SPC Christopher Akin 1987-2010
SPC Medic Chris Akin
d. Sep 01, 2010
Akin (pronounced AYE-kin)
note: SPC stands for "Specialist" such a Medic, like Chris.
The author of this piece was also a medic, and knew Chris - they were both full-gear, weapon carrying, door busting, medics for their respective platoons. Medics see the worst of the worst.
by SPC Medic Eric Williams
There is something to be said about the loss of a comrade. Regardless of how he fell, there is something that we all went through together that will eternally tie us all together. This is the story of my experiences with taking a fallen soldier home.
Christopher Akin was a fellow soldier, we served in Iraq together and although we didn’t have much contact he was still considered one of our family. A large family that went though hell together. We all suffered together and with most times a smile on our faces. We will all carry the scars of our experiences with us for the rest of our lives, it is forever a part of us.
Akin's military service was held on Thursday, September 2nd. I was asked to speak with other members of the command. Myself and his team leader printed pictures and framed them to be displayed. We were running around trying to get this ready, but we kept saying that we have to do it right. He has to be represented the right way, and the typical remembrance photo just wasn’t going to cut it.
A fellow soldier had taken several great pictures of his platoon, and with Akin being his platoon medic there were several of him during the deployment.
The pictures were great and they depicted him in a way that showed that even on a long patrol he could still have a smile on his face. I took those pictures from my friend Soto’s website and had them blown up, we framed them and placed them behind the boots, rifle and helmet that we all hate to see assembled that way. We nodded at each other in approval and began final preparations for the service.
Dress green uniform, polished medals, perfect creases. I just kept saying you can get through it. Hold it together and do it right; for him, for his guys, for his family.
His family was going to see a taping of the service. I really didn’t want to break down standing up there in front of people. I started to realize that there were so many people that arrived to show their support. More and more showed until it was a full house in the chapel. The opening words were said by the Chaplin, then our command team, then two fellow soldiers that worked with him. Then it was my turn; nervous, and uneasy, I said this:
"For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Eric Williams. I served in Iraq with Christopher in a volatile area known as Sadr City. Akin was a line medic in 2nd platoon and I was a line medic in 3rd platoon. We saw each other on a daily basis and worked alongside each other.
He could always be found reading a book or listening to music or any of the thousand different things we try to do to pass the time while deployed. He was always a mild mannered, very laid back kinda guy. Nothing really got him too worked up and he was certainly never high strung. I never saw him bent out of shape even though it would have been so easy for us to become that way.
Akin always preformed above and beyond. Sometimes other soldiers don’t understand how hard line medics work, but I do. I know he went on more patrols and worked harder then anyone to make sure the men that were his responsibility never saw any harm come to them.
He was supremely dedicated to his mission. Something that I know he felt very passionately about. I know this because we talked about it, we talked about how we would handle a certain situation if it ever came up. And once again he was in the books, studying, learning more so that it could be put to use if ever needed.
We were the only medics in our battalion to receive orders to come to Fort Sill, and although we were both stationed at the same place and in the same command, We rarely saw each other. Opposite schedules made it difficult to see him.
I never knew about any of the internal struggles that he was dealing with. I wish that I had, maybe we could have talked. I'm reminded of a quote I once heard:
“War is waste and chaos, that’s what it is. it’s the most profound waste of life, time, spirit and treasure known to man. War is an obscenity and we say, however, that it is preferable to subjugation, and it is.
The time and place and cause of war, however we may characterize it, is most times beyond our control and they are most certainty beyond the control of a soldier. All Soldiers suffer in war and their families suffer equally".
SPC Akin lost his war, and we are left to wonder why. We may never know. It is not our place to remember how he fell, but rather to remember how he lived. To remember the memories that we shared with him. I've talked extensively with members of his platoon, and they are just as shocked as I am.
But I am comforted by one thing. The fact that immediately after hearing the news, our brotherhood banded together to remember his life. We shared stories of conversations and adventures we have all had. I can only hope that you too will be able to remember his life and share a story. My thoughts are with his family, everyone at Meddac, our family at 1-6INF, and his platoon, "The Hooligans", you will be missed, more than you could know. Gone but never forgotten.
I had actually gotten through the ceremony. I did it right. The final remarks were made and we filed down and rendered our final salute. With a grasp of his hanging dog tags off of his rifle I placed our deployment patch at his boots and finally walked away. It was very hard to keep it together through all of that but I had done it. Little did I know that this would not be the end of my journey.
I had brought it to the attention of the command that I was willing to escort his body home if needed, that it would be my honor. The response I got was that I would have to pay my own way. The reason for this was that there was already an escort and there only needed to be one. We talked about it and I was just not going to be able to afford the flight.
The senior NCO, who was the escort, said that he would pay for half of the flight so that I could go. The flight was ultimately paid for by the command. Right after the service we went to a building and talked to mortuary affairs. We received our briefing about how everything was handled and all the paper work involved.
We left Lawton, Oklahoma Saturday morning at 7:30 am. It was an hour and a half trip up to the funeral home where Akin's body was being held. Once we arrived, we were greeted by the staff, led into a large area where the casket was. We had to verify the body. His dress uniform was draped over the body and was perfect, everything was where it should be. The casket was closed and was draped with the flag, a salute was rendered and Christopher was loaded into the back of the hearse.
From that moment on we never left Akin's body. We would be with him for his entire trip home. With the NCO in the front seat and me following in my truck behind we departed for the airport.
Its impossible not to notice the reaction from people as you pass by. They immediately knew what happened. Almost everyone slowed down and did not pass us. They let Christopher go first, large trucks flashed their hazards, and for the short time to the airport, Christopher led the way.
We were escorted into a back area where cargo hangers were all in line. We unloaded the casket and took him to a waiting area while the plane was prepared for departure. While his body was unloaded a salute was rendered, and as we turned around and began walking with the casket I noticed the cargo workers; not a lot of them maybe 3 or 4, but they were all standing there as we walked into the holding area. One at a time we were led through the back areas of the terminals so that we could check in and then return back to the holding area. One at a time so that Christopher was never alone.
About an hour went by as we were waiting for the plane to arrive and be prepared. The ground crew introduced themselves and explained what was to be expected so that we were never out of the loop.
We were told that all the passengers baggage would be loaded but the passengers would be held at the gate. We were taken one by one to the plane down the tarmac, we were positioned to the side of the ramp and met by several Southwest Airlines workers as well as the Captain of the flight. With the utmost respect the casket was loaded onto the ramp and began to move up toward the plane; again a salute was rendered and the casket was secured in the plane.
As I turned around I noticed that there were several people watching from the terminal windows, standing, no one moved. We were led up the stairs and into the plane, we were the first ones on. After everyone was on board the captain come over the PA system. He introduced himself and told the passengers the typical flight information.
Then he said that he was honored to be transporting Christopher Akin home. I'll be honest, I got a little choked up.
As we landed in Kansas City, MO the pilot again came over the PA system and asked that the passengers remain seated so that we may get off the plane. As we stepped away you couldn’t help but notice everyone standing there watching. Workers removed their hats and stood in silence. We were escorted to another hanger where we would wait for our connecting flight to Nashville TN.
I remember calling my mother, telling her I was in Kansas City. I told her I was very impressed by the support and professionalism of the staff.
The plane arrived. Again a salute was rendered and Akin's body was loaded onto the plane. The Captain was on the ground with us and also saluted. We were soon airborne and in route to Nashville TN. We knew that there was going to be an Honor Guard when we arrived but knew little else.
Once we landed in Nashville, everyone remained on the plane and we were escorted down to the ground. TSA had their own honor guard on the ground. The workers climbed into the plane and prepared his casket. They refused to let him come down on the ramp. Six men carried him down. They placed the casket and escorted him to another hanger where the honor guard was waiting.
The casket was carried by the honor guard to the center of the hanger and honors were rendered. This was the first time I saw the family. I was really nervous about the reaction of the family to us, but as I watched his mother, Father and Sister walk forward towards that flag draped coffin I started to loose it. I remember thinking “keep it together, don’t do that here” and I bit the inside of my cheek.
I watched that family’s pain and agony as they saw their son in a casket. I don’t have any children so I can only imagine what they were going through but they’re faces said it all. My heart just broke for them.
There was a small ceremony held there with several family and friends. Everyone came up and paid their respects. Then Akin's body was loaded into the hearse and we started the long trip back to Paducah, KY.
Paducah, in western-most Kentucky, was about 2 hours away from Nashville. We started up the highway with about 8 cars in a row. It was a long trip up but we got to the funeral home and the honor guard unloaded the casket and headed inside. Once we were inside we made final corrections to the uniform that was draped over the body. No one would see the uniform but we made sure that it was perfect.
Once the casket was closed, the family was escorted in and allowed to spend time with him. His Mother and Father approached us and thanked us. The NCO that was with me said some of the kindest words one could possibly say in that situation. He handled himself with grace and compassion that I have never seen. I know that must have been very hard for him, but more so for the family.
All I could do was offer my condolences. The funeral home was littered with flowers from family and friends. Soon we were headed to our hotel. Akin's body would be staying in the funeral home over night until the service in the morning. The day had drawn to a close and I think I feel asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. I knew the next day was going to be just as hard.
We woke up and got dressed again for the service. We made our way to the funeral home and opened the viewing hall where the casket had stayed all night. The family was there and were already inside. I told them that I had served with Akin in Iraq, and told them some stories that I remembered about him. For the first time I saw his father smile. It was a relief to see that, if only for a second.
One by one family and friends funneled into the hall and walked by to pay their respects. We sat in the very back as to let the family pay their respects. It wasn’t important that we were there. But still we never left him. I noticed that the Patriot Guard Riders outside maybe 2 dozen of them or so. For those of you that are not familiar with who the patriot guard riders are, they are a group of bikers that escort fallen soldiers and public service members to their final resting place. I walked out and thanked them for what they do. I think it is an incredible service they do out of the kindness of their hearts.
It was soon time to head over to the church for the mass. The honor guard came and carried the casket and loaded it into the hearse while we saluted. The Patriot Guard Riders were already in place and there was also a police escort. Once we started moving, the police stopped traffic and stepped out of their patrol cars and saluted as Christopher passed. The procession was moving very slowly down the street. And although we didn’t have far to go every vehicle pulled over and stopped as we passed. Some people got out of their cars and stood.
As we turned into the church another officer saluted and the Patriot Guard Riders led us into the entrance. The casket was removed by the honor guard and led into the church. We stood at attention in the entrance while the service went on. Once the service was over we moved Christopher outside where Taps was played and a 21 gun salute.
I tried to keep it together but Taps always gets me. The flag was folded and presented to the mother. Christopher's body was then carried and loaded into the hearse and taken back to the funeral home.
It was one of the hardest things to go through. But for now it was over, we went back to the hotel and changed and went out for some food. I was joined by 3 guys that were in his platoon. We drank and smoked and shared stories all night. We all went through war together and no one else can understand what you’ve been through except those that were next to you.
It was back to Oklahoma for me the next morning and it was a pretty long trip. But I had a lot of time to reflect on what I had been through. Not every Soldier gets the opportunity to go through what I had gone through. Its not something that should be sought out but it is an honor.
it’s a horrible thing to know that a Soldier killed himself. I watched a family that went through the worst experience of their life still smile and embrace the hardship with grace and love and compassion. They are an incredible family and I am still in awe of them.
I witnessed so much respect and caring from everyone that we encountered. But most of all, This is a story about Christopher Akin and his final trip home. He was our brother and he will never be forgotten.
Eric
From: myfriendthemedic.blogspot.com/2010/09/spc-christopher-akin
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comments: Posted by: kerry hanley - Lawton, OK - Friend
My favorite memory of my best friend Chris 2009-2010, (I was living in Lawton, OK, 5 Miles from Fort Sill), is when I called him and said,
"Hey Chris! Can you help me to move a piano into my house?"
Chris naturally said, "Sure! When do you wanna do it?"
I replied, "In 15 minutes! I'm driving a U-haul with a piano in it!".
He started laughing so hard he could barely get the words out,
"This ..is.. the most ...EPIC.. Impulse Purchase Ever!!!, I'm on my way!".
There are many, many, other great times.
It was hard to pick one.
I miss you every day Chris.
I'm so glad that I told you that you were my best friend.
I was just talking about Chris with my daughter (14) last week.
About me and Chris' happy times together.
And then the hurting.
You know, the 'If I would have only' kinds of questions.
And she said something amazing,
"Maybe you helped him to live longer."
I was at a loss for words and just said,
"Thank you so much for saying that."
She was right.
kerry hanley
---------------------------- OBITUARY-------------------------------
Originally posted in the Paducah, Kentucky newspaper.
Spc. Akin was born on May 16, 1987 and passed away on Monday, August 30, 2010.
Spc. Akin was a resident of Paducah, Kentucky at the time of passing.
He was stationed with USA MEDDAC at Ft. Sill, OK, where he was a Health Care Specialist. He received 2 ARCOM medals, one Good Conduct Medal, one National Defense Service Medal, one Iraqi Campaign medal (ICMAD), one Global War on Terror Medal, one Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Medals.
A Funeral Mass for Specialist Akin will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday at St. Thomas More Catholic Church with Rev. J. Patrick Reynolds officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:30 pm Sunday at Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Shawnee Trails Council, P. O. Box 487, Owensboro, KY 42302. Or the Roy C. Manchester Boy Scout Camp at the same address.
Lost, but Never Forgotten, by Abebi Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Last night I found out that a good friend passed away months ago. We had had no mutual friends, so it wasn't something I would have heard through the grapevine. It hurt the most because I knew he was depressed. I knew he was hurting and wanted to be there for him. Then I became very self-involved because my marriage was falling apart.
One of the days I was crying and blubbering and thinking only of how sorry I was for myself, Chris committed suicide. A brief week after I had last spoken to him.
Specialist Christopher Alan Akin was a friend. Someone I had looked up to and admired since I was 15. He was always kind and made friends so easily. He was smart. Brilliant, in fact. And I loved him. He was one of the first guys I knew and was actually friends with that I had had a crush on. And the one I was sure would always be out of my league. And he was.
Over time, my love grew and changed. It was still love, though not the love I had for James, it was love, nonetheless. It was a full and pure love. The love of a friend and admirer without the taint of physical intimacy.
Every time he came back to town, he stopped at my old home. Even after learning that I had moved, he kept stopping in and would visit with my family. He helped Mom out around the house and yard, talked about video games with my little brother. He was an admirable man.
In the Army, Chris was a medic. In my life, Chris was a hero. He remembered me when I was forgotten (oh how dramatic we teenagers are), and found me when I was lost. We hadn't reconnected for long before he left, but I will always be touched by this man. He will never be forgotten.
G'Kar: I believe that when we leave a place, part of it goes with us and part of us remains. Go anywhere in the station when it is quiet, and just listen. After a while, you will hear the echoes of all our conversations, every thought and word we've exchanged. Long after we are gone, our voices will linger in these walls for as long as this place remains. But I will admit that the part of me that is going will very much miss the part of you that is staying.
Chris, you are loved and remembered. Every Arby's, bookstore and coffee shop remind me of you. Every time I hear the word "elf" or see a duct tape masterpiece, I will remember you with a smile and a tear in my eye. The few memories I have, I cherish. Just because they are few does not mean they are not precious.
As this baby grows and I start to potty train, I will think of that birthday, so many years ago, in the children's section of that bookstore. (I wonder if I can find that book?) I will remember that night and smile, because you showed me that we can still trust in people, still laugh and smile and have an amazing time without spending money.. That may have been the simplest birthday celebration I have ever had, but it is my favorite by far. And sweeter still because you remembered.
I will never forget.
Specialist Christopher Alan Akin, you will be remembered and honored. Chris, my friend, your memory will be treasured.
by SPC Medic Eric Williams
"It is not our place to remember how he fell,
but rather to remember how he lived."
There is something to be said about the loss of a comrade. Regardless of how he fell, there is something that we all went through together that will eternally tie us all together. This is the story of my experiences with taking a fallen soldier home.
Christopher Akin was a fellow soldier, we served in Iraq together and although we didn’t have much contact he was still considered one of our family. A large family that went though hell together. We all suffered together and with most times a smile on our faces. We will all carry the scars of our experiences with us for the rest of our lives, it is forever a part of us.
Akin's military service was held on Thursday, September 2nd. I was asked to speak with other members of the command. Myself and his team leader printed pictures and framed them to be displayed. We were running around trying to get this ready, but we kept saying that we have to do it right. He has to be represented the right way, and the typical remembrance photo just wasn’t going to cut it.
A fellow soldier had taken several great pictures of his platoon, and with Akin being his platoon medic there were several of him during the deployment.
The pictures were great and they depicted him in a way that showed that even on a long patrol he could still have a smile on his face. I took those pictures from my friend Soto’s website and had them blown up, we framed them and placed them behind the boots, rifle and helmet that we all hate to see assembled that way. We nodded at each other in approval and began final preparations for the service.
Dress green uniform, polished medals, perfect creases. I just kept saying you can get through it. Hold it together and do it right; for him, for his guys, for his family.
His family was going to see a taping of the service. I really didn’t want to break down standing up there in front of people. I started to realize that there were so many people that arrived to show their support. More and more showed until it was a full house in the chapel. The opening words were said by the Chaplin, then our command team, then two fellow soldiers that worked with him. Then it was my turn; nervous, and uneasy, I said this:
"For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Eric Williams. I served in Iraq with Christopher in a volatile area known as Sadr City. Akin was a line medic in 2nd platoon and I was a line medic in 3rd platoon. We saw each other on a daily basis and worked alongside each other.
He could always be found reading a book or listening to music or any of the thousand different things we try to do to pass the time while deployed. He was always a mild mannered, very laid back kinda guy. Nothing really got him too worked up and he was certainly never high strung. I never saw him bent out of shape even though it would have been so easy for us to become that way.
Akin always preformed above and beyond. Sometimes other soldiers don’t understand how hard line medics work, but I do. I know he went on more patrols and worked harder then anyone to make sure the men that were his responsibility never saw any harm come to them.
He was supremely dedicated to his mission. Something that I know he felt very passionately about. I know this because we talked about it, we talked about how we would handle a certain situation if it ever came up. And once again he was in the books, studying, learning more so that it could be put to use if ever needed.
We were the only medics in our battalion to receive orders to come to Fort Sill, and although we were both stationed at the same place and in the same command, We rarely saw each other. Opposite schedules made it difficult to see him.
I never knew about any of the internal struggles that he was dealing with. I wish that I had, maybe we could have talked. I'm reminded of a quote I once heard:
“War is waste and chaos, that’s what it is. it’s the most profound waste of life, time, spirit and treasure known to man. War is an obscenity and we say, however, that it is preferable to subjugation, and it is.
The time and place and cause of war, however we may characterize it, is most times beyond our control and they are most certainty beyond the control of a soldier. All Soldiers suffer in war and their families suffer equally".
SPC Akin lost his war, and we are left to wonder why. We may never know. It is not our place to remember how he fell, but rather to remember how he lived. To remember the memories that we shared with him. I've talked extensively with members of his platoon, and they are just as shocked as I am.
But I am comforted by one thing. The fact that immediately after hearing the news, our brotherhood banded together to remember his life. We shared stories of conversations and adventures we have all had. I can only hope that you too will be able to remember his life and share a story. My thoughts are with his family, everyone at Meddac, our family at 1-6INF, and his platoon, "The Hooligans", you will be missed, more than you could know. Gone but never forgotten.
I had actually gotten through the ceremony. I did it right. The final remarks were made and we filed down and rendered our final salute. With a grasp of his hanging dog tags off of his rifle I placed our deployment patch at his boots and finally walked away. It was very hard to keep it together through all of that but I had done it. Little did I know that this would not be the end of my journey.
I had brought it to the attention of the command that I was willing to escort his body home if needed, that it would be my honor. The response I got was that I would have to pay my own way. The reason for this was that there was already an escort and there only needed to be one. We talked about it and I was just not going to be able to afford the flight.
The senior NCO, who was the escort, said that he would pay for half of the flight so that I could go. The flight was ultimately paid for by the command. Right after the service we went to a building and talked to mortuary affairs. We received our briefing about how everything was handled and all the paper work involved.
We left Lawton, Oklahoma Saturday morning at 7:30 am. It was an hour and a half trip up to the funeral home where Akin's body was being held. Once we arrived, we were greeted by the staff, led into a large area where the casket was. We had to verify the body. His dress uniform was draped over the body and was perfect, everything was where it should be. The casket was closed and was draped with the flag, a salute was rendered and Christopher was loaded into the back of the hearse.
From that moment on we never left Akin's body. We would be with him for his entire trip home. With the NCO in the front seat and me following in my truck behind we departed for the airport.
Its impossible not to notice the reaction from people as you pass by. They immediately knew what happened. Almost everyone slowed down and did not pass us. They let Christopher go first, large trucks flashed their hazards, and for the short time to the airport, Christopher led the way.
We were escorted into a back area where cargo hangers were all in line. We unloaded the casket and took him to a waiting area while the plane was prepared for departure. While his body was unloaded a salute was rendered, and as we turned around and began walking with the casket I noticed the cargo workers; not a lot of them maybe 3 or 4, but they were all standing there as we walked into the holding area. One at a time we were led through the back areas of the terminals so that we could check in and then return back to the holding area. One at a time so that Christopher was never alone.
About an hour went by as we were waiting for the plane to arrive and be prepared. The ground crew introduced themselves and explained what was to be expected so that we were never out of the loop.
We were told that all the passengers baggage would be loaded but the passengers would be held at the gate. We were taken one by one to the plane down the tarmac, we were positioned to the side of the ramp and met by several Southwest Airlines workers as well as the Captain of the flight. With the utmost respect the casket was loaded onto the ramp and began to move up toward the plane; again a salute was rendered and the casket was secured in the plane.
As I turned around I noticed that there were several people watching from the terminal windows, standing, no one moved. We were led up the stairs and into the plane, we were the first ones on. After everyone was on board the captain come over the PA system. He introduced himself and told the passengers the typical flight information.
Then he said that he was honored to be transporting Christopher Akin home. I'll be honest, I got a little choked up.
As we landed in Kansas City, MO the pilot again came over the PA system and asked that the passengers remain seated so that we may get off the plane. As we stepped away you couldn’t help but notice everyone standing there watching. Workers removed their hats and stood in silence. We were escorted to another hanger where we would wait for our connecting flight to Nashville TN.
I remember calling my mother, telling her I was in Kansas City. I told her I was very impressed by the support and professionalism of the staff.
The plane arrived. Again a salute was rendered and Akin's body was loaded onto the plane. The Captain was on the ground with us and also saluted. We were soon airborne and in route to Nashville TN. We knew that there was going to be an Honor Guard when we arrived but knew little else.
Once we landed in Nashville, everyone remained on the plane and we were escorted down to the ground. TSA had their own honor guard on the ground. The workers climbed into the plane and prepared his casket. They refused to let him come down on the ramp. Six men carried him down. They placed the casket and escorted him to another hanger where the honor guard was waiting.
The casket was carried by the honor guard to the center of the hanger and honors were rendered. This was the first time I saw the family. I was really nervous about the reaction of the family to us, but as I watched his mother, Father and Sister walk forward towards that flag draped coffin I started to loose it. I remember thinking “keep it together, don’t do that here” and I bit the inside of my cheek.
I watched that family’s pain and agony as they saw their son in a casket. I don’t have any children so I can only imagine what they were going through but they’re faces said it all. My heart just broke for them.
There was a small ceremony held there with several family and friends. Everyone came up and paid their respects. Then Akin's body was loaded into the hearse and we started the long trip back to Paducah, KY.
Paducah, in western-most Kentucky, was about 2 hours away from Nashville. We started up the highway with about 8 cars in a row. It was a long trip up but we got to the funeral home and the honor guard unloaded the casket and headed inside. Once we were inside we made final corrections to the uniform that was draped over the body. No one would see the uniform but we made sure that it was perfect.
Once the casket was closed, the family was escorted in and allowed to spend time with him. His Mother and Father approached us and thanked us. The NCO that was with me said some of the kindest words one could possibly say in that situation. He handled himself with grace and compassion that I have never seen. I know that must have been very hard for him, but more so for the family.
All I could do was offer my condolences. The funeral home was littered with flowers from family and friends. Soon we were headed to our hotel. Akin's body would be staying in the funeral home over night until the service in the morning. The day had drawn to a close and I think I feel asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. I knew the next day was going to be just as hard.
We woke up and got dressed again for the service. We made our way to the funeral home and opened the viewing hall where the casket had stayed all night. The family was there and were already inside. I told them that I had served with Akin in Iraq, and told them some stories that I remembered about him. For the first time I saw his father smile. It was a relief to see that, if only for a second.
One by one family and friends funneled into the hall and walked by to pay their respects. We sat in the very back as to let the family pay their respects. It wasn’t important that we were there. But still we never left him. I noticed that the Patriot Guard Riders outside maybe 2 dozen of them or so. For those of you that are not familiar with who the patriot guard riders are, they are a group of bikers that escort fallen soldiers and public service members to their final resting place. I walked out and thanked them for what they do. I think it is an incredible service they do out of the kindness of their hearts.
It was soon time to head over to the church for the mass. The honor guard came and carried the casket and loaded it into the hearse while we saluted. The Patriot Guard Riders were already in place and there was also a police escort. Once we started moving, the police stopped traffic and stepped out of their patrol cars and saluted as Christopher passed. The procession was moving very slowly down the street. And although we didn’t have far to go every vehicle pulled over and stopped as we passed. Some people got out of their cars and stood.
As we turned into the church another officer saluted and the Patriot Guard Riders led us into the entrance. The casket was removed by the honor guard and led into the church. We stood at attention in the entrance while the service went on. Once the service was over we moved Christopher outside where Taps was played and a 21 gun salute.
I tried to keep it together but Taps always gets me. The flag was folded and presented to the mother. Christopher's body was then carried and loaded into the hearse and taken back to the funeral home.
It was one of the hardest things to go through. But for now it was over, we went back to the hotel and changed and went out for some food. I was joined by 3 guys that were in his platoon. We drank and smoked and shared stories all night. We all went through war together and no one else can understand what you’ve been through except those that were next to you.
It was back to Oklahoma for me the next morning and it was a pretty long trip. But I had a lot of time to reflect on what I had been through. Not every Soldier gets the opportunity to go through what I had gone through. Its not something that should be sought out but it is an honor.
it’s a horrible thing to know that a Soldier killed himself. I watched a family that went through the worst experience of their life still smile and embrace the hardship with grace and love and compassion. They are an incredible family and I am still in awe of them.
I witnessed so much respect and caring from everyone that we encountered. But most of all, This is a story about Christopher Akin and his final trip home. He was our brother and he will never be forgotten.
Eric
From: myfriendthemedic.blogspot.com/2010/09/spc-christopher-akin
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comments: Posted by: kerry hanley - Lawton, OK - Friend
My favorite memory of my best friend Chris 2009-2010, (I was living in Lawton, OK, 5 Miles from Fort Sill), is when I called him and said,
"Hey Chris! Can you help me to move a piano into my house?"
Chris naturally said, "Sure! When do you wanna do it?"
I replied, "In 15 minutes! I'm driving a U-haul with a piano in it!".
He started laughing so hard he could barely get the words out,
"This ..is.. the most ...EPIC.. Impulse Purchase Ever!!!, I'm on my way!".
There are many, many, other great times.
It was hard to pick one.
I miss you every day Chris.
I'm so glad that I told you that you were my best friend.
I was just talking about Chris with my daughter (14) last week.
About me and Chris' happy times together.
And then the hurting.
You know, the 'If I would have only' kinds of questions.
And she said something amazing,
"Maybe you helped him to live longer."
I was at a loss for words and just said,
"Thank you so much for saying that."
She was right.
kerry hanley
---------------------------- OBITUARY-------------------------------
Originally posted in the Paducah, Kentucky newspaper.
Spc. Akin was born on May 16, 1987 and passed away on Monday, August 30, 2010.
Spc. Akin was a resident of Paducah, Kentucky at the time of passing.
He was stationed with USA MEDDAC at Ft. Sill, OK, where he was a Health Care Specialist. He received 2 ARCOM medals, one Good Conduct Medal, one National Defense Service Medal, one Iraqi Campaign medal (ICMAD), one Global War on Terror Medal, one Army Service Ribbon, two Overseas Service Medals.
A Funeral Mass for Specialist Akin will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday at St. Thomas More Catholic Church with Rev. J. Patrick Reynolds officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:30 pm Sunday at Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Shawnee Trails Council, P. O. Box 487, Owensboro, KY 42302. Or the Roy C. Manchester Boy Scout Camp at the same address.
Lost, but Never Forgotten, by Abebi Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Last night I found out that a good friend passed away months ago. We had had no mutual friends, so it wasn't something I would have heard through the grapevine. It hurt the most because I knew he was depressed. I knew he was hurting and wanted to be there for him. Then I became very self-involved because my marriage was falling apart.
One of the days I was crying and blubbering and thinking only of how sorry I was for myself, Chris committed suicide. A brief week after I had last spoken to him.
Specialist Christopher Alan Akin was a friend. Someone I had looked up to and admired since I was 15. He was always kind and made friends so easily. He was smart. Brilliant, in fact. And I loved him. He was one of the first guys I knew and was actually friends with that I had had a crush on. And the one I was sure would always be out of my league. And he was.
Over time, my love grew and changed. It was still love, though not the love I had for James, it was love, nonetheless. It was a full and pure love. The love of a friend and admirer without the taint of physical intimacy.
Every time he came back to town, he stopped at my old home. Even after learning that I had moved, he kept stopping in and would visit with my family. He helped Mom out around the house and yard, talked about video games with my little brother. He was an admirable man.
In the Army, Chris was a medic. In my life, Chris was a hero. He remembered me when I was forgotten (oh how dramatic we teenagers are), and found me when I was lost. We hadn't reconnected for long before he left, but I will always be touched by this man. He will never be forgotten.
G'Kar: I believe that when we leave a place, part of it goes with us and part of us remains. Go anywhere in the station when it is quiet, and just listen. After a while, you will hear the echoes of all our conversations, every thought and word we've exchanged. Long after we are gone, our voices will linger in these walls for as long as this place remains. But I will admit that the part of me that is going will very much miss the part of you that is staying.
Chris, you are loved and remembered. Every Arby's, bookstore and coffee shop remind me of you. Every time I hear the word "elf" or see a duct tape masterpiece, I will remember you with a smile and a tear in my eye. The few memories I have, I cherish. Just because they are few does not mean they are not precious.
As this baby grows and I start to potty train, I will think of that birthday, so many years ago, in the children's section of that bookstore. (I wonder if I can find that book?) I will remember that night and smile, because you showed me that we can still trust in people, still laugh and smile and have an amazing time without spending money.. That may have been the simplest birthday celebration I have ever had, but it is my favorite by far. And sweeter still because you remembered.
I will never forget.
Specialist Christopher Alan Akin, you will be remembered and honored. Chris, my friend, your memory will be treasured.
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