Location: 1913
Date: 4/19/2012
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Army
Operation: Operation Enduring Freedom
Sgt. Chris John Workman died April 19, 2012, in the line of duty while serving in Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. Workman was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade, Hawaii, where he was a gunner on a Blackhawk Helicopter. Sgt. Workman was born January 15, 1979, in Rupert, Idaho, to John Ross and Anna Workman. Chris attended St. Nicholas Catholic grade school, West Minico Junior High and graduated from Minico High School in 1997. Chris and his older brother, Harry, were the best of friends growing up, being only 18 months apart. They loved doing everything together from hunting, fishing and hanging out together. Every moment they had was truly special, especially being with their Dad while hunting and fishing. When Harry married his wife, Sharlie, Chris was blessed with two nieces, Aubree and Sophie, whom Chris adored. Chris graduated from Idaho State University in 2003 with a business degree. After graduation, Chris worked for Alliance Title Company and Title One Company. Chris fell in love with Camille Rudeen in Boise, Idaho, and was determined to make her his bride. On November, 2009, they were married in Maui, Hawaii. With their union, Chris gained a step-son Cole, whom he loved very much. Chris and Cole had a great relationship, learning so much from each other. Cole loved having Chris as a step-father, and he learned so much about life and the military from him.
As a little boy Chris dreamed of becoming a soldier, but his official military career began in 2008 when he joined the Army Reserves at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. The Reserves solidified his desires to become an active duty soldier.
The following year he enlisted into active duty service and was assigned to Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii. He was initially assigned to the 8th Military Police Brigade, 71st Chemical Company, and later transferred to the 25th ID Combat Aviation Brigade. Chris was deployed to Afghanistan in January 2012. As family and friends, we were blessed to be together this past Christmas when Chris, Camille, and Cole came home to Idaho to spend the holidays. We all have such great memories of humorous moments, and quirky happenings. Chris had the pleasure of hunting and fishing with his dad, his brother Harry and Cole over the holiday break. They also loved to play their video games being quite competitive with one another. Spending this time together was such a joy and a gift of opportunity for Chris.
Chris is survived by his wife Camille of Wahiawa, Hawaii, step-son Cole of Olathe, Kansas, in-laws Dr. Randall and Kathleen Rudeen, sister in-law Jessica Rudeen and nephew Chase Ireland, all of Meridian, Idaho, parents John and Anna Workman of Rupert, Idaho, brother Harry and his wife Sharlie, and nieces Aubree and Sophie Workman, all of Kuna, Idaho, and cousin John N. Christ of Rupert, Idaho, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.