Jane Horton, widow of Army Sniper Christopher Horton killed in Afghanistan speaks out

Jane Horton, widow of Army Specialist Christopher Horton, is an advocate for fallen soldiers and the families they leave behind, known as Gold Star families. Video VOA

Specialist Christopher D. Horton died in Paktia, Afghanistan on September 9, 2011, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked using small arms fire. He was 26 years old. Specialist Horton was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 279 Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and Oklahoma National Guard, based out of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Specialist Horton graduated from the Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Missouri. He enlisted in the Oklahoma Army National Guard in 2008. While serving his time with the Oklahoma National Guard, he became an infantryman, received his SWAT certification, and became sniper qualified. His extensive marksman awards included: The Gus Hadwiger Award in 2009, 1st place Novice Pistol in the Oklahoma National Guard Sergeant Major’s match in 2009, 1st place novice pistol in the Governor’s Twenty Matches in 2009, 2nd place in the Old Fort Shootout in the Unclassified Production Division in 2009, 2nd place Pistol in The State of Oklahoma Governor’s Twenty 2009, Oklahoma State International Defensive Pistol Association’s Champion High Military in both 2008 and 2009, 3rd place in the Carolina Cup Enhanced Service Pistol Sharpshooter in 2008 as well as many others. Specialist Horton was also a professional sponsored shooter through the United States shooting Academy in Owasso, Oklahoma.

ACTIONS IN THE HOUSE

The Sergeant First Class Sean Cooley and Specialist Christopher Horton Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship Program Act Over the past year, I have been humbled by the strength and conviction of the Gold Star families I have worked with to get The Sergeant First Class Sean Cooley and Specialist Christopher Horton Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship Program Act passed in Congress. I believe there is no greater responsibility as a Member of Congress than ensuring that our Servicemembers and their families are appropriately cared for.  SFC Sean Cooley & SPC Christopher Horton With the passage of H. Res 107, the voices of our Gold Star families can now take their rightful place in all 435 congressional districts throughout our nation and with them the legacy of those fallen will continue to live on. Although they may not wear the uniform, our Gold Star families pay a huge price for our freedom and deserve a greater voice in our representative government.  Prior to the vote, it was a great honor to join my colleagues on the House floor in support of this legislation. To watch the proceedings, please click on the link.

HONORING OUR GOLD STAR FAMILIES

On September 9, 2011, Jane Horton’s husband, Oklahoma Army National Guard Specialist (SPC) Christopher Horton was killed by enemy gunfire during his deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After just 2-1/2 years of marriage, Jane’s life as she knew it was over. Her unimaginable loss would lead her to advocate on behalf of Gold Star families, Servicemembers and Veterans for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Personnel, and Readiness.  This week, Jane joined other Gold Star family members to witness the vote take place in the U.S. House of Representatives. It was humbling to pay tribute to all Gold Star families who are near and dear to my heart.   We will feature more Gold Star families in upcoming editions of my e-newsletter. If you would like to nominate a family to be featured, please contact a member of our team.