***$2,490 of this total was raised for last year's event***

Support Our Veterans - Charlie Company 11th Annual Memorial Day Reunion 2025, Festus, Missouri

Honoring the Sacrifice of Specialist Christopher M. Katzenberger - “Doc”

February 19th 1980 - August 9th 2005

Dear Veterans, Supporters, and Friends,

As we approach the 11th Annual Memorial Reunion, we invite you to join us in commemorating the life and sacrifice of Army Specialist Christopher M. Katzenberger. This event, taking place from May 23rd to May 26th, 2025, at the VFW in Festus, Missouri, is a heartfelt tribute to a fallen hero and a celebration of the unbreakable brotherhood forged on the battlefield.

Who was SPC Christopher Katzenberger?

25 year old Army Specialist Christopher Katzenberger made the ultimate sacrifice for our country August 9, 2005, of injuries received when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee. He was assigned to C Company, 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Divi­sion, out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After being evacuated for treatment, Katzenberger subsequently died of his wounds. He was buried with full military honors in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. Chris was our combat medic and we all miss him dearly. 

What is the Memorial Reunion about?

This reunion is more than an event; it's a gathering of brothers who shared the crucible of war. It's an opportunity for camaraderie, to stand together, support one another, and pay tribute to SPC Katzenberger's legacy. As our medic, “Doc” was our healer. His legacy continues through this reunion because coming together has helped so many of us continue to heal from our unseen wounds to this day. We invite you to be a part of this significant occasion to join us and his family to honor his sacrifice and to celebrate his life.

How Can You Help?

1. Donate: Every year there are many of our brothers who cannot afford to attend this event. Your financial support will directly impact veterans facing financial constraints and ensuring they can attend and participate fully in the reunion. Every donation, no matter the size, contributes to honoring our heroes and goes directly to supporting veterans who wish to attend the event for travel expenses, lodging, and to ensure that everyone who was blessed to know Doc is able to attend this 11th annual Memorial Day Celebration of his life.

2. Spread the Word: Share this flier with your network. Encourage friends, family, and fellow veterans to join us in supporting this meaningful event.

3. Attend the Reunion: If you're a veteran, consider joining us at the VFW in Festus, Missouri, from May 23rd to May 26th, 2025. Your presence adds immeasurable value to this occasion.

How the funds will be managed and used:

All funds will be managed by Charlie Company's senior non-commissioned Officer Command Sergeant Major Jeffrey Brown, Ret. Veterans will be able to request travel assistance directly from him. He will pay directly for any travel or lodging requirements or reimburse veterans rather than sending out cash directly. A portion of funds will also be used for a Katzenberger memorial on the Festus VFW grounds and for a plaque we will award to the VFW Post for hosting us for 11 years. All excess funds will roll into the memorial travel fund for the 12th year reunion.

Why Your Support Matters:

- Never Leave a Brother Behind: Our commitment to one another extends beyond the battlefield. Your support ensures that no veteran is left behind due to financial constraints.

  - Community and Camaraderie: This event is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of our veteran community, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and support.

- Honoring Sacrifice: By participating or contributing, you honor the sacrifice of SPC Christopher Katzenberger and all those who have served.

Recognition for Your Support:

For those who contribute, your generosity will be prominently recognized during the event. Your name or organization will be acknowledged in event materials, on our website, and during public announcements, should you want your donation to be anonymous that will be honored as well.

Join us as we come together to remember, honor, and celebrate the life of Specialist Christopher M. Katzenberger.

With gratitude,

The Veterans of C Company 2-504 Parachute Infantry Regiment,

82nd Airborne Division

Contact Information and Event Details:

For inquiries or to support the event in non-monetary ways please contact us at [email protected]

Event Details - May 23-26, 2025

VFW 3777, Festus Missouri

900 VFW Dr, Festus Missouri 63028