VAN DER HORN, CHRISTOPHER

Christopher J. Van Der Horn was born on June 14, 1968, in Tacoma General Hospital and was adopted by Bob and Nancy Van Der Horn in Beaux Arts Village Washington. At around three or four years old, Christopher had a Batman cape, and he wore it everywhere for a year, church, pre-school and shopping, and from a young age was drawn to the idea of the soldier hero. So much so, every stick in the yard turned into a gun and every finger was a gun.  

SSG Van Der Horn originally joined the Army in 1989 at the age of 20, where he would go on to serve for 7 ½ years. During that enlistment he served in Bosnia and Sierra Lione in West Africa. During a training assignment in Arkansas he met his future wife, Teresa. After his enlistment was up in 1996, SSG Van Der Horn decided to leave the Army where he and Teresa would move to Tacoma.  

Christopher would go on to work in as a reserve Police Officer in Milton and Ruston, was a court officer in Fife, and continued to serve in the National Guard. After the 2003 invasion in Iraq began, Christopher decided he would re-enlist back in the active-duty status in the Army. After losing 40 lbs. in four months to meet the requirements he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, at Fort Campbell, KY. 

SSG Van Der Horn’s passion and exuberance for life were exhibited in his relationships with those he knew and met. Chris loved the lord, his family, his friends and the med and women whom he served.   

SSG Van Der Horn was the first U.S. Armed Forces member killed in 2006, when on January 1, his vehicle was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device.  

Chris left behind his wife, two sons Max (5), Liam (5 months), sister Chery, brother Craig and his parents.  

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers SSG Christopher J. Van Der Horn for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. Our hope is that his life continues to inspire all who learn his story.