Christopher E. Mason killed in military engagement

Baker High School graduate Chris Mason wasn't afraid of dying in Iraq because of his faith in Jesus Christ and his belief in the importance of helping others, his family said Wednesday.

That's why when his family learned that the soldier had been killed Tuesday by an improvised explosive device in Iraq, "it was sad, but it's not a tragedy," said Garland Mason, Chris Mason's brother.

"He was very passionate about Christ, and because he was so in love with Christ he was able to give his life away for other people," Garland Mason said. "He was OK with the possibility (of death) because he was so satisfied with Jesus Christ. ... Faith was what pushed him to make the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Knowing that if he died, that death did not steal anything from him; that death gave him more of that which is infinitely good for him, more of Christ."

Chris Mason, 32, was a member of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division. He once told his brother over the telephone that "he loved being (in Iraq) and waking up there because it was another day helping those people," Garland Mason said.

"He talked about it a lot. He loved the people, he loved the children that would come out and hold his hand and walk with him. He loved training the Iraqi army. He had a great relationship with the Iraqis."

A longtime Mobilian, Chris Mason didn't always want to be in the Army.

He played football in high school for a couple of years and later donned a hornet costume as Baker High's mascot, his brother said.

After his 1994 graduation, Chris Mason became a professional rodeo clown with the Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association, his brother said. When he wasn't on the road as a rodeo clown, Chris Mason taught a commercial drivers license qualification course at Bishop State Community College, his brother said.

The soldier had come home from Iraq for a brief stint in October. He spoke during his homecoming to the Life Church of Mobile, where he talked to his family's congregation about what he and other soldiers were doing in Iraq. His speech was videotaped by the church.

"There's 160,000 American soldiers kicking tail over there, boom! And wherever freedom goes the gospel's soon to come right after," Chris Mason said in the video, posted on WKRG-TV5's Web site.

"But folks, you just got to dig down deep, and when things get tough for you, you got to remember, you're in a war, you're in a battle for your soul, people. You hear me? And it's no joke ... but just know that good things are happening over there, folks, and the men that I fight with are glad to be there, and there's no other place they'd rather be," Chris Mason said in the video.

He didn't have much spare time, but when Chris Mason did, "he loved spending time with his mom and his nephew, and just being with family," Garland Mason said.

Garland Mason said and the family was leaning on their faith to get them through this difficult time.

"Sometimes it feels like you can't breathe, but you cling to the promises of the gospel of Christ," Garland Mason said.

From the Register