Christopher William Swanson

Staff Sgt. Christopher SwansonStaff Sgt. Christopher W. Swanson died while conducting combat operations against anti-Iraqi forces. He was in the Al Anbar Province on a dismounted Patrol when the Soldier encountered small arms fire. He was 25.Swanson was a member of B Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Division, Task Force 1-35 Armor, 1st Brigade, and 1st Armor Division. This was his third tour in Iraq. He had also been deployed in prior operations to Kosovo.During his tenure in the Army, Swanson received various awards to include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, the national Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign, Army Good Conduct, Iraq Campaign, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, NATO, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medals. He was also the recipient of a Presidential Unit Citation and had a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts pending.Family will receive friends at LEE FUNERAL HOME CALVERT, P.A.,8125 Southern Maryland Blvd. (Route 4 & Fowler Road), Owings, MD on Monday, July 31 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8pm. Service will be at the First Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, MD on Tuesday, August 1 at 11:00am. Swanson will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, August 1 at 2:00pm.Swanson is survived by his parents Gary W. and Kelly L. Swanson of Rose Haven, MD; brother, Kenneth S. Swanson of Rose Haven, MD; four grandparents, Roger and Tillie Swanson of Philippi, WV, and Conrad C. Jr. and Peggy Sloan of Zephyrhills, FL; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Staff Sgt. Christopher William Swanson Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 82, Friendship, MD 20758. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Christopher William Swanson please visit our Sympathy Store.