After 16 years on the run, a deserter from the 82nd Airborne Division faces justice, but his motives remain shrouded in mystery.
At a Glance
- Christopher Vassey, 38, pleaded guilty to desertion after 16 years in Canada
- Vassey served in Afghanistan before going AWOL in July 2008
- He turned himself in at the U.S.-Canadian border on December 3, 2023
- Vassey faces potential prison time and dishonorable discharge
- His case raises questions about military justice and personal conviction
A Soldier’s Unexpected Return
In a surprising turn of events, Sgt. Christopher M. Vassey, a former soldier of the elite 82nd Airborne Division, has emerged from the shadows after 16 years of desertion.
On December 3, 2023, Vassey surrendered himself to authorities at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing in New York, bringing an end to his long-standing AWOL status. This development has sparked intense discussion about military duty, personal convictions, and the consequences of abandoning one’s post.
Vassey’s military career began with promise, as they often do. He joined the New Jersey Army National Guard in 2003 and later enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2006. His commitment to service led him to Afghanistan in 2007, where he served with distinction. However, the harsh realities of war began to wear on the young soldier. Despite his growing disillusionment, Vassey reenlisted during his deployment and was promoted to sergeant, showcasing the complex nature of his relationship with military service.
The turning point came in July 2008 when Vassey, facing the prospect of another tour in Afghanistan, made the fateful decision to go AWOL. His actions raise serious questions about the ethical dilemmas soldiers face and the toll of prolonged conflicts on military personnel. Vassey’s claim of being ordered to violate the rules of armed conflict, if true, points to deeper issues within military operations that demand scrutiny.
Life on the Run: 16 Years in Canada
For over a decade and a half, Vassey lived a quiet life in Canada, working as a construction worker in Ontario. He maintained regular check-ins with Canadian immigration officials, seemingly living in a state of limbo. His attempts to secure refugee protection in Canada were denied at least twice, leaving him in a precarious position. The fact that Vassey chose to live openly, rather than completely disappearing, suggests a man conflicted about his decisions and perhaps hoping for eventual resolution.
“It was basically Canada or go back to Afghanistan. So, I went and came to Canada,” Vassey said.
Now back on U.S. soil, Vassey faces serious charges under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Desertion, especially during a time of war, carries severe penalties. While the death penalty is theoretically on the table for wartime desertion, it’s highly unlikely in this case. More realistically, Vassey could face up to five years of confinement and a dishonorable discharge.
“As this matter is subject to ongoing legal proceedings,” Lt. Col. Cesar Santiago said.
The Army’s response has been characteristically tight-lipped, with officials citing ongoing legal proceedings.
