Jennifer (Holt) Pomerinke, Friend, Church

Hey Shaun -- this Jennifer Pomerinke -- better known to you as Jen Holt

Gosh - there are no words for times like this! I have been in shock ever since Susanna (Dinwiddie) Gangle called and told me about our great loss. I truly am so very sorry -- please give my love to your mom.

I have been thinking back of all the great memories I have you of both of you....like the time Christian insisted there was room for me to ride with you both in your 2 seater Triumph -- he gave me the front seat and jumped in the trunk! You both were so good to me and such as huge part of my "summer" memories in Oregon City.

When I was crying after I heard the "news" -- my little girl came over with a tissue, patting my arm -- telling me "you have to remember your friend died for a good cause Mommy". Thats the truth! I am so proud of Christian's accomplishments and the sacrifice he was willing to make for us! "Critter, we won't forget"!

Ruth, please know I am at a loss for words . . . .I can only imagine!

My love and prayers go out to you all

Jen (Holt) Pomerinke

Justin & Ramona Mangelsdorf - School & Long Time Friends

Shaun and Terryl,
Your family has always been such a source of strength and friendship to ours; I can't begin to express the impact. I am very, very sorry for the loss you have suffered, and know that words ultimately fail to ease the range of emotion I know you are experiencing. Please know that our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you.
My memories of Christian date back to his teen years - and I promise I will never forget his life and the unbelievable impact he had on so many people.

With love,
Justin and Ramona Mangelsdorf

Frank & Ruth VonHutten - Church Friends

Hello Shaun,
We have just heard of the accident of Christian. We want to let you all know that we are praying for all of you, that God will put his angels around you and comfort you during this time of loss. We are so sorry to hear this. Christian went to youth camp with our boys Johnathan and Jason VonHutten (Hall) for several years and I know he will be missed by so many. Christian, from what I remember about him, had a really big heart and cared so much about people. He was such a sweetheart. We will all miss his smiling face walking into the church from time to time.
Shaun, that is such an awesome blog you have put together for your brother. We miss seeing you in church sitting by Lolita Brown worshipping.
Sis. Hescock, we have missed you also.
Frank and I have moved from the Oregon City area and we now go to Bro. Graves church in Gresham. It's closer to us. We love it there also. Come and visit us. Well I will let you go I know you have so much to take care of right now, but I hope to see you and your mom again sometime. Tell her hello for us and that you all are in our prayers.

God bless you,
Frank and Ruth VonHutten

Carissa (Utley) Moore, Church Friend

Hi Shaun
Its Carissa Moore (Utley). I hope you remember me. I am Shelley Dillons Best friend and have known you and Christian since I was 12 years old. I first met Christian at youth Camp when I was 12 and continued to stay in touch over the years until I was 19. Even though we lost touch I still thought of him from time to time. He was the sweetest and kindest person; a true heart of gold. I will miss him. He was the kind of person that would do anything for anyone. I really admire what he has done and did for our country. I have so many memories of him and with you, Shaun. Im just glad I can say that I knew him.

Carissa

Donna (Gleason ) Pollard, Church & School Friend

Dear Shaun,
How can you possibly express in a few sentences the impact one life has upon another??? From the moment I heard the tragic news on Monday morning until today, countless memories have been pouring into my mind. I will never forget the “good old days” in school when the two of you would come crashing through the doors and jumping over tables – good times! We also discovered that Christian was pretty good at walking on stilts, and many other memories I recall from those school years. I also remember spending time with Christian while he was stationed in San Diego when a group of us were there for the weekend. I honor his sacrifice and dedication to this country. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your mom and dad, and Ruth. He will never be forgotten!

Donna (Gleason) Pollard

Marvin and Ellen Wallace

Dear Shaun and Terri,

We were so saddened to hear about Christian. Our hearts and prayers go out to you.
I am a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, an organization of some 113,000 members nationwide formed just in the last few years. They are a group throughout the U.S. of mostly veterans who honor both the fallen as well as returning servicemen from duty.
I have given your name to Bryan Loun who is the Captain for the state of Oregon. Their website is www.patriotguard.org so you can familiarize yourself with our missions. They can be there to honor Christian at his service in Oregon but only by INVITATION from the family. If you (or Ruth) decide, you may end up with a funeral escort of a hundred or more motorcycles, all flying American flags.
One of the missions I rode on was over 250 motorcycles in the funeral cortage. The decision would be by whoever in the family would be making the arrangements. At least please read the mission statement and see (right side of website) some of the missions we have been on.
May the Lord bless you and give you comfort during this time.

Respectfully,
Marvin and Ellen Wallace

Cara (Koenig) Hall - Church & School Friend

Hi Shaun.....

Thanks so much for starting this blog where we can all share our memories of our dear friend Christian. I have so many fond memories of him during our school days. I, (like Noel), laughingly remember you and Christian running laps in the fellowship hall knocking over chairs, tables and whatever else was in your way!! I think it was a daily occurrence! He was such a wonderful friend (and big brother), and I feel honored to have known him. I am also thankful for his service to our country. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Love and prayers,
Cara (Koenig) Hall

Amanda Pearson - Church friend

Sorry to hear about your brother:

Dear Shaun,

I don't really remember your brother that much growing up, but I do remember how proud everyone was of him. I am truly sorry to hear about your loss, please let your mother and the rest of your family know that our prayers are with you. My mother and myself would like to know it there is going to be any kind of memorial here in Oregon for Christian? My Sister Tammie told me to tell you that her heart goes out to you and your family. May God bless you in this time of loss.

Amanda Pearson

I DO BELIEVE

by Jennifer Janiszewski

There is nothing i can do, to make him come back

There are no words I can say, that can replace the words you long to hear
There are no answer's I can give, that will satisfy your questions

There is not another soul I can introduce you to that will ever replace his

And, there is no love I can offer that will ever replace the love you shared
I can not promise your broken heart will ever be complete

I will not say it could have been worse

I will not deny it was a tragedy

I will not lie and tell you he will come back
He never really left
I do promise he hears you when you speak

I will say he loves you no matter the distance

I will not deny he is in a better place

And, I will not lie; he is waiting to greet you someday
He is every you step you take

He is in everything you do

He is the air you breathe

He is every beat of your heart
" He is like the wind. You can not see him...but you will always feel him"

Susanna (Dinwiddie) Gangle - Church & School friend.

"Critter"

Shaun,

I haven't seen Critter (I'm sure he outgrew that nickname, but it is how I remember him) pretty much since high school, but, my memories are vivid!! He always had a smile on his face and a wise crack or two to hand out. (Sometimes at my expense, but always in fun.) If I had a penny for everytime he called me "Susanna Banana" I would be very rich! :) He always made the school day a little more interesting than it would have been otherwise. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. May God grant you peace and comfort and let His Love be real to you in a way you have never felt before.

Susanna (Dinwiddie) Gangle

Noel Dillon - Church & School friend

Memories of Christian:

Shaun and Terryl,

As a classmate and church friend I too have many great memories of Christian. He definitely brought energy and laughter to all our lives. Just a few things that I remember...Many times Shaun would chase Christian around school and for some reason there was a small hint of enjoyment in Christian's eyes (as he "Ran for his life). :)
Also Christian had a soft and gentle side. There were times I would watch as he would wrap his long arms around his Mother and proudly shower her with Love & Affection.
I want to say that I am honored to know Christian and thankful for his service to our Country. He will be greatly missed.
Many thoughts and prayers.

Noel (Huessy) Dillon

Phillip Wesson - Church friend

Shaun,

My friendship with you and Christian was brief. I do however only have memories of Christian with his big smile and gregarious personality. I sincerely weep with you and mourn for you. Christian will forever be in my list of personal hero's. I hold your family in my prayer.

Phillip Wesson

Brian Huffman - Church and School friend

Dear Shaun,

Cora & I have many fond memories of Christian back in our school days.
I will always picture him with a big grin, having a great time. He had a
wonderful zest for life.

We honor Christian for his service to our country. He will be missed
terribly... Our prayers and love to all the family.

-Brian Huffman