NATCHEZ — Natchez native Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Shaw gave his life in the Philippines Tuesday after the vehicle he was in struck an improvised explosive device.

The explosion happened on Jolo Island, where Shaw was deployed with the 3rd battalion, 1st Special Forces Group — Airborne in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The U.S. Special Forces Command Public Affairs Office released a statement Thursday confirming Shaw had been killed.

This was his second deployment in support of the Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Jack M. Martin III, of Bethany, Okla., was also killed in the incident.

Shaw’s family released a statement through the Special Forces Command Public Affairs Office, stating they would not grant media interviews.

“On Sept. 29 we lost a husband, father, son, brother and uncle.

“We would like to thank everyone for their support during this most difficult and trying time.

“We appreciate the condolences, prayers and acts of kindness that we have received,” the statement said.

“Chris was a man who deeply loved his family and believed that he was making a difference in the fight against terror.”

Shaw enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve on Nov. 22, 1994. At the time, he was a student at Texas Southern University, and in May 1995 he left college to join active-duty Army as a forward observer.

After attending basic training, advanced individual training and the U.S. Army Airborne School, he went to the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Lewis, Wash.

In 1997, Shaw volunteered for the Special Forces Assessment and Selection course, and in March 1999 he completed the Special Forces Qualification Course.

Later, he was assigned to 1st Special Forces Group — Airborne at Fort Lewis, and went on to serve as an instructor at the Special Forces Qualification Course at Camp Mackall, N.C., before returning to the 1st Special Forces Group at Fort Lewis.

Shaw’s awards and decorations include Meritorious Service Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medals, Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Meritorious Unit Citation and the Philippine Presidential Unit citation. Shaw earned the Special Forces tab, Ranger tab and the Parachutist Badge.

He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Shaw had degree in history from Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, N.J.

Survivors include his wife Attina; five children, Darian Shaw, Erielle Smith, Jalyn Smith, Dante Shaw and Cydney Shaw of Fort Lewis, Wash.; his mother Camille Felton and step-father Willie Felton of Chicago; his father Walter Owens of Port Wentworth, Ga.; two brothers, Orlando Shaw of Chicago and Maurey Owens of Jackson; and two sisters, Kenya Shaw of Chicago and Gwen Owens of Atlanta.