Local man serving in Iraq
By Caitlyn Kelleher Journal Staff Reporter

Christopher Lawrence holds his daughter Caitlin before his deployment to Iraq this month. — Courtesy Photo

A 1996 Oakmont graduate has begun a seven-month deployment to Iraq with the Air Force.

Ashburnham resident Christopher Lawrence, the son of Janell and Steve Lawrence, is scheduled to be in Iraq until July. His mother said he is stationed in the southern part of the country near the border with Iran and Kuwait.

Christopher joined the Air Force in 1999 as a member of the Security Forces, according to his mother, and he as been stationed in Korea, Saudi Arabia, Quatar, Langley Air Force Base in Virginia and he spent the last year stationed near Las Vegas.

In Nevada he instructed pilots being deployed to Iraq.

“He enjoyed training these young people for Iraq and ended up volunteering for Iraq himself,” said Janell.

Christopher is embedded with an Army unit, where he is serving as a gunner on a Hummer, according to his mother.

“We are very proud of Chris and the great person he is,” she said.

Steve Lawrence retired from the Air Force after 24 years before settling in Ashburnham in 1993.

Christopher married Jeanna Sammons in July 2000. The couple has two children — Caitlin, 3, and Sarah, 2, — and they are expecting their third child in April.

“Chris loves Ashburnham and comes for visits when he gets the time,” Janell said. “He proudly lets anyone know that he is a big Red Sox fan and Patriots fan.”