October 4, 2017

Awards & Decorations:

Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal (2), Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal (3) and many others

Survived By:

Cris is survived by his wife, Marcy, his son, Van, and his mother, Kate. He meant more to his friends and family than he could have possibly known. He is not forgotten

Honoree Bio:

MSG Cristobal L. Vallejo (Ret) was born on April 28, 1982. From a young age, Cris embodied boundless energy, quiet strength, and a heart big enough to hold everyone who crossed his path. He was a protector, a leader, a friend to all, and a man of profound purpose.

After graduating high school, Cris chose a life of service and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served honorably in the 2nd BN, 6th Infantry, 1st Armored Division, 10th Special Forces Group, and (USASOC) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. As a Green Beret, he exemplified the values of duty, courage, and sacrifice. But it was after the loss of his teammate, Ryan Savard, that Cris’s mission expanded beyond the battlefield.

Determined to honor Ryan’s memory and support fellow warriors suffering silent injuries of war, Cris co-founded the Coast X Coast Foundation—a charity born of grief, built on brotherhood, and committed to healing. Cris helped veterans and their families find purpose, connection, and healing after trauma through Coast X Coast.

More than a soldier or a founder, Cris was an exceptional husband to his wife, Marcy, and a loving father to his son, Van. He embraced fatherhood with joy and pride, filling their home with laughter, love, and the best (and worst) dad jokes imaginable. His optimism could brighten even on the darkest day, and it seemed his unshakable energy moved the Earth on its axis. He was a treasured son with an eternal bond to his loving mother that will never fade. He was an avid outdoorsman, a natural athlete who could pick up and excel at any sport, and a zest for life and adventure.

On July 2, 2023, Cris’s life was tragically cut short in a car accident; he suffered a brain hemorrhage while driving. He was 41 years old. His loyal dog, Dale, also passed in the accident. Their loss has left a tremendous hole in the lives of those who knew and loved them. Cris’s legacy lives on—in the lives he touched, the foundation he helped build, and the love he poured into his family and community. As we honor Cris, we remember the warrior and the man: strong, kind, endlessly generous, and full of heart. His life reminds us that strength lies in showing up for others. And that love, in all its forms, is the most powerful legacy we can leave behind. The ripple of his life will go on forever.