Oak Ridge Today

Funeral service Saturday for Oak Ridge soldier killed in Afghanistan

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SSG Christopher Michael Ward

SSG Christopher Michael Ward

A Saturday funeral has been scheduled for an Oak Ridge soldier killed in southern Afghanistan by a suicide car bomber last weekend.

The funeral for U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Michael Ward, 24, starts with a receiving of friends from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Weatherford Mortuary in Oak Ridge.

A celebration of Chris’ life will follow at 12 p.m. Family and friends will have a chance to share their stories and memories of Chris. Full military honors will be provided.

Following the services, the family will welcome friends to their home in Oak Ridge, the obituary said. In keeping with Chris’ wishes, his body will be cremated. [Read more…]

Oak Ridge soldier killed in Afghanistan was a hero, died protecting others, mom says

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Christopher M. Ward Dignified Transfer

A U.S. Army carry team transfers the remains of Staff Sgt. Christopher M. Ward of Oak Ridge during a dignified transfer ceremony on Monday at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. (U.S. Air Force photo/Greg L. Davis)

Note: This story was last updated April 10.

A chaplain and another military representative knocked on her door at about 10:35 p.m. Saturday.

Joyce Ward of Oak Ridge knew why there were there.

She learned that her son, Staff Sgt. Christopher M. Ward, 24, had died in southern Afghanistan on Saturday morning helping a diplomat and two other soldiers deliver books to children in Zabul province when their vehicle was hit by an explosion.

“He is a hero,” Joyce Ward said. “He gave his life. He put himself in the line of fire to protect others.” [Read more…]