Tribute To A Fallen Friend |
Sgt Christos Karigiannis, 3 PPCLI
20 Sep 1976 - 20 Jun 2007
TRIBUTE TO A FALLEN FRIEND
Sergeant Christos (Chris) Karigiannis, 3 PPCLI was one
of the three Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan on June 20th when
the vehicle he occupied hit an IED. The uncovered and un-armoured “Gator”
vehicle was an easy target and the chances of survival were practically
nil for all occupants.
Chris is one of the sixty (60) members of the CF killed
in action while taking part in a mission that in spite of stirring much
political debate here in Canada, is a task taken to heart by all members
of the CF, particularly ones who personally witnessed the benefits their
work brings to Afghan citizens.
I first met Chris in 1993 when as an Air Cadet from 588
(Bombardier Aerospace) Squadron, he was participating in the Flying Scholarship
course at Cedars Airport, not too far from Vaudreuil-Dorion. At that time,
Chris had already demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, having
achieved the three highest awards that can be held by any Air Cadet: The
top rank of WO-1 (CWO), the Lord Strathcona Medal, and having been selected
for the Air Cadet Flying Scholarship, a seven-week summer training course
in which graduates receive their pilot wings and private pilot license.
Upon reaching the age limit for Air Cadets, Chris left
588 Squadron and came to 690 (Lakeshore) Squadron as a Civilian Instructor.
The commanding officer at the time was Capt Kelly Spence who was also
Chris’ supervisory officer during his pilot training in 1993.
I took command of 690 Squadron in 1995 and had the pleasure
of enrolling Chris in the Cadet Instructor Cadre component of the Reserves
and appointed him to the position of Administration Officer.
During his brief stay in the CIC, Chris graduated from
the Basic Officer Qualification course and received his Officer’s
Commission. When he decided to join the Regular Force, I knew that our
loss would be a substantial gain for the CF. By the time I had received
Chris’ Commission from Ottawa, he had already completed his basic
and infantry training and was extremely proud to receive his PPCLI cap
badge and insignia.
I had the great privilege of inviting Chris back to the
squadron in order to present his Commission scroll. He showed up wearing
his PPCLI badged uniform proudly and enjoyed talking to the young cadets
about his experiences. Needless to say, presenting an Officer’s
commission to a Private is highly unusual and I am convinced that Chris
had much fun explaining how he held a Commission to his PPCLI buddies.
The remainder of Chris’ career speaks for itself,
demonstrating an ongoing desire to achieve the highest standards. The
rank of Sergeant is one that comes with great responsibilities, particularly
in an Infantry unit. Of course, belonging to the PPCLI is quite an achievement
in itself and many of Canada’s top soldiers came from the ranks
of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, some having even
held the appointment of Chief of the Defence Staff.
Chris was also a member of the elite “Skyhawks”
team, the Canadian Forces Parachute Demonstration team. Only the best
Canada has to offer are selected for the Skyhawks, the Army’s equivalent
to the Air Force’s Snowbirds, where only the top pilots become members
of the team.
Although Chris was an outstanding leader and achiever,
his self-effacing and unpretentious nature, combined with a friendly attitude
that made you feel welcome whenever you dealt with him, were what Chris
was all about. He was always ready to help anyone in need and never turned
away from a challenge or a difficult job. Chris truly represented what
being a member of the Canadian Forces is about and his loss will be deeply
felt by all who knew him.
As one of his former Commanding Officers, I can only
say that it was a pleasure and a privilege to work with Chris and will
always remember the good times we shared. Chris was truly one of the best
the CF can offer! He and all the men and women serving in Afghanistan
and other theatres of operations make me proud to be Canadian and wear
the Canadian Forces’ uniform.
Captain James B. Young, CD
Former Commanding Officer
690 (Lakeshore) Squadron
(Secretary/Webmaster - Quebec Group)
OBITUARY - Sgt Chris Karigiannis, PPCLI
September 20, 1976 - June 20, 2007
Chris was a proud and dedicated member of the Canadian Forces. He will
always be remembered for his strong convictions and devotion to excellence.
Chris is survived by his mother Niki, his brothers Peter and Spiro, his
sisters-in-law Nancy and Panagiota and his niece Anastasia.
The funeral service was held on Saturday, June 30 at Ste-Rose-de-Lima
Church in Laval, followed by the internment ceremony in Ste-Dorothée.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to charities
such as CARE, to help build schools and hospitals in Afghanistan.
|
