HHS graduate Christopher Cherry receives Distinguished Public Service Award from the Department of the Navy

Christopher Cherry, a 1968 graduate of Hampton High School, has been honored as the recipient of the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award. The award was granted based on his service and contributions to the Department of the Navy.

Cherry, who spent his entire elementary and secondary years in Hampton City Schools, also served in the U.S. Army and now owns his own company, Cherry Engineering located in New Mexico.

The following information was obtained from his business website:

“Scientist and inventor, Chris Cherry, has worked in the field of explosive system research and design for over 40 years. After service to the United States Military in the US Army Special Forces, Chris attended college on the GI Bill. His insatiable curiosity and enthusiasm for research and application of energetic materials led him to his recruitment by the NAVEODTECHDIV in Indian Head, MD and later Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM.

Chris has designed and developed various IED defeat and explosive entry systems that have been adopted by law enforcement and military agencies worldwide.

Chris currently serves as a technical consultant and designer in the field of high explosives technology in the support of the U.S. Department of Defense, US Department of Energy, US Department of Justice, local law enforcement, commercial blasting, chemical munitions destruction, HME defeat technology, and specialized commercial applications. Chris also serves as lead designer of explosive systems and instructor for specialized EOD training for US Military, state, local and federal bomb squads as well as technical training in the field of explosive entry, and advanced demolition technology/techniques for the US Special Operations Forces.”

Cherry’s sister, Mary Cherry Thibodeaux said, “I am very proud of Chris. He has worked hard, continues to work hard, and has done well for himself.” Cherry told Thibodeaux that “this award has meant more to me than any other that I have received. I am a patriot.”

We thank Cherry for his service to our country and his spotlight on Hampton City Schools.