Gold Star Mothers of New Mexico
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US ARMY CAPTAIN TODD TYLER CHRISTMAS (KIA November 29, 2004)
Todd was born March 8, 1978 in Las Vegas, NM. Todd grew up in Wagon Mound, NM on the Christmas Family Ranch. As a child, he enjoyed hunting, horseback ridign, participating and competing in 4-H and generally being outdoors. Todd was a 1998 graduate of New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM, where he ascended to the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel and was 5th Squadron Commander. Todd competed in basketball and ran track. Upon graduation he received an Associates of Arts degree and was awarded the Commandant's Saber Award and the prestigious Joe Govan Memorial Award. After graduating NMMI Todd moved to Texas where he enlisted in the Texas Army National Guard and went on to attend Texas A&M University. Todd received a Bachelors of Science in Agricultural Economics and was the Distinguished Military Graduate in August of 2001. He was a member of Company B-1, Class of 2000. Todd was commissioned through the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets as an Air Defense Officer.
Todd was married to Erica Laine Smith of Arlington, Texas on August 18, 2001. Todd Graduated from the Air Defense Office Basic Course in February of 2002. He then attended the United States Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA, where he was awarded the parachutists badge. Todd joined the 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment on 29 March 2002 and served in Operation Iraqi Freedon. Todd's Military award included the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Army Parachutists Badge.
Todd is survive by his wife Erica Christmas, parents Brad and Becky Christmas of Wagon Mound, NM and his brothers Matt of Albuquerque, NM and Will of Las Cruces, NM. He was an American Hero and true friend who was loved by many and will be missed by all.
Bean Day Parade 2010
We have restored Todd's first car, this 1966 Mustang. Will, our youngest son, drove it in the Bean Day Parade, which is our annual celebration, always over Labor Day. This was the 100th year! There are three days of rodeos, dances, and reunions. The Parade is always on Monday morning.
Will drove the Mustang and Brad and Becky passed out small American flags.
Everyone loved it.