Soldier Surrenders at Canadian Border After 16 Years of Desertion

Sgt. Christopher M. Vassey turned himself in to police at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing in Niagara Falls, therefore ending his run of escape after sixteen years. Arriving at the U.S.-Canada border on December 3 carrying only one backpack, the 38-year-old declared his resolve to face the military desertion accusation hovering over him.

Originally an infantryman joining the Army in 2006, Vassey left his service in the 82nd Airborne Division in 2008. After his surrender, U.S. Customs and Border Protection verified his identity and sent him to Army officials out of Fort Liberty, North Carolina.

His surrender's reasons are still unknown, and the Army has not yet revealed whether official charges have been brought up. As witnessed in other well-publicized incidents such Pvt. Travis King, military desertion entails harsh consequences including jail, dishonorable discharge, or pay forfeiture.

Vassey's choice to turn herself in draws attention to the long shadow that desertion leaves on soldiers' life and raises unresolved issues regarding responsibility and atonement as court processes go on.