[ back ]
Memorial Day hits home for Chester community
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - June 01, 2011)
Memorial Day hits home for Chester community
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
The Chester Township community was asked last week to remember one more person who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the country when they gather each Memorial Day.
Chief Warrant Officer Christopher R. Thibodeau, 29, of Chester, died May 26 in Paktika Province, Afghanistan. The U.S. Department of Defense said he died of injuries sustained after his helicopter crashed during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Aviation Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.
His wife, LeeSandra, said Tuesday those who knew her husband found an immediate friend, who had a playful side, except when he put his mind to learn something.
"Chris is the kind of guy that, when you met him, you wanted to be his friend," Mrs. Thibodeau said.
She said it was his generous smile that won her heart and created friends wherever he went. She said he had a generous heart as well. If he knew someone was spending time alone on leave, he would be the first to invite them to come back home with him.
But she said he got a "bigger, goofier smile" when he first sat inside his Apache helicopter.
"He would always tell me, 'I'm going to be a pilot and fly one of those Apaches,'" she said.
While it did not come naturally to Mr. Thibodeau, she said, he worked until he earned his wings, and it was one of his proudest days.
"He had a dream, and there was nothing that was going to stand in his way to get it," she said.
She said Mr. Thibodeau was that way when he first learned that someone could make their own beer or when he saw snowboarding. She said he would apply himself until he felt he had accomplished his goal. "He always wanted to be the expert," she said.
She said he spent some of his time when he was last home in April, trying to perfect his homemade brew.
Mrs. Thibodeau said she has no doubt that her husband is now soaring with the angels. "He has the best wings," she said. "He has angel wings and he is flipping, turning and diving. I know my husband will forever fly."
The two met at a U.S. Army Reserve Medical Command in Florida in 2006, she said. During a recruiting event, Mr. Thibodeau asked for her phone number. While she gave it, she said, she was reluctant at first. She said she initially did not like the idea that he was younger than her.
But she said his personality and smile quickly overcame whatever doubts she had. She said her husband always told her that for him "it was love at first sight."
Mrs. Thibodeau said she never imagined that she would ever find the perfect man, but he showed her that she made the right choice. "I found my prince," she said.
They quickly grew into a family with their "two little sons," a 125-pound Akita and a 4-pound Yorkie. Taking walks with them or getting away for a camping trip, the couple was inseparable from their two sons, she said.
Although Mr. Thibodeau outwardly showed a preference for the bigger dog, she said, she would often find him cuddling and kissing the Yorkie. She said she keeps a photo of her husband with the Yorkie, both decked out in their flight jackets.
Mrs. Thibodeau is six weeks pregnant with their first child and, she said, she knows that Chris is with his child. "My husband is in with that baby, telling her, 'You fight and you be strong.' I know that God has a plan, and one day he'll tell us what his plan was."
This Memorial Day, the community paid its respects with a special wreath being laid for Mr. Thibodeau during services Monday. Neighbors turned out to show their support, bring the family gifts and food. Flags lined the streets and one neighbor erected a 20-by-40-foot flag out of respect.
Mrs. Thibodeau said too often people only hear about the bad things people do, but the show of support from neighbors restores the hope that people are caring and willing to come to people's aid when needed.
Mrs. Thibodeau said she had personally attended two other welcome home ceremonies for other service members who were returning from duty. "I just wanted them to know they are loved."
She asked that all Americans remember those who serve their country and pray that they may return home safely so their loved ones may have a joyful reunion.
State Sen. Timothy Grendell, R-Chester, has said he hopes to rename a portion of Mayfield Road (Route 322) in Mr. Thibodeau's honor.
Mrs. Thibodeau said her husband would be honored and proud to have such an honor bestowed on him. Outwardly, in front of fellow service members, he would probably say, "This is how cool I am," she said.
But she said, in his private moments, he would not wish for such recognition for himself but likely say the road's name would more appropriately be "Soldiers Road" in honor of everyone who has served.
"The Army has lost an incredible hero," she said.
[ back ]
