TERRE HAUTE (WTWO/WAWV) – The parents of Terre Haute native and fallen soldier, Sgt. Chris Curry, remember his life.

A 2014 graduate of Terre Haute North High School, Chris Curry’s family said those who got to meet him knew how much he cherished the importance of friendships.

“Chris was loyal. If you were a friend, you were a friend for life,” said Michael Curry, Chris Curry’s father.

Chris’ mother, Aimee Curry, said he was also known for being witty and joking with friends back and forth.

“If he was your friend and you said something, he was going to have a sarcastic comment and if you didn’t have a sarcastic comment back he was going to be disappointed in you,” Aimee said.

In 2015, Chris made the decision to join the U.S. Army.

His family says although he comes from a military background dating back to the Revolutionary War, with his father and two brothers also serving, his decision to join came as a surprise.

“Chris wore his heart on his sleeve and he loved animals so for him to want to go into the military just floored us,” Aimee said.

During his time in the U.S. Army, Chris was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 21 Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

His parents said his military journey took him to Virginia, Missouri, Germany and Alaska

“He was a supplies specialist so if you needed anything from paper clips to ammo, you went to him,” Aimee said.

On Monday, May 4, at the age of 23, Chris Curry died while serving in Erbil, Iraq, while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

Curry’s parents said they are proud of their son for serving his country and they will miss him.

“I’m going to miss those comebacks. He loved animals and one of his heroes was Steve Irwin so every time I watch an animal show on TV that’s what I’m going to see is Chris and he had a heart of gold, loved everybody, and he’d take his shirt off his back and give it you if you needed it,” Aimee said.

Aimee Curry said they are hoping to honor Chris in the month of June at Deming Park, that’s where they will have a ceremony to remember and celebrate his life.

As more details about this ceremony come available, they will be shared.

The Currys said they do appreciate the support of the community and say if you would like to honor Chris, to please donate to Mission 22.

Mission 22 is an organization that Chris supported during his life.