Jordan Frasier
Staff Reporter
Photo Courtesy of Ft. Lewis
His story could be that of any student walking the halls at Clark – a graduate of Hudson’s Bay High School, a family living in Vancouver, friends who love him and goals for the future.
He likes to snowboard on Mt. Hood, he roots for the Dallas Cowboys, and he plays Xbox Live.
That is, he did.
Ian Walz, 25, graduated from Clark in 2007 and was killed Oct. 27 by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. Only seven days earlier he had logged on to his MySpace account for the last time. The account – one last connection to Walz – provides insight into the life of a young man.
“I’m currently being deployed to Afghanistan July 15th for one year. I know it’s going to suck, but it’s something I want to do,” Walz wrote on his MySpace profile.
Pfc. Walz, whose given name is Christopher, joined the Army in September 2008.
“I’m on the front lines in the action killing. I voluntary chose this job because my long-term goal is to become a police officer after the Army, and I believe if you choose to be in the Army you should be on the front lines anyway,” Walz wrote.
After the Army, college and working in law enforcement Walz envisioned a career change.
“Eventually, I want to retire from law enforcement and teach history and political science,” Walz wrote.
But those plans were cut short.
Walz was one of eight soldiers recently killed in Afghanistan, according to the Department of Defense.
Walz, those killed alongside him and other recent war casualties returned to the U.S. Oct. 28 and were solemnly greeted by President Obama at Dover Air Force Base.
President Barack Obama attends a ceremony at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Del., Oct. 29, 2009, for the dignified transfer of 18 U.S. personnel who died in Afghanistan. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Since being deployed, Walz was recently home on leave, and had only been back in Afghanistan for a short time.
He is remembered by those who knew him and those who didn’t.
“There aren’t many people who loved me back in this world, but you did. I love you Ian,” Nathan Knuelle wrote on Walz’s MySpace profile.
Before shipping out to Afghanistan, Walz had been a long-time produce worker for Winco Foods.
“Ian was a dedicated worker here in the produce department,” Winco manager Mark Groves said. “He got along with all the guys and they were real close.”
The news of Walz’s death hit his former colleagues hard.
“His co-workers were pretty upset when they found out the news,” Groves said.
Winco lowered its flags to half-mast to honor Walz and is also displaying photos and memories of him in the Hazel Dell store.
At Clark, Walz’s death so close to Veterans Day spurs a different perspective for students on this year’s holiday.
“It brings it closer to home, this person gave their life for our protection,” ASCC Vice President Hana Lim said. “I feel honored that such a brave soldier is a Clark alumni.”
Students also recognized the life cut short.
“Somebody who went for their education and then went to serve our country… It’s sad he didn’t get to live the rest of his life,” student Camerson Chileote said.
Perhaps the surest sign of this are the plans left unrealized.
“After the Army, I plan on traveling the world,” Walz wrote. “Not sure where or when. But, I want to do it before I go back to college.”
(Photo Credit: Jordan Frasier) A flag on Clark’s CTC campus is at half-mast in honor of former Clark student Ian Walz, who was killed in Afghanistan. Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire directed flags be lowered in his honor on Nov. 5.
Gov. Chris Gregoire instructed flags flown at half-mast throughout Washington on Nov. 5 in honor of Walz. A memorial service for Walz was held by Fort Lewis on Tuesday and was attended by Vice President Biden.
Local memorials will include a closed casket viewing from 5 to 11 p.m. on Thursday at Evergreen Memorial Gardens and a ceremony on Saturday at the Portland Air National Guard Base to be held at 11 a.m. Both are open to the public.
