Civil Affairs Unit Honors Fallen First Sergeant By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Conrad College / 372nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment BAGHDAD, Iraq, July 8, 2003
A memorial service for 1st Sgt. Christopher D. Coffin, first sergeant of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 352nd Civil Affairs Command, was held in Baghdad, Iraq, on July 3.
Coffin was killed July 1 in Iraq when the convoy in which he was riding was attacked on a main supply route south of Baghdad.
Over a hundred soldiers and officers, including two generals, crowded into a room to attend the memorial service, which was held in the 352nd headquarters building, where Coffin had worked as a leader of his company. Many other soldiers stood in the hallways outside of the room, unable to get into the crowed room. The soldiers were carrying their weapons and ammunition, as always in Iraq.
Two Army chaplains led the traditional, military memorial service, which included special music and testimonials by soldiers and officers who had worked with Coffin. The company of soldiers sang, “Amazing Grace,” while a chaplain played the music on an electronic keyboard. There was not one dry eye in the room.
One sergeant told how, some years ago, he had been hurt in an accident and was taken to the hospital. Speaking with a breaking voice, the sergeant said he would never forget that 1st Sgt. Coffin came and sat by him all night, ensuring that everything would be all right.
An officer testified, in a trembling voice, how Coffin had always been concerned for the welfare of his soldiers. He said Coffin taught every soldier and officer that he worked with his first rule of the Army: “Mission first, but take care of your soldiers -- always.”
In the traditional military memorial service, Coffin’s combat boots, M-16 rifle and helmet were on display at the front of the room, along with two framed photographs of Coffin.
Suddenly, all those present were called to attention and ordered to “present arms” (salute) by the officer in charge. Then 1st Sgt. Christopher D. Coffin’s name was called out loud and clear, three times, as if he were being summoned to the front of the formation. Then the officer in charge said, “1st Sgt. Coffin has met his last formation.”
The 352nd Civil Affairs Command, an Army Reserve unit, is based in Riverdale, Md., in the Washington, D.C. area, but Coffin lived in Kennebunk, Maine.
Coffin was born July 8, 1951, and spent most of his childhood in New Jersey. He graduated from Somerville High School in New Jersey in 1969. He graduated from Ryder College in 1981 with a degree in history.
Coffin joined the Army on June 29, 1971, and was first trained as a tank crew member. He was then assigned to HHC, 2nd Battalion, 33rd Armored Regiment in Europe, and served on active duty for three years before joining the Army Reserve on August 21, 1974. Many years, and many promotions later, he joined the 352nd Civil Affairs Command on Aug. 1, 2002.
A memorial service for 1st Sgt. Christopher D. Coffin, first sergeant of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 352nd Civil Affairs Command, was held in Baghdad, Iraq, on July 3.
Coffin was killed July 1 in Iraq when the convoy in which he was riding was attacked on a main supply route south of Baghdad.
Over a hundred soldiers and officers, including two generals, crowded into a room to attend the memorial service, which was held in the 352nd headquarters building, where Coffin had worked as a leader of his company. Many other soldiers stood in the hallways outside of the room, unable to get into the crowed room. The soldiers were carrying their weapons and ammunition, as always in Iraq.
Two Army chaplains led the traditional, military memorial service, which included special music and testimonials by soldiers and officers who had worked with Coffin. The company of soldiers sang, “Amazing Grace,” while a chaplain played the music on an electronic keyboard. There was not one dry eye in the room.
One sergeant told how, some years ago, he had been hurt in an accident and was taken to the hospital. Speaking with a breaking voice, the sergeant said he would never forget that 1st Sgt. Coffin came and sat by him all night, ensuring that everything would be all right.
An officer testified, in a trembling voice, how Coffin had always been concerned for the welfare of his soldiers. He said Coffin taught every soldier and officer that he worked with his first rule of the Army: “Mission first, but take care of your soldiers -- always.”
In the traditional military memorial service, Coffin’s combat boots, M-16 rifle and helmet were on display at the front of the room, along with two framed photographs of Coffin.
Suddenly, all those present were called to attention and ordered to “present arms” (salute) by the officer in charge. Then 1st Sgt. Christopher D. Coffin’s name was called out loud and clear, three times, as if he were being summoned to the front of the formation. Then the officer in charge said, “1st Sgt. Coffin has met his last formation.”
The 352nd Civil Affairs Command, an Army Reserve unit, is based in Riverdale, Md., in the Washington, D.C. area, but Coffin lived in Kennebunk, Maine.
Coffin was born July 8, 1951, and spent most of his childhood in New Jersey. He graduated from Somerville High School in New Jersey in 1969. He graduated from Ryder College in 1981 with a degree in history.
Coffin joined the Army on June 29, 1971, and was first trained as a tank crew member. He was then assigned to HHC, 2nd Battalion, 33rd Armored Regiment in Europe, and served on active duty for three years before joining the Army Reserve on August 21, 1974. Many years, and many promotions later, he joined the 352nd Civil Affairs Command on Aug. 1, 2002.
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