I Got The News Today (IGTNT), which is one of the oldest continuous series on Daily Kos, provides members of this community a venue to pay their respects to those who have died as a result of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and in Operation Inherent Resolve. The IGTNT title is a reminder that nearly every day the family of an active duty service member receives the terrible news that their beloved has died.
Pvt. Christopher J. Castaneda
The Department of Defense announce today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
Pvt. Christopher J. Castaneda, of Fripp Island, South Carolina, died Nov. 19, on Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, in a non-combat related incident.
Castaneda was assigned to 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York. ~ DoD News Release
Chris Castaneda grew up on Fripp Island which is a gated, resort community which lies at the end of a chain of sea islands in Beaufort County. The less than 7 square mile barrier island where deer roam freely has a year round population of 887 which swells to 5,000 during the summer months. Golf carts are the prevalent mode of transportation although cars and trucks are allowed. Christopher would have attended school in nearby Beaufort.
Pvt. Castaneda joined the Army in January and arrived at Fort Drum in May. In August he deployed as an Infantryman to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
As is typical when a death is non-combat related, there is very little information released about the military member or the incident itself. The Fort Drum 10th Mountain Division posted a tribute on their facebook page which drew hundreds of comments. Here are a few that give us a glimpse of this soldier’s personality:
Rest easy my brother! Just coming back from the field and seeing this.. I'm lost for words... I don't know how this happened but i do know you took pride in being a Infantryman and even more pride in serving your country' Thank you for all of the memories we made back in Fort.Benning' You will be missed by all your brothers' "Outlaws" ~ Pablo C
Rest in Pease Chris Castaneda
I will remember the car rides home Jorge would give us, and when I got myself a car I'd give him rides. All the talks we had. All the future we talked about. I am forever thankful for you fighting for me, for our friends and your country. How I'd wish things were different. Even from Iraq he'd remember me and message me.
Now you're resting, and not in this crazy world. I will forever remember you. And thank you. RIP Chris ~ Carlos C
Rest in Peace Chris! You will be missed by many. You were way to young. Only the good die young. Our phone calls and our texts just made my day. May you rest in peace. Thank you so much for all you did for the country! Fly high with the Angels buddy ~ Destiny K
RIP Chris. Thank you not only for your service but also for your friendly and uplifting spirit. You were always so kind to me. Praying for your friends and family. ~ Jenna D
Such a shame. Chris was in my home room throughout high school... No matter what time of day it was he was always happy and full of energy... I'll never forget walking into school and getting settled in home room around 7 a.m ... I was always tired and grumpy just like almost everyone else. But Chris was different he was always in a good mood with a smile on his face! Rest in peace Chris .. His family is in my thoughts and prayers! ~ Darielle B
Can't believe this! My thoughts and prayers go to his family. Such a happy spirit always talked to me in home room through out my highschool years. ~ Alexis B
What the hell happened to Chris... He was too good of a person for this.. I wish we could go back to being kids.. ~ Justin-Michael B
R.I.P nephew your Aunt Kelly and I loved you and will forever miss you. ~ Brian S
I remember we used to rush to see who would get to chow first. R.I.P bro. ~ Daniel H
I'm in shock smh we graduated basic together and now your gone but rest in paradise bro you'll be missed.~ Joey S
Was just reading all the letters you sent me while at basic.. can't believe this. I love you, miss you with all my heart. ~Patricia Anna S
I am lost for words when I heard about this. You are and always will be my brother along with 1st platoon outlaws. I'm gonna miss our talks and jokes and arguments. You served your country with pride. We'll see each other again. RIP Castaneda we all love you and miss you brother. ~ Emillo C
I keep looking at this and pushing it away .. it just doesn't feel real .. Chris reached out to me about a week ago and I didn't listen to him. I pushed him away .. now I'm regretting now taking a few minutes out of my night to listen to what he had to say.. this just isn't real .. Chris was always there for everyone and this just breaks my heart. You will be missed by many. We all love you Chris thank you for serving and protecting our country. My prayers our with your family and loved ones.. ~ Ashely P
He was more than just another guy, he was a soldier and even more than that he was my battle buddy. Thankful I was able to go through basic with chris. RIP ~ Tristan C
Castaneda's awards and decorations include the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Army Achievement Medal (Posthumous).
Pvt Christopher J. Castaneda is survived by his mother and grandfather.
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About the IGTNT series:
"I Got the News Today" is a diary series intended to honor, respect, and remind us of the sacrifice of our US troops. Click here to see the series, which was begun by i dunno in 2004 and now is maintained by Sandy on Signal, i dunno, noweasels, blue jersey mom, Chacounne, twilight falling, SisTwo, SpamNunn, TrueBlueMajority, CalNM, Wide Awake in Kentucky, maggiejean, Ekaterin, TheFatLadySings, Joy of Fishes, and me, JaxDem. These diaries are heartbreaking to write, but are an important service to those who have died and show our community’s respect for them. Diaries about the fallen usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories.
Please bear in mind that these diaries are read by friends and family of the service member(s) mentioned here. May all of our remembrances be full of compassion rather than politics.