April 15, 2010

The triathlon committee, and the family of MSG Christopher Keith have reviewed the budget for the past couple of years in regards to the donations given to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. The reason we began this race was to raise money for the foundation, to bring honor and remembrance to our fallen Special Operations soldiers, but primarily to help pay for the college education of the children of the these soldiers.

For the past couple of years the cost of putting on the race has been greater than the amount donated to the foundation. Due to this fact, we have decided not to have the American Warrior Triathlon this year. We are continuing to raise money for the S.O.W.F. We are just pursuing different avenues to better support the foundation.

we would like to thank everyone who has supported, and been involved in this event for the past 5 years. We have made a lot of new friends, and met great people who believe in and support our military. Above all, we have had the opportunity the meet the men and women who are the silent professionals, the Special Operation soldiers who came to support and remember their fallen comrades. To you, saying thank you is not enough for all you've done, and continue to do every day to protect our freedom.


Master Sergeant Christopher J. Keith
40, A Special Forces Operations Sergeant assigned to 1st Battalion
10th Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Panzer Kaserne, Germany
(Died June 27 near Stuttgart, Germany after he collapsed during physical training activities)


Keith is survived by his wife Kelley, their two children, Makenzie and Ashton, as well as his parents and brother and sister. Memorial contributions can be mailed to Wachovia Bank, Attn: Nancy Hammer, 15 South Fayetteville Street, Asheboro NC 27203. Checks should be payable to the "Makenzie & Ashton Keith Family Fund".

Master Sgt. Christopher J. Keith, 40, a Special Forces operations sergeant assigned to 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Panzer Kaserne, Germany, was pronounced dead due to heart complications at a nearby hospital in Boeblingen shortly after arrival.

A native of Lyman, S.C., Keith began active military service in September 1984 as an infantryman. After serving in a number of infantry assignments, he volunteered and was selected for Special Forces training at Fort Bragg, N.C., in 1991.

Upon completion of the Special Forces Qualification Course as a Special Forces communications sergeant, Keith was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Devens, Mass. When the group moved to Fort Carson in 1994, Keith came with it, serving here until 1996, when he was reassigned for his first tour with the group's 1st Battalion in Germany.

In 2000, Keith was brought back to the United States to serve as a Special Forces instructor at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg. After five years and a variety of instructor positions at the schoolhouse, Keith returned to Germany and 1-10th SFG for a second tour in January 2005.

Keith's military education includes the Special Operations Target Interdiction Course, the Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance and Target Exploitation Course, the Joint Firepower Control Course, the Jungle Warfare Course, the Defense Packaging of Hazardous Materials for Transportation Course, the Winter Operations Instructor Course, The Jumpmaster Course and the Air Assault Course.

His awards and decorations include the Soldier's Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Army Superior Unit Award, the Air Assault Badge, the Senior Parachutist Badge and the Special Forces Tab.
 
 
     
   
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