Corporal Esckelson attended Saint Michael's Lutheran School in Richville, Michigan, prior to transferring to Vassar High School. In high school he played outfielder and catcher for the baseball team for 4 years, defensive tackler on the football team for 4 years and two years on the basketball team. He was an avid hunter for deer, turkey and bear and had a special fondness for ketchup. After his 2002 graduation from Vassar High School, he took classes at Delta College where he had a 4.0 grade point average. He was a member of Saint Michael Lutheran Church in Richville and the Frankenmuth Bible Church and had been employed with Zhender's, Abercrombie & Fitch and Wolverine Human Resources. He joined the Marine Corps in October 2002 for two reasons: he wanted to be a Marine and serve his country and he needed money to achieve his eventual goal of becoming a doctor. He was a member of the Bravo Company of the 1st Battalion of the 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division based out of Lansing Michigan. He was very proud to be a Marine and went to Iraq in September 2006. He loved being a warrior and his job serving his country. He lived for the Marine Motto "Semper Fidelis" (Always Faithful) and his own personal motto "Semper Auxiliarius" (Always Helping). Chris was the leader of a 12-man SWAT Team. He is survived by his father, David E. Esckelson; his mother, Michelle "Mitzi" M. Hill; step-father, Christopher Hill; brother, Craig E. Esckelson; sister, Kerry M. Esckelson; two step-sisters, Rachel and Laurin Hill; his girlfirend of three years, Samantha Reasner; two grandmothers, Esther Esckelson and Esther Lich; niece, Hailee Marie; and many special friends, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Lawrence Esckelson and Henry Lich.