Staff Sgt. Christopher Diaz, 27, was killed on September 28 after being wounded while rushing to the aid of a comrade who had been shot when he was killed by an IED during combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. As a working dog handler he achieved almost unparalleled professional success, including being selected to attend an advanced training program for several months in Israel. After completing the course, Diaz was one of only a handful of dog handlers in the Corps to have the qualifications he possessed. His skill and professionalism lead to him being chosen to support reconnaissance and special forces in some of the most dangerous places in Afghanistan. During his eight years of loyal service he did one tour in Iraq, one tour in Israel, and one tour in Afghanistan. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan. He deployed in May to Afghanistan and was due to return in late December. His awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Navy And Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Certificate Of Commendation ( Individual Award ) Letter Of Appreciation and Purple Heart. He is survived by his family a young daughter, Mia E. Davis and young son, Jeremy C. Diaz. and K9 partner “Dino”. His Funeral was held in El Paso, Texas on 10/10/11 and more than one thousand people attended his funeral. He was buried at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with full military honors. The fallen Marine’s father, asked the military if his family could adopt Dino but, military officials initially denied the request, saying Dino, who specialized in finding explosives, was too young. However the request was granted to the family’s request on 5/29/14. The Diaz family officially adopted Dino in a ceremony held at Camp Pendleton on 6/7/14.
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