Trad Gang lost a GREAT member last night.

[Gary Sorensen]

I also had the pleasure of meeting Chris and his father at Solana last year.  He seemed to be a high caliber man and will be missed.  My prayers go out to his family.

[Mike Theis]

Wow, really sad to hear about this. - I enjoyed reading his posts. A gentlemen was he. There certainly is an empty chair at this Tradgang campfire. Gone for now but not forgotten. R.I.P.

[Ari]

sad to hear, RIP Chris.

[Hackbow]

I am so saddened by this news. I received a phone call from my oldest son earlier tonight and just now was able to get in front of a computer.

My son Ethan and I had the pleasure of hunting with Chris last year on Fort Benning as part of a St. Jude auction hunt provided by Gregg Dudley and Chris. We stayed in his home, he fed us, he guided us and we became friends. He spoke with great love and respect for his family - both blood & Trad Gang.

For those truly wanting to honor Chris' memory, simply serve others. He did.

[BlacktailBowhunter]

My thoughts are with his family.

[GWC]

very sad news.prayers sent for his family.

[Lonala]

God Bless to the family and close friends Aloha Oi,Chris and Ahuiho...( Goodbye,Until we Meet again)..Ron

[CheapShot]

It's with a very heavy heart and tears in my eyes that I've read this.
Once again, to learn how fragile life is!!!
I honestly can't remember right now if I ever had the privilege of meeting Chris or not, I believe I did years back but can't recall. However we did send pm's back and forth on here and esp during the St Judes auctions. He had a good sense of humor and was such an asset to this site. He had so much knowledge and always enjoyed sharing it with others. You knew you could trust what he told you about anything.
We will not see his like again anytime soon....
May the Good Lord give Larry, his family and his friends, the strength and grace to survive this time and the future without Chris.
Thank you to all that posted pictures, they are precious to look at. So many of my friends!!!
Tomi
 

[Keefer]

My prayers go to Surtees family...I also enjoyed his posts and I feel we here have lost a "Brother"...God Bless Chris's family and my heart is with you all...

[Ian johnson]

prayers sent

[wingnut]

It's hard to believe that someone that put his life in harms way so many times for us in the wars overseas, comes home and is taken in this way.

Just not right!!

Mike

[huntin_sparty]

Awful to hear!  Prayers to his family

[TimZeigler]

My heart is saddened by the news of Chris's passing.  Chris was a great guy to talk to and deal with.  I took my first archery deer a few months ago with a broadhead that I bought from Chris.  

My prayers go out to his family and friends.  He will be missed.

Tim

[Traddict]

Thoughts and prayers for the family.

[Ray Hammond]

He and Larry came to Hog Heaven a couple of times- Chris was a go-getter- quiet, reserved, knew he had nothing to prove to anyone- I was looking forward to his next visit and will miss him of course!!!

[Goke]

Cherish every Day! Prayers to Chris' family. He is in a good place. God bless.

[stykshooter]

My condolences to the family.

[Mac Hicks]

Prayers and condolences from our family to the Surtees family and friends.  May you know the peace and grace of God during this very difficult time.

[bctgrad]

My heart breaks when I hear news like this.  It's especially tough when young children lose a parent or parents lose a child at a young age.  Words can never ease the pain, but the family can be certain that God has a plan for their future.  I am praying that the Surtees family will be comforted by God through this horrible tragedy and will rely on His strength to get them through.

I'm sorry to say that I did not know Chris other than through reading his posts in the past and reading through this thread.  

I found an article on a local Columbus, Georgia TV Station's website and discovered that in addition to all he was to everyone here, he was a highly decorated Veteran and a true American Hero.  I wish I would have gotten to shake Chris' hand.

Here's the article:

Master Sgt. killed in vehicle accident on Victory Drive

FORT BENNING, GA - The Soldier who died as the result of a motor vehicle accident Monday night has been identified as Master Sgt. Christopher L. Surtees.

Surtees, 41, of Penscacola, Fla., died when the motorcycle he was riding collided with another vehicle Monday shortly after 7 p.m.  The accident occurred on Victory Drive in front of the Raceway gas station.

He was assigned to Fort Benning's Maneuver Center of Excellence Headquarters and Headquarters Company.

Surtees had been on active duty since October 1990, and arrived at his current assignment here in October 2009.

His awards and decorations include a Bronze Star, two Meritorious Service Medals, seven Army Commendation Medals, ten Army Achievement Medals, six Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, two Iraq Campaign Medals, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, a Humanitarian Service Medal, a Korean Defense Service Medal, three Overseas Service Ribbons, a United Nations Iraq/Kuwait Observation Group Ribbon, three Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, two Combat Infantryman Badges, and an Expert Infantryman Badge.

The accident is under investigation.  No further information is available for release at this time.

Source: Fort Benning Office of Public Affairs

Brian

[Boone the Hunter]

very sad news, praying for the family