Some ranch families make it a point to serve their nation and go off to war. The Christmas Ranch is no different.

The Christmas family flies four flags outside their ranch entrance: Old Glory, the New Mexico state flag, the U.S. Army flag and the Gold Star flag.

Captain Todd Christmas “was known to the troops as the cowboy soldier because he loved the military, but he also loved the ranch life. He wanted to serve out his military career and then come home and retire, continue on as a second career here and work,” said Todd’s father, Brad Christmas.

Selfless Sacrifice

Tragically, Todd and six other soldiers died on November 2th, 2004, in a helicopter crash outside of Ft. Hood, Texas.

“Todd was in the war to make things better for someone else, giving himself for someone else, whether it be us or someone overseas. It was just who he was, what he did for us,” said Will Christmas, Todd’s brother.

Never Forget

Todd’s mother, Becky, who serves as the President of American Gold Star Mothers, added, “The amount of young men and women we’ve lost in New Mexico is tough and we want to remember every face and every name.”

Todd’s life and sacrifice for his country, as well as his dedication to the farm, will not be forgotten. And American AgCredit is proud to support the Christmas family and many others with such a strong devotion to our country and feeding its people.