Fallen Soldier: Christopher M. Hake

Army Staff Sgt. Christopher M. Hake, 26, of Enid, Oklahoma, was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia. He died on March 24th, 2008, in Baghdad from wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was killed alongside three other fellow soldiers.

After graduating from Oklahoma Bible Academy in Enid, where he developed interests in soccer, boating, skiing, music and being with friends and family. After graduating from O.B.A., he was assigned to the “Old Guard” unit at Fort McNair in Arlington, Virginia. While at Fort McNair, he marched in President George W. Bush’s 2001 inauguration parade. When the Pentagon was attacked on 9/11, he was among those called upon to clear the premises. He was on his second deployment to Iraq when he was killed.

Of his passing, Sen. Patrick Anderson, said that Hake “carried a passion for serving his country and community that inspired everyone around him. His leadership and patriotism were an example to all of us.” Hake married the love of his life and his “Oklahoma Sweetheart”, Kelli, in 2004 and in 2006, their son, Gage, was born. Both Kelli and Gage are Folds of Honor scholarship recipients.