Chris Splinter Fund
The Christopher J. Splinter Memorial Scholarship Fund
Major Christopher Splinter was a warrior, but he was also a husband, father, brother, son, friend and patriot.
Christopher seemed to have been born to rise to a high level of leadership and excellence. That was a testament to his upbringing on a farm outside of Platteville. Early on he learned the value of making tough choices, being accountable and of personal discipline. From his family of 11 brothers and sisters, he learned of the incredible bond of love that supersedes one's own self. His parents, Barbara and Virgil, taught him love of God, the church and his community. Beyond his family, Christopher was also passionate about sports. He excelled on the football field of Platteville High School, where his leadership and command of teamwork began to blossom. During this time he also discovered another passion in his life, the person who would eventually become his wife, Penny. After marriage, they would bring forth two beautiful children, Mitchell and Rachel.
Professionally Major Splinter began his career at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Here he entered the ROTC program and graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate. He also obtained a B.A. in Business Administration. In 1989 he was commissioned as an officer in the Army Corps of Engineers. This began his career of service to our country.
His service took him to many parts of the country and the world. Major Splinter was stationed in Colorado, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Korea and Iraq. All the while he maintained a dedication to his family, a love of hunting, the Packers and Wisconsin.
Some of the many awards and commendations that Major Splinter received during his storied career were the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Army Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. He also received many other active and reserve service awards along with his earning Airborne Wings, Air Assault Wings, and completion of the elite Sapper Leader Course (twice). He earned his Combat Patch for service with the 4th Infantry Division, which he wore proudly on his right shoulder, and the Bronze Star for his meritorious service and bravery while in combat operations in Iraq. Major Splinter was also posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for his ultimate sacrifice.
Christopher’s classmates from Platteville High School are proud of his service and sacrifice, but also miss him dearly. In cooperation with Christopher’s wife Penny, the Class of ‘79 is pleased to establish the Christopher J. Splinter Scholarship Fund to honor him and his commitment to education and service to our country as well as to ensure his memory lives on for generations to come.
Christopher seemed to have been born to rise to a high level of leadership and excellence. That was a testament to his upbringing on a farm outside of Platteville. Early on he learned the value of making tough choices, being accountable and of personal discipline. From his family of 11 brothers and sisters, he learned of the incredible bond of love that supersedes one's own self. His parents, Barbara and Virgil, taught him love of God, the church and his community. Beyond his family, Christopher was also passionate about sports. He excelled on the football field of Platteville High School, where his leadership and command of teamwork began to blossom. During this time he also discovered another passion in his life, the person who would eventually become his wife, Penny. After marriage, they would bring forth two beautiful children, Mitchell and Rachel.
Professionally Major Splinter began his career at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Here he entered the ROTC program and graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate. He also obtained a B.A. in Business Administration. In 1989 he was commissioned as an officer in the Army Corps of Engineers. This began his career of service to our country.
His service took him to many parts of the country and the world. Major Splinter was stationed in Colorado, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Korea and Iraq. All the while he maintained a dedication to his family, a love of hunting, the Packers and Wisconsin.
Some of the many awards and commendations that Major Splinter received during his storied career were the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Army Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. He also received many other active and reserve service awards along with his earning Airborne Wings, Air Assault Wings, and completion of the elite Sapper Leader Course (twice). He earned his Combat Patch for service with the 4th Infantry Division, which he wore proudly on his right shoulder, and the Bronze Star for his meritorious service and bravery while in combat operations in Iraq. Major Splinter was also posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for his ultimate sacrifice.
Christopher’s classmates from Platteville High School are proud of his service and sacrifice, but also miss him dearly. In cooperation with Christopher’s wife Penny, the Class of ‘79 is pleased to establish the Christopher J. Splinter Scholarship Fund to honor him and his commitment to education and service to our country as well as to ensure his memory lives on for generations to come.
Recipients:
2010 Kassondra Woolford
2011 Seth Feldman
2013 Sophie Burton
If you are interested in making a tax deductible donation to the scholarship fund please contact UW Foundation at 608.342.1969. Alternatively you can donate online at UW Foundation.