Heather & Brian Edwards, US Navy VP-9

Dear Shaun,
I am so sorry to hear what has happened. Our hearts are deeply saddened with the devastating news. My husband and I were very good friends with both Christian and Ruth. We all attended the University of San Diego together, and then my husband and Christian attended OSC flight school together in Pensacola, FL, and Corpus Christi, TX. We became closest to Christian and Ruth when we had the chance to live next door to each other while in Corpus Christi, TX. Following flight school, my husband chose to become a P-3 pilot while Christian became a helicopter pilot. We were sent to Hawaii (and are currently stationed in Hawaii at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, VP-9) while Christian and Ruth were sent to Guam. I guess it was then that we are sorry to say that we sort of lost touch. We have never forgotten them and always hoped to be stationed near each other again. We had so many good times that we shared while being neighbors. Some of my favorite memories are the ruthless Uno games we'd all play together on many weekend nights, making fools of ourselves playing numerous Cranium games, sharing a meal together at Sonic, going to the scariest "Texan style" of haunted haunted house (which took place on a tractor) that I've ever experienced in my life, watching Christian and Ruth raise their baby lovebird Lou, and sharing many laughs and good stories, as well as important holiday's together such as Thanksgiving. Ruth & Christian were definitely considered to be family to us and will always be. They were a beautiful couple and Christian was an amazing pilot, friend, and husband. We will miss him greatly. Ruth, we love you and miss you and want you to know that you are always welcome in our home and we are thinking about you. We wish there was some way that we could comfort you. We will continue to pray for you all.

God bless you all,

Heather and Brian Edwards

LT. David Landeros, HM-15 Pilot, US Navy, USD

Shaun,

My family and I offer our deepest condolences.
I met your awesome brother Christian seven years ago while attending school at USD. We went through the pains of flight school together, but all the while I could always count on him to make the tough times fade away with laughter. I remember him and Ruth living in their first apartment with nothing but themselves, their love and their happiness, and I was glad for them. I was glad that my wife and kids were able to meet Christian and see a perfect example of a true friend.
The day I heard the news, I did not know what to do. I kept saying to myself that it wasn’t true. I didn’t have the group of friends around me that knew you, so I couldn’t share the pain that was tearing deep inside of me. I couldn’t imagine how your family was taking your loss, and what could I say to make to make the pain go away and bring you back.
You were such a good friend, I wish that you were still here. One day I’ll see you in Heaven buddy.

LT Dave Landeros

LT Tim Metcalf, Pilot, HSL-46 US Navy

Shaun,

My name is Tim Metcalf. I had the great pleasure of meeting Christian at USD. I was also a prior Aircew/Rescue Swimmer and in the same commissioning program. We had many wonderful times together. I started out as a Computer Science major like him and I swear I would not have made it through that semester without his help. We taught the midshipmen of the ROTC unit swimming classes and spent a few weekend mornings in the pool together. I remember the day after a Saturday pool session, he took me to meet this girl working at Starbucks. He was so funny about it, like a young boy. Little did I realize he would end up marrying this amazing woman. After graduation and preliminary flight training, Ruth and Christian went off to Corpus, we meet up again in Pensacola for Helo training. We once again became close, and spent many great evenings laughing and joking as they would come out to Milton for BBQ's. My wife and I even pawned off a kitten on them one evening. But the funniest memory I have of Christian, is him setting off fireworks one fourth of July. He must have spent hundreds of dollars, and with Ruth in the backgound (and worried) he tried to light ALL them off. We had to hide many of them or it would have lasted for days. He was always ready to have fun and help out. When my family and I moved into Military housing, he was there, with his truck, without hesitation. He helped when no one else could. That was the way he was, always there for anyone.Everyone who had the fortune of knowing him, has lost a truely amazing person. I have lost a friend I loved as a brother. Ruth and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I am SO SO SORRY for your loss!

Lt. Larry Linscott - USD - OCS

First, let me express my deepest condolences for your loss. Christian and I attended the University of San Diego (USD) and Officer Candidate's School (OCS) together. We shared the pinnacle of our Naval careers together, commissioning day at OCS. He was the type of guy that helped make a difficult OCS day a little easier with his wit and humor. I regret that as many shipmates do, we fell out of contact over the last few years. He was a great friend and a great man. Again, I am truly sorry for your loss.

LT Larry Linscott

Charlie Ombres - USD

Shaun,

We have never met, but I am a friend of Rahul's and I met Christian at USD (University of San Diego). I was in a lot of the same computer science classes as Christian was. I also lived just below rahul's and christian's apartment senior year in an apartment building close to USD on lauretta street. Because he lived just next door, I got to know Christian well and considered him a good friend. We had some fun times back then and it is sad to think he is gone. Just recently, Rahul and I had met up with Christian in San Diego earlier this year. It was great to see him and hear how he was living his dream of being a helicopter pilot in Guam. I hadn't seen him since we had graduated. Christian was a real one of a kind guy and he had a great sense of humor. He was a glass is half full kinda guy and I remember that he always had a funny story for any situation. At USD, even though we had been working on a programing project for hours, he always knew how to tell joke and get everyone in a good mood. I also remember he had a great story telling ability and recounted a few about his unbelievable experiences flying in the back of a dual prop helicopter in Kenya helping people on the ground and his other experiences in the navy. I remember, on his bookshelf, he had his helicopter helmet that he always liked talking about and I think it reminded him to never let his dream of being a pilot fade. I am really honored to have know Christian and he will be really missed.

Charlie