Sondra, Thank you for your concern for my well being. Frankly, I wish you could make it all a bad dream too. I’m “doing,” I don’t think it will be “well” for a while. I know there will be good and bad days coming up, now that the services are over.
There were several of Chris’ buddies and soldiers at the visitation and funeral. His gunner from his 2nd Iraq tour came in from Pennsylvania and two good friends of Caroline and Chris flew in from Washington (Gig Harbor). Others drove up from Fort Stewart (GA), Fort Leonard Wood (MO) and from Florida.
There were three or four soldiers at the visitation/funeral from from his unit in Afghanistan, to include a couple of his “kids” in attendance. One young lady in Chris’ squad had been travelling back from Afghanistan for leave with her family. When she came home, she found out from her mom and dad what happened to SSG Ski-she and her mom and dad were at the visitation.
Yesterday at the meal provided by two of the churches in Rantoul, I was speaking with one of the soldiers from Chris’ unit and I asked him if he had any news on the two soldiers who were seriously injured in the IED attack which killed Chris. He said that they had regained consciousness and were in the DC area (Walter Reed and Bethesda). I won’t say more about the injuries, because I don’t have the official word on their condition. However, I will say that I’m glad you’re looking at the Valor-IT fund raiser. It may very well have a direct impact on one or both of these young soldiers. When I have their names, I will send them to you, perhaps some of the porch crew could send a card or note to them and their families and keep them in their thoughts and prayers. While I hurt for the loss of Chris, I get some comfort to know that he isn’t in pain anymore and that he didn’t suffer before he died. However, those kids at Walter Reed AMC and Bethesda NMC and their families have a long ordeal ahead of them and they will need all of the support they can get.
Again, how can I ever thank you enough for sharing Chris’ story? People have responded from across the country because you cared enough to do those posts. I don’t think you know how you have moved so many people to action. There is a nice Facebook tribute page “Rest in Peace Sgt. Christopher Rudzinski 8/29/81-10/16/09” with over 1,800 fans. Chris’ old Army buddies have sought us out and it’s been a comfort and blessing for us to meet them and make them part of our extended family. Chris’ wife, Caroline, is in awe of the compassionate responses of so many caring Americans (and non-Americans) and feels less like a stranger and understands much more about being an American. Her parents are touched by the care their daughter has received from complete strangers. Several Rantoul residents have joined the Patriot Guard Riders after they saw what they did for Chris. One fireman I spoke with today said that Chris’ loss inspired his department to get involved in honoring our fallen. There are many other inspirations which have evolved from those posts and likely more that I’m unaware of.
I hope your faith in America is further restored. You have certainly been instrumental in restoring mine.
With much love and admiration for you and the porch,
Mike
