Christopher Siegle, a shareholder in the firm’s Business, Employee Benefits and Estate Planning groups, was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal by United States Northern Command in a ceremony at the NORAD and U.S. Northern Command Headquarters on November 13, 2007. The citation on his award reads:

Commander Christopher P. Siegle, United States Navy Reserve, distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious service as Command Center Crew Chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, from October 2005 to November 2007. During this period, the outstanding leadership, professional skill, and ceaseless efforts of Commander Siegle resulted in major contributions to the success of the Command’s missions. As Crew Chief, he provided expert foresight in anticipating Department of Defense assets that could be brought to bear on emerging hurricanes, and potential homeland threats resulting in effective response with subordinate commands and interagency partners. He further provided unparalleled briefs to government officials including the Secretary of Defense and Homeland Security during real world events, resulting in superior execution of the Command’s missions during each of the 67 shifts he led. Through his distinctive accomplishments, Commander Siegle reflected great credit upon himself, the United States Navy, and the Department of Defense.


The Defense Meritorious Service Medal is immediately superior to the Meritorious Service Medal, and immediately behind the Purple Heart in precedence.

U.S. Northern Command is the joint combatant command formed after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to provide homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities. The command is responsible for the operational control of all active-duty military in direct defense of the United States, and Department of Defense response to disasters when requested by a state and ordered by the president and the secretary of defense.

Chris is the Officer in Charge of a detachment of U.S. Third Fleet’s Joint Force Maritime Component Commander organization in Bangor, Washington. He has served in the U.S. Navy since 1990.

Ryley Carlock & Applewhite supports Commander Siegle and others who serve their country so honorably.

Photo Below:  Siegle (right) receives medal and commendation from his commanding officer: