Kristin Cheryl Shay Paulson

Kristin was born July 5, 1979, Anchorage, Alaska. We lost Kristin on July 10, 2005, in El Paso, Texas, from injuries sustained in a hiking accident. Kristin was a bright light in many lives. She will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing and loving her.

Kristin grew up in Kodiak, Alaska, and graduated from Kodiak High School in 1997. She attended Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, graduating summa cum laude in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Kristin joined the ROTC program at PLU in 1999.

It was at PLU that Kristin met and fell in love with Brian. They met rowing and were part of the PLU Crew Team. When Kristin was assigned to Ft. Bliss, El Paso, they said their vows in the Chapel at PLU on Nov 11, 2002. They later had "the wedding" and reception in Ronan on Aug 10, 2003.

Kristin has been posthumously promoted to Captain. She was much loved by her military family. In February 2003, she graduated as an Honor Graduate from the Air Defense Officer Basic Course at Fort Bliss. On Feb. 10, 2003, Capt. Paulson arrived for duty at Bravo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery where she served as a Launcher and Fire Control Platoon Leader. On Dec. 2, 2004, she assumed duties as the Executive Officer of Echo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Air Defense Artillery. CPT Paulson's contributions to the Battalion are immeasurable and earned her the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal.

Although her passing undoubtedly creates a significant loss for her Battery and this Battalion, CPT Paulson's memory and the impression she left behind will be everlasting.

Kristin is survived by her husband, Brian J. Paulson of Ft. Carson, Colo., and Ronan; mother, Gynne Shay of Kodiak; father and step-mother, Dodd and Carole Shay of Wasilla, Alaska; brothers Carl Shay of Kodiak and Dylan Shay of Fairbanks; grandparents, Roger and Isabelle Hollingsworth of Gladwyne, Pa.

There was a memorial service for Kristin at Faith Lutheran Church in Ronan on July 17.

There will be a funeral service today (July 21) in Kodiak.