Fernandez, Christopher James Cepeda

Christopher James Cepeda Fernandez was a 28-year-old from Dededo, Guam. He served in the Guam Army National Guard as a sergeant with Company C, 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regiment, based in Barrigada.

According to U.S. Department of Defense casualty reports, Sgt. Fernandez died on March 5, 2007, in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. He was killed in action when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device while on patrol. He was the first Guam National Guard soldier to die in a combat zone since the Vietnam War.

Fernandez was deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, a U.S.-led multinational campaign that began in October 2001. By 2007, the operation included a significant counter-terrorism and training mission in the Horn of Africa, known as Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, aimed at regional stability.

His death was reported by major news outlets, including the Pacific Daily News and the Associated Press. A memorial service was held in Guam, where he was remembered by fellow soldiers and community leaders. His remains were returned to the island for burial.

Sgt. Fernandez is listed on the Guam Veterans Memorial Wall and the National Guard Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Guam National Guard's annual Best Warrior Competition was later named in his honor to recognize soldierly excellence.

Sgt. Fernandez was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Santos, Dave Michael Maliksi, Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif.

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