Charlotte Hall Veterans Home is honored to have hosted a Bronze Medal presentation to the family of Staff Sergeant Christopher Swanson who died in Iraq in July of 2006. Today, Congressman Steny Hoyer presented his parents with a Bronze Star Medal with a V for Valor. Christopher was just 25 years old when he was leading a patrol in Ramadi, Iraq in pursuit of an Al-Qaeda operative. He relocated his squad to a building hoping to protect his squad. While in the building they came under fire from more than one direction. Staff Sergeant went to the roof to return fire and to help protect his soldiers. While engaging with the enemy, Staff Sergeant Swanson was mortally wounded. Congressman Steny Hoyer also presented the family with an American Flag that was flown at the Capitol Building. Thank you Staff Sergeant Christopher Swanson for your devotion to our country. We all owe you an unpayable debt. Pictured L/R Congressman Steny Hoyer, Gary Swanson, Christopher's Father, Kelly Swanson, Christopher's Mother, Colonel Tony Deane, USA, Retired, Secretary George W. Owings, III, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs