PVT Christopher Castaneda

We Honor and Remember:

PVT Christopher Castaneda
Hometown: Hammonton, New Jersey
Age: 19 years old
Died: November 19, 2015 in Al Asad, Iraq.
Unit: 10th Mountain Division, 3rd Squadron, Cavalry Regiment,, 1st Brigade Combat Team.

Private Christopher J. Castaneda died in Al Asad Iraq on Thursday November 19, 2015 at the age of 19.

Christopher was born on August 29, 1996 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Hammonton High School in 2014.

Christopher joined the Army, enlisting as an infantryman. Christopher attended Basic Combat Training and AIT at Ft. Benning, GA. Christopher was part of the 10th Mountain Division Light Infantry with the 3rd Battalion, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team in Ft. Drum, NY.

He was in Iraq supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. Christopher's awards and decorations include the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Army Achievement Medal.

Christopher is survived by his immediate and extended families, his brothers and sisters in arms and countless friends. His friends and family remember him as a driven person, who loved to experience life, and constantly encouraged others to do the same.

Christopher will be laid to rest at Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery in Estell Manor, NJ.

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 195

WHEREAS, United States Army Private Christopher J. Castaneda had been a resident of Hammonton, New Jersey, and graduated from Hammonton High School in 2014; and

WHEREAS, on January 27, 2015, Private Castaneda enlisted in the United States Army, and was subsequently deployed to Iraq in August of this year; and

WHEREAS, Private Castaneda served honorably in the United States Army as an infantryman in C Troop, 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division; and

WHEREAS, Private Castaneda tragically lost his life on November 19, 2015, as a result of a non-combat-related incident while deployed in Iraq; and

WHEREAS, Private Castaneda was a loving son and grandson, who will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fellow soldiers; and

WHEREAS, Private Castaneda was a brave and dedicated soldier, whose awards include the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Army Service Ribbon; and

WHEREAS, Private Castaneda’s heroism and commitment to service and country make it appropriate and fitting for the State of New Jersey to remember him, to mark his passing, and to honor his memory;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHRIS CHRISTIE, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

1. The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Friday, December 4, 2015, in recognition and mourning of a courageous and loyal American soldier, United States Army Private Christopher J. Castaneda.

2. This Order shall take effect immediately.

                                            GIVEN, under my hand and seal this 2nd day of December, Two Thousand and Fifteen,
                                            and of the Independence of the United States, the Two Hundred and Fortieth.
                                            /s/ Chris Christie
                                            Governor