Hundreds mourn Colorado church member killed in Afghanistan
Hundreds of mourners gathered Sept. 7 to pay their respects to Staff Sgt. Christopher Birdwell.
Birdwell, 25, died Aug. 27 in Kalagush, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered from enemy small arms fire, the Army said. He and his three younger siblings grew up in Windsor, Colo., and attended the Windsor Church of Christ, the Reporter-Herald in Loveland, Colo., reports.
Kirt Hughett, minister for the Windsor church, spoke during the memorial service, Coloradoan.com reported.

Staff Sgt. Christopher Birdwell (Photo via freedomremembered.com)
(Hughett) said it’s people such as Birdwell who protect American freedoms, not the poets who practice free speech, the reporters who exercise freedom of the press nor the politicians who court votes. Hughett urged mourners to thank the uniformed men and women attending Friday’s service.
And then he closed his remarks by quoting Birdwell: “In the words of Chris, peace out.”
Read the full story, and see Birdwell’s obituary.
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Feedback
I don’t listen to the news much any more since my husband’s recent retirement after 25 years with the Memphis Police Dept. I just learned of your loss this morning. I heard it on KLOVE. Mr. Birdwell your statement was beautiful! What greater comfort in death than to KNOW that you will see Christopher again! So thankful that you don’t have to mourn like those without HOPE! Thank you to your family for the ultimate sacrifice this side of heaven. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Love in Christ,
Glenda Pounds
Germantown Church of Christ