Lance Cpl. Christopher Motl, serving with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines out of San Bruno, is currently stationed in Ramadi, Iraq, but his mom Joy still makes sure he stays up to date with local news by sending him copies of the Press in his care packages.

Chris is a 2006 Antioch High School graduate and student at Sacramento State University, majoring in criminal justice. He wrote to his mom to thank her for sending the issue of the Press featuring the story about the Antioch Police Department honors, as Chris volunteered with the Antioch PD’s Explorer program for five years. In an e-mail to his mom, Chris wrote: “Tell everyone I miss them and can’t a wait to see them, but I am doing well, gaining valuable life experience, and learning a lot of practical skills here in Ramadi.”

While in Iraq, Chris is in a rebuilding mission and is training the Iraqi police. “He feels it is his honor and privilege to be of service to his country,” said Joy.