Christopher J. Lapka

Fallen Hero’s Hometown and State: Peoria, AZ

Branch of Service: U.S. Marine Corps

Rank: Corporal

Corporal Christopher Lapka was on a full-ride Academic Scholarship at AZ State University when the events of 9/11 happened. It took him a mere five days to give up his scholarship to serve his country. While deployed in Iraq, Lapka volunteered to retrieve a platoon of fellow Marine Corps. He was killed when his vehicle was struck by a truck laden with IEDs. Seven other Marine Corps were killed and 13 were injured.

Christopher was one of the bravest, strongest, kindest young men you could ever meet. He had a heart of gold and loved his family very much.

He will be remembered as a man who wasn’t afraid to stand up for what he believed in.

Age: 22

Date of Death: October 30, 2004