By Bo Joyner / Published November 27, 2018
Christy and her husband, Tech Sgt. Sean Lange, pose for a photo with NASCAR driver Darrell “Bubba” Wallace. (Courtesy photo)
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- April 21, 2008, is the day Lt. Col. Don Christy (right) took his life at Black Forest Regional Park in Colorado Springs, Colo. Since that day, Kristen (left) has also dealt with the disappearance of her oldest son, Ryan. Despite these challenges, Kristen has been a prominent figure in the Air Force community through her work with suicide awareness and resilience. On Feb. 23, she was named Air Force Spouse of the Year for 2018. (Courtesy photo)
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Kristen Christy has faced numerous hardships throughout her life. Ten years ago her husband, Don Christy, died by suicide at Black Forest Regional Park in Colorado Springs, Colo. Her oldest son Ryan went missing Sept. 20, 2015, and has yet to be found. Despite these challenges, Christy has proved her resilience and was recognized as the Air Force Spouse of the Year for 2018. (U.S. Air Force photo by Dennis Hoffman)
Mrs. Kristen Christy, USAF Spouse of the Year for 2018, tells the story of her husband's suicide and how it has lasting effects on her family.