Army Sgt. Christopher N. Gonzalez

Died May 14, 2007 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

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25, of Winslow, Ariz.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.; killed May 14 in Salman Pak, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire. Also killed was Army Sgt. Allen J. Dunckley.

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Soldier from Navajo Nation dies in Iraq

The Associated Press

PHOENIX — A soldier from the Navajo Nation has died serving in Iraq, his family said May 15.

Army Sgt. Christopher Neil Gonzalez, 25, was killed May 14, though the Department of Defense has not confirmed or released details of his death.

Leonard Chee, a delegate to the Navajo Nation Council, said in a statement the entire Navajo community was in shock.

“This war has really hit home. Say a prayer for all our Navajo Native American soldiers who are in Iraq fighting,” Chee said.

According to Chee, Gonzalez was carrying out his second tour of duty in Iraq and left behind a wife and child.

Details on funeral services were not known.

Survivors include his mother, Judy Nez of Birdsprings, Ariz.

On Tuesday, Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley issued a proclamation in honor and in recognition of Sgt. Gonzalez.

Shirley also ordered flags on the Navajo Nation flown at half-staff from May 16 to May 20 in honor of Gonzalez.