OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, USA U.S. Army SSG, COMPANY D, 1ST BATTALION, 12TH INFANTRY, (TF IRON HORSE), FORT HOOD, TX BAGHDAD, IRAQ 01/23/2006
“You will always be an inspiration to me.” These words from Staff Sergeant Chase’s pastor also echo the sentiments of Lance’s friends and fellow soldiers and military instructors. Those who served with Lance in Fort Riley and in Korea saw him become a warrior and thoughtful soldier and they were proud to have been able to serve with Lance. Each recognized Lance’s professionalism.
Lance was remembered for his happy smile and ability to cheer people up. Even as early as junior high school, Lance easily reached out to people who crossed his path and made them feel comfortable. This Oklahoma City soldier was recognized by many for his dedication and service to his family.
Music used during the church service memorial showed the family side of Lance. Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying” is a song about living life to its fullest and expressed Lance’s spirit. Tommy Shane Steiner’s “What If She Is An Angel” was a song Lance would sing to his nine-year old son Trevor with eleven-year old son Brett nearby. Lance was also honored by the presence of a uniformed military as well as members of the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Department where Lance’s father, Mike, has been a reserve deputy for more than twenty years. SSG Chase had been a soldier for more than a decade. He did not like being away from his family, but saw and understood the good that was being done in Iraq.
Staff Sergeant Chase was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. He died January 23, 2006 of wounds sustained that day when an improvised explosive device detonated near his M1A2 Abrams tank during patrol operations in Baghdad. Also killed was Pfc. Peter D. Wagler.
Lance Chase is characterized by his love for his family and pride in the improvements he saw in Iraq. He is survived by his wife Kristen and sons Trevor and Brett. He was thirty-two years old when he died.