Christopher Mason laid to rest

MOBILE, Ala. - Army Cpl. Chris Mason, who was killed Nov. 28 in a roadside bomb blast in Iraq, was eulogized as a patriot as hundreds filled a west Mobile church where he had only recently spoke of his devotion to his mission.

While on leave in October, Mason, 32, a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, based in Fort Bragg, N.C., told the Life Church of Mobile members that he believed in the U.S. mission in Iraq, and he talked about his strong religious faith.

"He's going to keep on speaking and - best of all - we're going to see him again," pastor Dick Braswell said Tuesday at Mason's funeral.

Braswell concluded by saying, "We'll see you soon, Chris."

The soldier's brother, 2nd Lt. Garland Mason III, who is studying at a theological seminary in Jackson, Miss., to become an Army chaplain, also spoke.

"I've never been more proud in my life," he said, his voice choked with emotion.

He called him "a great brother and a great Christian." He read from an e-mail Mason wrote just hours before his death.

"I know that things seem at times to be out of control, but just hold on to the fact that it is God who is in control," the e-mail said

Before the Army, Mason was a rodeo clown with the Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association. His brother said he also taught commercial drivers license classes at Bishop State Community College.

At the service, Brig. Gen. Joseph Votel, the assistant district commander with the 82nd Airborne, presented Mason's Bronze Star and Purple Heart to his parents, Garland Mason Jr. and Susie Mason, both of Mobile.

The soldier also earned the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Weapons Qualification Badge and the Parachutist Badge, Army officials said.

He was also honored posthumously with the Alabama Distinguished Service Medal, the highest award the state can give, which was presented to the parents by Alabama National Guard Lt. Col. John Brady of Mobile on behalf of Gov. Bob Riley.

Among the dignitaries present were Republicans U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions and U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, both of Mobile.

Along the route to the cemetery, dozens of people stood by the side of the road with hands over hearts, while some held American flags to show their respect.

An estimated 400 people gathered at the graveside, where a seven-member honor guard from Fort Bragg fired three rounds of volleys and a soldier played taps. Votel presented the soldier's parents with a folded American flag at the conclusion of the service.

Mason is survived by his parents and brother.

The city on Wednesday named a bridge on the city's Bel Air Boulevard for Mason.

From the Enquirer

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