By Bob Thibodeau, proud father
When my son was about 8 years old I took him to see an airshow featuring the Blue Angels. As with many kids after this type of experience, he came home and wanted to be a pilot. Neither his mother or I thought much about it at the time.
As the years ticked by, his desire to be a pilot did not diminish; however, his eyesight did. By the time he was in high school he needed glasses and was heartbroken to learn that he needed uncorrected 20/20 vision to fly in the Air Force or Navy.
He resigned himself to his fate but never gave up completely on his dream. When he learned the Army would take him if he had lasik surgery and 1 year later his eyes showed no further deterioration, we were at the eye doctor the next day. His surgery was a success and the following year his eyes were still better than 20/20. He couldn’t wait to sign up! Fast forward to today…
My son completed Army helicopter training school and had his choice of airframes to fly; he chose the BADDEST helicopter in the world – the Apache.
He is presently stationed in Afghanistan, flying his Apache, living his dream. I am jealous (yes, and nervous)! I know all parents are proud of the accomplishments of their children but this type of fortitude, desire and determination is what makes our armed services so great. The Army couldn’t have made a better choice for a pilot. To the USAF and USN – there is a lesson here!
“It is with regret to inform you. Today 05-26-11, My Nephew Chris died when his helicopter crashed in eastern Afghanistan. He flew the AH-64D Apache Longbow for the US Army. He was a great man, just recently married to a wonderful woman. He was just back in the states a month ago and just told us a week ago that he and his wife a having a baby…(CONT)…. I am sad that we had to lose him but proud of the man he was and what he was fighting for…. He will be missed terrible by all that knew him… I love and miss you Chris….. my thought and prayers are with you.” — Kevin Walker, Uncle
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16 Responses to “Featured Story: Seeing a Dream Become Reality”
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My wife and kids and I have the pleasure of personaly knowing Chris and the Thibodeau family. What the story doesn’t say is that while Chris is a fantastic pilot, exemplary soldier and a loving husband, he is even a better human being. Passionate in protecting the interests of his country and compassionate in its pursuance. We miss Chris very much and look forward to his safe return. In his small home town,…we all couldn’t be more proud.
What a tribute to the parents of this young man for supporting him in his dream, for taking him for that surgery instead of downplaying his dream. My son wanted to be a Marine from an early age, and although the family did their best to disuade him from this, he fought through a winter bootcamp with several bouts of pnuemonia that put him in the hospital and achilles tendonitis, both of which could have put him out. He spent 15 weeks in boot camp, but he graduated and is now a Lcpl, preparing to head over to Afghanastan early next year. I believe that this country has the best motivated men and women serving in our Armed Forces.
Thank you for sharing your story!
What a very amazing story about a young man who never gave up on his dreams. Thank you so very much for the sacrafices you and your family have made. May God bless you and your family!
This was a very heart warming story, God Bless you and your son and his family.He will be in our prayers also. ( We have a son in Korea,He will be coming State Side Next month) What wonderful parents you are.
I am proud to say that while working for McDonnell Douglas I was transferred to the Mesa Arizona facility where we built The Apache AH-64D. Yes Chris is flying the Baddest Helicopter in the world. Good luck to you Soldier & Thank You for you service. God Bless you & your Family.
Great job! Thanks for sharing. One proud helicopter mom to another.
Believe.
Diana
It is with regret to inform you. Today 05-26-11, My Nephew Chris died when his helicopter crashed in eastern Afghanistan. He flew the AH-64D Apache Longbow for the US Army. He was a great man, just recently married to a wonderful woman. He was just back in the states a month ago and just told us a week ago that he and his wife a having a baby…(CONT)…. I am sad that we had to lose him but proud of the man he was and what he was fighting for…. He will be missed terrible by all that knew him… I love and miss you Chris….. my thought and prayers are with you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thibodeau family. His story was an inspiration to many and it was apparent that he was a loving person and father who dedicated his life for our country.
I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with his family. When I read this story awhile back it reminded me of my son. When he was little people would ask him what he wanted to be when he grew up and his response was always “I’m gonna be a soldier!”. Well he is now 19 and is serving with the 101st. Airborne Div. He leaves for his first deployment in July…….To Chris and his family, you raised and married an exceptional man, my god comfort you durring your time of sorrow and bring you a smile when you need it the most. Thank you and your son for your service!
God Bless You All
I did not know Chris. However I served with soldiers like him. I know how he loved and honored his service. There are no words which will ease your pain. I offer my most sincere condolences. He will live on in the memories of those who knew him and those who know what service means. SSG Ferreira
I was lucky enough to have spent the last year serving along side Chris. I couldn’t have asked for a better friend. He was always there to lend an ear when i needed it and to share his smile with us. Chris is truly the definition of a hero. He meant so much to all his buddies here in Afghanistan. People and possessions may come and go but his memory will stay with me for the rest of my days. My prayers go out to all of his family.
Chris was a wonderful brother, to both his blood siblings and the many he adopted as little brothers and sisters. He was a hero, he still is a hero. He was loved by so many people and touched so many lives. His legacy will live on through the little one growing in my sister-in-law’s belly. He loved the soldiers he served with, and all he would want is for them to come home to their loved ones. He always said he would, and did, give his life for that. I love you Chris – please watch over us and may your smile somehow bring a smile back to us one day.
I raise and breed Akita’s in Alabama. About 3 years ago I was contacted by this nice young man named Chris who wanted to see the sire and dam. He drove many hours to see them. He asked about getting pick of the next litter and since he was in the military and training in south Alabama to become a pilot I promised he could have whichever puppy he wanted. When the pups were born he made the trip again and picked out his puppy. When the pups were eight weeks old he came back again and picked up his puppy whom he named Nolan. I am grateful for that puppy who is now a monster lol. Had it not been for that pup I never would have gotten to know this wonderful young man and his beautiful bride. He will be missed by all that know him. Much love going out to his family, his wife and their unborn child.
To Chris’ Family,
I would not of known of your loss, had my son, who just so happens to be stationed at the same place, hadn’t told us. The story of the bravery we heard, the pure effort that went into trying to save, what we all have now learned was a very proud american, whose only dream was to fly, and to use his uncle’s words, he chose the best airframe available. My son is still in country on the memorial day weekend, and your son is now with God, protecting those in heaven. I assure you that I am a disabled combat vetran, who does what ever he can for every single soilder, sailor marine and airmen.
Please accept our deepst sympathy for your loss and as many have said, Be Proud of the man you raised,for he may be gone but I assure you he will NEVER be forgotten. He is a true american HERO.
God be with you and may you find some peace in knowing he served to the very last breath. Thank you for protecting us, Chris.
I’m am proud to have called Chris friend and consider him my brother. We have flown together on many combat missions and he always performed above and beyond, he was an excellent co-pilot gunner. He was a warrior and a hero. We would always enjoy our after mission cigars together outside our tent. All the guys would get together and swap experiences of our adventures outside the wire and of how our families were doing back home. We will miss him… Just not the same without him. We keep his chair set us with us now every time we smoke or watch a movie in his honor. Chris will forever be in my thoughts, his family is in my prayers.