Sgt. Christopher T. Griffin of Kincheloe, Michigan grew up in Kincheloe where he liked to spend time around the fire hall with his grandfather and father. He was a 2004 graduate of Rudyard Area Schools where he was involved in varsity wrestling. There was never any question about what Christopher would do after high school. From the time he was a young boy, he talked about the military and enjoyed computer gaming. Just three weeks after high school graduation, he began basic training in the United States Army at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Christopher had served in South Korea, in Iraq in 2006-2007 and was most recently stationed out of Fort Carson, Colorado. Christopher was also a proud member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He is survived by his parents, Kerri and Mel Causley and Rick and Kathy Baker-LaDuke; sisters, Melissa Giddis, and Darcie, Katie, and Megan Baker-LaDuke; brother, Derrick Baker-LaDuke; and nephew Eli Giddis. He is also survived by grandparents, Cherryl Baker, Tom and Maggie Balgenorth, and Marcia Griffin. Christopher was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Larry Baker and Kenneth Griffin. His awards and decorations include Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon - 2, NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge. Chris died at age 24 in Kamdesh, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his contingency outpost with small arms, rocket-propelled grenade and indirect fires. Christopher was posthumously upgraded from Specialist to Sergeant.