Collinsville Military Wife Determined To Honor Husband's Sacrifice

Ashli Sims, News On 6

COLLINSVILLE, Oklahoma – The wife of a fallen soldier said she's determined to honor her husband's sacrifice.

Specialist Chris Horton was killed in Afghanistan last Friday. He and two others are among the latest in a string of devastating losses for Oklahoma's 45th infantry brigade.

9/11/2011 Related Story: Three Oklahoma Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan

Those closest to Chris Horton say the 26-year-old was eager to serve and couldn't wait to defend his country.

Specialist Chris Horton was a sharpshooter - a good one.

"He was very well accomplished, a great shooter, one of the best of the best," Jane Horton, Chris Horton's widow, said.

But that's not why Jane set her sights on him.

"He was the most honorable man I'd ever met in my life. That's why I snagged him and we were engaged within two months. We were married very fast," she said.

Jane Horton was making her husband's birthday care package when she got the knock that every military wife dreads.

"I was making little cakes. And I got a knock at the door. I had no idea, but as a military wife you never want a knock at the door. And there they were," Jane said.

Horton was killed during a firefight in Afghanistan on Friday.

"He was the best big brother I could have ever asked for. He taught me how to drive a car, how to fish," said Nick Horton, Chris Horton's brother.

Nick Horton says his big brother was fearless and fiercely patriotic. He says the soldier didn't really say the words I love you, but his brother's recent Facebook messages made it clear.

"The last few days I could tell that he meant that, even if he didn't say it. I could tell. It was just nice to know. I'm glad that he knew that I loved him. And it was really nice to know that he loved me back," Nick said.

Jane Horton says her husband always put his country first, and now her first priority is his legacy.

"My heart is for him. He was only 26. He had a great life ahead of him. He was a patriot. Wanted to serve his country so much. And that's my focus right now is to honor him the best way I can," Jane said.

Jane Horton wants to start a fund to honor her husband's memory.

If you would like more information contact: christopherhortonfund@hotmail.com.