Area soldier killed
Family, friends establish memorial to remember Williamsburg man who died this week in IraqBy Phil Ray, pray@altoonamirror.com
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Fact Box
CASUALTIES
Other local service members who died in Operation Iraqi Freedom:
Blair County
-- Sgt. Brandon E. Adams, 22, Hollidaysburg: Sept. 19, 2004
-- Gunnery Sgt. Ronald E. Baum, 38, Hollidaysburg: May 3, 2004
-- Sgt. Curtis J. Forshey, 22, Hollidaysburg: March 27, 2007
-- Spc. Michael A. Hook, 25, Altoona: Aug. 22, 2007
-- Staff Sgt. Daniel R. Lightner Jr., 28, Hollidaysburg: Oct. 27, 2005
-- Pfc. Larry Parks, 24, Newburg section of Logan Township: June 18, 2007
Bedford County
-- Spc. Clint R. Matthews, 31, Bedford: March 19, 2004
Cambria County
-- Sgt. Christopher A. Golby, 26, Johnstown: Jan. 8, 2004
-- Pfc. Aaron J. Rusin, 19, Johnstown: Oct. 11, 2004
Centre County
-- Capt. Tristan N. Aitken, State College: April 4, 2003
-- Sgt. 1st Class David A. Cooper, 36, State College: Sept. 5, 2007
-- Spc. Craig S. Ivory, 26, Port Matilda: Aug. 17, 2003
-- Chief Petty Officer Michael E. Koch, 29, State College: Feb. 4, 2008
-- Sgt. Timothy R. Van Orman, 24, Port Matilda: Feb. 5, 2008
Clearfield County
-- Pfc. Bradley G. Kritzer, 18, Irvona: May 5, 2004
The following local service member died supporting Operation Enduring Freedom:
Centre County
-- Spc. Brett M. Hershey, 23, State College: March 26, 2005
Source: Department of Defense
Williamsburg is a small community, which explains how just hours after native son Spc. Chad Edmundson, 20, died Wednesday in Iraq, a makeshift memorial was established in his honor at High and Second streets.
By early Thursday afternoon, members of the Edmundson family were placing flowers on the dirt plot next to the First National Bank of Pennsylvania. A sign resting on a cross said, "Remember Chad."
Bank manager Dave Cadle said the land next to the bank was already rimmed with American flags in celebration of Memorial Day.
Cadle, known to the young people of Williamsburg as "Coach," said Edmundson often attended Crossroads, a Christian youth group led by Cadle. He said establishing the memorial was "the right thing to do."
"We prayed with him," Cadle said as he remembered the soldier who graduated less than a year ago from Williamsburg Community High School in a class of 48 students.
Word spread quickly through the small community, Cadle said.
"If anybody dies younger than me, it's not right. ... He was always a fine young man, very respectful," he said.
As Edmundson's 12-year-old brother, Alex, placed flowers around the memorial, their stepsister, Stephanie Foor, 19, cried in the arms of a friend. She spoke softly to BeBe LeBang, the young high school exchange student from Thailand who lived this year with the Edmundson family at 30 Bluebird Drive.
"I don't consider him a stepbrother. ... He was a good brother," Foor said amid her tears.
The Army was releasing few details about Edmundson's death on Thursday, but the family was told that he was killed and three others were injured by an improvised explosive device.
Edmundson was part of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard Company B, Second Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade, that left the Frankstown Armory in January and is headquartered at Camp Liberty north of Baghdad.
He had his heart set on serving in the military, said Alicia Mingle at Martin's General Store Thursday afternoon. Mingle graduated with Edmundson last year.
"He talked about joining the Army all [senior] year," she said.
Edmundson was remembered by many in town as a young man who loved wrestling and playing chess, and who made people smile.
"It's a tragedy. He's going to be missed. Everybody got along with him," Mingle said.
A counselor from Altoona Regional Health System, Altoona Hospital Campus, was at the high school Thursday to help students through their grief, principal Maureen Letcher said.
She said Edmundson was "a very, very nice young man. He always had a smile on his face. He would pretty much do anything for anyone."
She said Edmundson's death "definitely affects the student body and it will affect the entire community."
Karen Swab, a first cousin of Edmundson's dad, Roy, knew Chad all his life.
"He'd light up a room with that smile," she said.
Williamsburg Patrol Officer Dave Flaig described Edmundson as a good kid.
"You see it [a soldier's death] all the time on TV, but when it hits home ... you just have to keep the family in your prayers," he said.
Jessica Miller, Edmundson's sister, is 23. She said the two, like any brother and sister, would have spats, but added, "We were very close. He was one of my best friends." She said he loved "skateboarding, bowling, golfing, fishing, wrestling, being with friends and family, and making his own rules."
His favorite band, she said, was Strung Out, and two of the people he loved the most were his father and his Uncle Mike.
"Chad was a great kid and his entire family is so proud of him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him," she said.
The family communicated with him through letters and by webcam online. He was very anxious to get home, she said.
The family has requested that his cousin Jordan Swartz, who also is in Iraq, be permitted to accompany his body back to Blair County. As of late Thursday, permission had not been granted.
Mike Kauruter, 24, who works at Roscoe's Auto across from the memorial in the center of Williamsburg, said he knew the family.
"I saw a lot of people looking," he said of the memorial. "That's real nice."
Funeral arrangements for Edmundson are being handled by Bolger Funeral Home in Williamsburg.
Mirror Staff Writer Phil Ray is at 946-7468. Mirror Staff Writer Wendy McCardle contributed to this story.
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plewis312
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06-03-09 8:20 AM
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Didn't know Chad for a very long period of time but trained together in Mississippi before we headed to Iraq. He was always motivated and ready do anything that needed to be done. Chad will be in my prayers along with his family. You were a good soldier and a better person. Watch over the rest of us buddy.
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Sabrina714
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05-30-09 4:09 PM
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***********trilulilu.ro/osy91/1a433320f88767 This is a link to a song that I think will give everybody comfort at this time. My brother served with Chad in Iraq. Our family prayers and sympathy go out to his family.
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hopeunseen
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05-30-09 7:57 AM
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My son is in C-Co, 1st, 111th, currently serving in Iraq with the 56th SBCT. I'm thankful for Chad's service to us all and heartbroken to hear that we've lost this young man. I will be praying that the Lord comforts his family, friends and certainly praying for comfort and Godspeed for the rest B Co-2nd-112th.
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Skoal123
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05-30-09 12:12 AM
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Chad was a great guy and a great friend he never caused any problems for anyone and when we where in our senior year together he talked non stop bout the army and how he couldnt wait to join up and fight for our country RIP buddy your goin to be missed and we all will meet again some day........
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IMissFranksPizza
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05-29-09 9:42 PM
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May God be with him and his family during this time...The family should be, as I'm sure they are, very proud of their son...
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DAK3MOTHER
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05-29-09 9:22 PM
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God Bless Chad's family and may God guide them thru this difficult time. Our prayers go out to every family that experienced the kind of loss that this family has had. Our community should be proud of Chad and every military personnel that has served or will serve from our community.
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BrokenFriend17
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05-29-09 7:05 PM
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Chad was a good guy, always knew how to make a person laugh. we were good friends, he was my neighbor and my first friend i ever had at a new school. we had many classes together and he had this presence, that, if you were in a bad mood, he knew how to make you happy. he was like a brother to me, and still is. You will be missed chad, and you touched more hearts than ever. We are brothers for eternity chad. Love and miss you. Jessie
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ExSFmedic
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05-29-09 6:18 PM
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You will be missed but are not forgotten.
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gandulf
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05-29-09 3:20 PM
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Thank you young man for all that you did. May God open his arms and welcome you home.
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christophergray9
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05-29-09 3:14 PM
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he was a good kid. we were in RSP together. always did what he was told and helped out others. im gald that i had the chance to serve with him. my prayers to the famiy.
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Pixiesticks
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05-29-09 2:03 PM
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My husband is serving in Iraq and was with Chad right before it happened. All our love to you and your family. My husband said that your son is a great guy that he is proud to know. Personally I can't convey in words how much my hearts breaks for your family and friends. Deneen, all my love to you and the others as well. Miss you all. Stay safe. If you need anything just let me know. Mrs. Cramer
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Proudarmywife
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05-29-09 12:53 PM
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I am praying for the friends and family of Chad. My husband served w/Chad in Iraq and was with him the day before.Chad is a true Hero!I thank him for all that he has done for me and this country!
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HopeBenning
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05-29-09 12:25 PM
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To the Edmundson family & friends, if there is anything that I can do for you please contact me, I am here for you & I will be at your son's service to pay respects on behalf of myself & Chad's Bravo brothers, one of which is my brother. My family & I have been packing care packages for all of Bravo's soldiers this week & it breaks my heart to take one off the list. My prayers are with Bravo 2/112 for the loss of a brother, the squad who saw it happen & for the speedy recovery of those injured. Deneen- My thoughts exactly, you're speaking for many I'm sure! Let's face it, we can only wish we'll be ALLOWED to win the war & end it. Do your best take care of each other & come home safe. Keep an eye out for our care packages. XOXO
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GR8MOMMA4BELLE
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05-29-09 12:24 PM
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There's no mention of her, but I believe he had a fiance. My thoughts and prayers go out to her also.
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Mamaof3
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05-29-09 10:33 AM
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My family's hearts and prayers are with the family of this fine young soldier. He was taken much too soon. May it bring you comfort to know he is with Our Lord and Savior.
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CharlieVarrick
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05-29-09 10:24 AM
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My hearts and prayers to the family. I thought the whole purpose of electing obama was to withdraw forces in Iraq once and for all so that no more blood is shed. To lose a young life like this just isn't fair. I do as an evangelical Christian believe Chad is in heaven right now. It's not much comfort for his family saying that but at least it is hope that the entire family will be reconciled in heaven one day.
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REDeneen
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05-29-09 8:32 AM
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All of us here are looking to even the score for you Chad! I hope I speak for everyone when I say this. You will be missed. Brothers for eternity! Sincerly, Bco 2-112
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medic7528
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05-29-09 8:28 AM
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My heart and prayers go out to the family. I am aware of this story and have also been informed that there was another local man who was injured in the same vehicle during the explosion. Please keep him in your prayers as well.
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onecent
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05-29-09 8:11 AM
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It is unbelievable to think that just last summer the boy who you would see skate boarding around town and being out at the quarry jumping the cliffs and swimming with his buds is now gone..........may all who knew and loved him find comfort in knowing that you all now have an angel watching over you!!
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PSUgrad05
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05-29-09 5:20 AM
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To the Edmundson family and friends: I am deeply saddened and sorry for the loss of such a fine young man and an exceptional soldier. Chad always had a smile on his face and was willing to do anything for anyone. Chad will be greatly missed, honored and remembered.
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ang465
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05-29-09 5:12 AM
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My heart goes out to the family and all those who knew Chad. May you find comfort in God. What a tragedy. We need to get our servicemen and women home! I know the whole community of Williamsburg is praying for the family. God Bless you all! What a great little town we live in! Everyone comes together in times such as these and that is so nice to see. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
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