We lost a member a year ago this week... Chris Wells, AKA Panzer Leader

[STL_G8GT]

Hey guys, was reading over the board tonight here and there and saw Panzer Leaders name. I vaguely remember PMing him back and forth a bit and I was aware, although I dont know that the group was, that he had cancer.

I was saddened to see that we lost Chris to myeloma last year, April 12, 2015.

I dont even know what to say - I remember his posts about how much he regretted selling his G8. He loved how it handled and didn't care that it was "just" the V6. He traded it for the CTS that he absolutely couldn't stand, and then ended up in the Infinity. Even the G37s wasn't up to snuff compared to the G8. He hemmed and hawed about buying back into the G8 every time a nice one came up for sale, but he never bit.

Here is the obituary. To say that he was accomplished in life is an enormous understatement. He had purchased two of the coins for Charlie, and I can only imagine the connection he felt and the realization that his path would most likely be the same.

Chris, I miss you on this board. I never met you in real life, but you helped make this a special place. Thank you for the difference that you made in this world.

Chris Wells was born on October 15, 1950 to Vera Reinhardt and Elwood “Woody” Wells, Sr. of New Orleans and Melville, New Jersey. He was raised in the New Orleans area where he attended East Jefferson High School High School and then attended Southeastern Louisiana University. Colonel Chris Wells departed this life on April 12, 2015 after losing his battle to multiple myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow).


Colonel Chris Wells holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master of Arts degree from the United States Naval War College. As a Distinguished Military Graduate of Southeastern’s ROTC program, he entered into active federal service with a Regular Army commission as a second lieutenant. He is a thirty-three year veteran of the United States Army and its reserve components. At the time of his retirement in 2004, Colonel Wells was the Deputy Director, Support Operations for the 377th Theater Sustainment Command (TSC) United States Army Reserve in New Orleans.


Throughout his military career, he has served in units in the continental United States, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, the State of Kuwait and the Republic of Iraq.


2nd Lieutenant Chris Wells was commissioned Regular Army on December 15, 1973 from Southeastern Louisiana University ROTC Program. He attended Infantry Officers Basic Course (IOBC) and Airborne School in 1974. 2nd Lieutenant Wells was then assigned to the Cavalry Platoon as an Infantry Officer in Korea. Captain Wells was then reassigned to Fort Polk, Louisiana where served until he resigned from active duty in 1978.


Captain Wells retained a reserve commission on the Louisiana National Guard from March, 1978 until May, 1986, when then Major Wells joined the US Army Reserves.


Colonel Wells joined the 377th Theater Army Area Command (TAACOM) in May, 1986, where he held various positions starting with Transportation Officer for Host Nation and Services Directorates and culminating as the Assistant Chief of Staff Transportation, Assistant Chief of Staff Services. Colonel Wells provided senior leadership in the 377th TAACOM.


Colonel Wells was activated to support Operation Desert Storm serving with distinction as Transportation Officer, 321st Material Management Center from July 1991 to April 1993. After redeploying home from Desert Storm, Colonel Wells joined the 377th TSC as a civilian military technician.




Colonel Wells assisted in the transition of the 377th Theater Army Area Command (TAACOM) to a Theater Support Command (TSC). Colonel Wells led many planning efforts and conducted numerous exercises in support of the National Security Strategy in the Middle East including Lucky Sentinel and Lucky Warrior in support of Third Army in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations to prefect the new concepts of the TSC.


With the reorganization to 377th TSC, COL Wells became the Deputy Chief, Distribution Management Center (DMC). His leadership was instrumental during the unit’s establishment of this new section as part of the 377th TSC transition to its new structure as the only theater support command in the Army Reserve. Following his efforts with the DMC, Colonel Wells was assigned as the G4, and commenced intense personal efforts to build a strong staff relationship within the 377th TSC. Colonel Wells’ efforts proved timely and prescient following September 11, 2001. Colonel Wells deployed to Kuwait with the early entry command post in November, 2001 and provided outstanding technical and tactical leadership as Assistant Chief of Staff G4, 377th TSC (Forward) for fifteen months, to include his efforts at planning and the logistical support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In anticipation of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Colonel Wells assumed the duties as Commander, Aerial Port of Arrival APOE at Kuwait International Airport. There at the APOE, Colonel Wells spent countless hours coordinating the effort to deploy troops and critical supplies through the APOE into Kuwait and subsequently, Iraq. He personally was responsible for all strategic air operations at the airfield during the combat operations phase of Iraqi Freedom. He resumed his duties as Deputy Support Operations Officer, and remained deployed through October, 2003, serving two full years deployed. As Deputy Support Operations Officer during the planning efforts for Iraqi Freedom, Colonel Wells ensured the synchronization of support for coalition, joint and special operations forces throughout the entire United States Central Command area of responsibility.


Colonel Wells is a graduate of the Infantry Officer's Basic Course, the Transportation Officer's Basic and Advanced Courses, the Supply Management Officer Course, the Motor Officer Course, the Joint Course on Logistics, the Air Transportability Course, the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army Transportation and Storage of Hazardous Materials Course, the United States Army Command and General Staff College, the United States Air Force Airlift Planners Course, the United States Navy War College, and the National Defense University’s National Security Course.


Among his decorations and awards are the: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Louisiana. National Guard Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Global War on Terror Service and Expeditionary Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Southwest Asia Service Medal (Desert Storm), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Component Over Seas Training Ribbon, Army Parachutist Badge and numerous other military and civilian awards.


Colonel (R) Chris Wells is preceded in death by his father, Elwood, “Woody” Wells Sr, and is survived by his wife of 28 years, Ellen (Colihan) Wells, mother Vera Reinhardt Wells, 2 brothers, Keith Wells (Silvia), Woody Wells Jr. (Belinda), numerous aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

[WhatNext]

Thanks for this post of remembrance. Thinking of Charlie too.

[kevinm0131]

Yes, Thanx for the remembrance. I was fortunate enough to meet Chris at G.ON.E. and he was indeed, a fine man. He was very proud of and loved his G8. I remember his passing, but did not see his obit at the time, he clearly was a man who loved our country.

[-Ray-]

Rest in peace Panzer and give 'em hell!
Thanks Pete

[tchr49]

We lost a good man.
Amen.

[MongosG8]

Pete ..Thank you for posting this. I had no idea and was wondering where he has been. I never seen a thread last year about his passing ..Im very sad to hear this.
Chris used to always tease me about my nickname Mongo and always made me laugh with his personal messages. He was a great member.

Chris (Panzerleader) is decorated hero in my eyes and Im sure all of us think the same.

May God look upon him as an angel that defended the rights of others not only for our beloved nation but for all other nations he served to help gain their freedom.

Rest in peace my freind! I salute you and thank you for your bravery defending our great country!

[Chewy]

I had no idea we'd lost him! I'd met him in person and he was a super nice guy! I had melanoma going on three years ago and have the scars on my face and neck to prove it. It's not to be taken lightly (not that he did). I go in every six months for check ups and wear sunscreen and a stupid looking hat whenever in the sun. Take care out there guys! Sunburns are BAD!!!

RIP Chris!

[edmanet]

RIP Chris. Guys please have any spots checked out. I was diagnosed with melanoma almost 6 yrs ago. As of now I'm still cancer free but have had 2 nasty surgeries & have a 4" round crater on my head. I get checked every 6 months. As Chewy stated, Don't take it lightly.

[Zodiac]

Hard to believe it's been this long. He was a great member of the community and always looked forward to his posts. I'm gonna have to steal Mongo's pic here, but he deserved it.



RIP!

Fuck cancer, I just lost my aunt Saturday to it.

[jzpiano]

I had no idea. I remember him from the Gone events. Thank you for posting this. I figured he had sold his G8, like many, and just moved on. Always sad when we lose on of our G8 family members. RIP.