Chris joined the Restoration Ranch team in July 2022.

Chris grew up riding and working cattle from horseback on the 3rd largest cattle ranch in Texas located in the wilds of west Texas’ Culberson County. Being a cowboy was his 1st dream and his 1st career. His 2nd dream became reality when at 30, he joined the Army. This turned out to be his 2nd career.

During Chris’ 22 years of service, he achieved the final rank of Sergeant First Class and was appointed Platoon Sergeant of 1st Platoon, Comanche Troop, 1st Battalion 4th Cavalry Squadron, Fort Riley, KS. He served deployments in El Salvador/Nicaragua, Korea, Kuwait, and 3 combat tours to Iraq: 03-04, 05-06, 2010. Chris also received numerous awards during those years but none compared to the many words of gratitude from his past Soldiers for his leadership and mentorship when he retired in 2019.

After his retirement, Chris found himself without a purpose for the first time in his life and suffering from the effects of the invisible wounds of war from his military service. He found what he needed in the Fall of 2020 by participating in the VEPPs at Restoration Ranch: connecting back to his first love, the horses and connecting with fellow veterans.

Chris has now found his new purpose by helping his fellow veterans connect with the amazing horses at R&R and each other.

Military Service Awards

• Meritorious Service Medal

• Army Commendation with ‘V’ device

• (6) Army Commendation Medals

• (6) Army Achievement medals

• Joint Meritorious Unit Award

• Army Superior Unit Award 

• (7) Army Good Conduct Medals

• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

• Global War on Terrorism Service Award, Iraq Campaign Medal with 4 stars

• Humanitarian Service Medal

• Korean Defense Service Medal

• Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with ‘3’

• Army Service Ribbon

• Overseas Ribbon with ‘4’

• Gold Recruiter Badge with 3 Sapphires

• Combat Action Badge

• Air Assault Badge

• St. George Bronze Medallion