‘We walk free because of them’

(Above) Col. Sarah Christ encouraged those attending Clear Lake’s Memorial Day service to remember and celebrate veterans.

by Marianne Gasaway

Rainy weather did not prevent a large crowd from making a local Memorial Day observance part of their holiday weekend plans.  Saratoga V.F.W. Post 4868 was filled to capacity Monday morning to hear a message provided by Colonel Sarah J. Christ, a Clear Lake native.

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them,” said Christ, sharing a quote from President John F. Kennedy.

Christ’s distinguished 24-year career in the U.S. Air Force has provided her with numerous examples of the dedication those serving in the armed forces demonstrate daily, she said.

“All are there to support our nation,” she said.  “Soldiers are not in it for money or recognition.  It is an honor, and not an entitlement to serve.”

As the Chief of Installation Engineering Division, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center at Joint Base in San Antonio, Texas, Christ describes herself as a “deputy mayor” of a community of about 22,000 workers.  The Installation Engineering Division is responsible for the oversight and management of $277 billion worth of facility and infrastructure assets supporting 10 major commands at 77 installations worldwide.

Her service in the Air Force began as an environmental restoration program manager.  She quickly assumed greater leadership positions as a mission support officer, including as a Civil Engineer flight commander providing base support to transiting combat forces in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.  Her success led her to serve as a civil engineer squad

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ron commander and subsequent mission support group deputy commander, where she delivered engineering, construction, contracting, disaster preparedness, personnel administration, communications, transportation, and recreation, dining and lodging services to 4,000 Airmen supporting the nuclear enterprise and worldwide combatant commanders.

Colonel Christ deployed during Operation Southern Watch as the Resources Flight Commander at Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; during Operation Iraqi Freedom as the Victory Base Officer in Charge, Army Corps of Engineers Resident Office; and as the 405th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Commander at Thumrait Air Base, Oman.

During her service, she told the audience she has lost three soldiers to death— one by suicide, one to a drunk driver, and the third in a motorcycle accident.

“It was an honor to serve with and see them to their final resting place.  It is a honor to memorialize them today, the way we do all those who serve,” she said.  “We walk free because of them.  The best we can offer is to strive to meet their sacrifice.”

Christ also chose to remember and thank David Theiss, a Clear Lake veteran and businessman who passed away earlier this year.

“I remember his participation and leadership here and I am personally grateful he thought of me to share this day,” she said.

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