The Wichita, Kansas, chapter of the American Red Cross has posthumously honored Captain Christopher L. Norgren, Missouri S&T ’07, with the Lifetime Hero Award. Norgren, a U.S. Marine, was killed in a helicopter crash during earthquake relief efforts in Nepal in May 2015.

The 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Kathmandu and the surrounding mountainous areas earlier this year. Six U.S. Marines, part of a force of 300 American troops aiding those affected by the disaster, were on a flight delivering relief supplies to a remote area. Their helicopter spun out of control and crashed, killing all six Marines and two Nepali military members. Norgren was the pilot of the helicopter.

The Red Cross chapter honored Norgren, a Wichita native, at a November ceremony in Wichita. His mother, Terri Norgren, accepted the award on his behalf.

Norgren graduated summa cum laude from Missouri University of Science & Technology with a bachelor of science in both aerospace engineering and applied mathematics. He also played defensive end on the university’s football team. He was a member of several student organizations besides SigEp, including the Advanced Aero Vehicle Group and the Missouri Satellite Team.

“Chris Norgren was an exceptionally driven individual,” said David Steele, ’10. “He never did anything without a goal in mind or some long-term plan … he would push others to do the same.”

Steele helped organize a memorial dinner for the Missouri Gamma Chapter brothers and alumni after he heard the news. Several other memorials to Norgen have been established, including recognition by the U.S. Embassy in Nepal and a scholarship fund at Bishop Carroll, Norgren’s high school.

“Every memorial to our brother Chris and his crew is important to their loved ones,” said Marine Corps veteran Renato Villacorte, CalPoly-Pomona ’91. “It’s a reminder to those they left behind that they gave their lives in service.”

Chris has impacted the lives of many Marines, colleagues and chapter brothers with his constant service.

“I doubt there is a member of my class, a Bishop Carroll football student-athlete or a Marine that is not living a better life due to him,” said Steele.