves behind a grieving family and community, both military and civilian. His loving wife, Donna East Kiernan of Killeen, Texas, his parents, John and Margaret Kiernan of Virginia Beach, his grandfather, William Murray of Virginia Beach, his sister, Kathleen Dwyer, her husband, Greg Sultuska, their daughter Harly Grace of Destin, FL, his brother, Sean Kiernan and his wife, Corbie of Cambridge, MA, as well as extended family and friends who will mourn his loss forever.

The family would like to thank all of his friends who have shared so many wonderful stories about Chris that we had forgotten or had never heard. These memories and all the laughter and joy Chris gave us will be treasured forev