Mountain Man Memorial March

Pvt. Christopher Daniel Hasbrouck, 19, of Pittsboro, NC served during the period of 28 October 2011 through 2 May 2012 as a trainee assigned to Detachment 11 Recruitment Sustainment Program “Mountain Warriors”, Recruiting and Retention Battalion Army National Guard.  While participating in the 5th annual Mountain Man Memorial March suffered a heat stroke during the events which lead to his passing 9 days later.

Chris was a sophomore at Appalachian State University in the ROTC program. He was thrilled to participate with a team of fellow cadets in the half marathon light event. Chris was super excited about his future in the military. He loved learning and put all his heart into it. He was in the artillery division and wanted to learn “how to blow stuff up.” He was like a big brother to his friends, had a great work ethic and a huge heart. He loved to make people laugh. He looked forward to serving in the Army and was to go to boot camp in a few short weeks after the race.

Chris received the Army Achievement Medal after his passing; Private Hasbrouck demonstrated initiative, enthusiasm, professional ability and sincere devotion to duty which added immensely to his success both with the Army National Guard and as a Cadet in the Army Reserve Officer Training Corp at Appalachian State University. Private Hasbrouck’s outstanding performance marked him as a distinguished young Soldier whose superior service reflect great credit upon himself, the North Carolina Army National Guard and the United States Army.

He is survived by his father and mother Jim, Trish, and his sister Amanda “Haz”.

Chris will always be remembered in the Mountain Man Memorial March, each year an award in his honor the Esprit de corps Award is given in recognition to Duty, Honor & Country for his dedication. This was initiated by the God Star Dads of America 20 April 2013.

One miracle did come of his passing in that we were able to donate his heart to a young man in Wisconsin. As a parent there is solace in having your son’s heart give life to another human being.