Community rallies around guardsman after fire

[unhappycamper]

Community rallies around guardsman after fire
The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Dec 12, 2009 18:08:41 EST

CEDAR LAKE, Ind. — A 33-year-old soldier who was stationed in Iraq when his family’s home was gutted by fire said he’s grateful for an outpouring of community support following the accidental blaze.

Christopher Rekitzke, of Cedar Lake, on Friday night thanked a crowd of veterans and others at American Legion Post 261 in Cedar Lake. He has been home from Iraq for about a week following the Dec. 2 fire.

“My story is split between my guys out there wearing this uniform and all the good we are doing for that country and making sure my kids and family are all right, strong and no one is taking advantage of them,” he said.

Rekitzke plans to rejoin his National Guard unit in northern Iraq as early as next week.

Rekitzke’s wife, Annie, and their four children were living at the home but weren’t there when the fire started. The house was gutted and the family’s dog, two cats and belongings were lost.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/12/ap_guardsman_fire_iraq_121209/