PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Bandit Troop,1st Squadron “Tiger,” 3d Cavalry Regiment Soldiers gathered at Forward Operating Base Lightning to hold a memorial service for Eureka, California native Sgt. Chris Mullaley, who died of a non-combat related death on FOB Lightning on Aug. 22, 2014.
More than 200 people attended Mullaley’s ceremony, to include the Combined Joint Task Force-10 Commander Maj. Gen. Stephen Townsend, Tactical Advice and Assist Command-Southeast Commander Brig. Gen, David Haight, 3d Cav. Regt. Commander Col. Cameron Cantlon and many other high-level U.S. military.
Tiger Squadron interim-commander, Maj. Adam Sawyer, spoke about Mullaley. Sawyer recalled, “He took on the role of a protector,” when speaking about how Mullaley volunteered to escort the body of another fallen Soldier earlier this year. Sawyer went on to say, “He really helped the family with their healing process.”
Capt. Andrew Coleman, Mullaley’s company commander, addressed Mullaley’s love of conversation.
“I knew Sgt. Mullaley was an NCO I could trust,” said Coleman addressing the mourners. “That’s why I put him on nightshift of the base defense operations center. Also, because I knew he would keep everyone entertained and awake.”
His squad leader, Sgt. Delbert Sam, Bandit Troop, 1st Squadron Tiger, 3d Cav. Regt., spoke emotionally to the crowd when he said, “Sgt. Mullaley was my friend and my brother, as all of you, are my family.”
The Squadron Chaplain (Capt.) Charles T. Walker, did the benediction and invocation of the ceremony. He spoke about resiliency and the grieving process. Walker also reminded the crowd of the support that Soldiers can receive from their leadership, the Chaplain Corps, and the behavioural health teams, while in Afghanistan.
“Recovery is gradual, and there is no time limit on grieving,” Walker said.
Spc. Eron Ortiz, a close personal friend of Mullaley, spoke about the good times that they shared while working together in the 3d Cav. Regt.
“The time flew by because of the laughter we shared,” said Ortiz.
Emotions were high and many tears were shed among the crowd during the memorial. Bandit Troop provided a full honors firing party of seven Soldiers who fired the 21 gun salute for their fallen comrade. A bugler was provided by the 10th Mountain Division Band.