"The Best Day of My Life"

I was not sure where to begin so I will start by thanking everyone that made this day possible and very memorable for Christopher. I apologize up front if I forget anyone, and also for not being able to personally name and acknowledge all the genuinely compassionate men and women at Fort Benning. I was not on the tour with Chris so the details on the pictures will come from Uncle Mike and Christopher will, in his own words recap his experience.

I heard the amazing run down of that day a few times as Chris very excitedly repeated his story to family and friends, but I think it will be best told coming from him.

So on with the accolades... For making it happen I want to first thank Brandi Cook, Director of Jacksonville's "Dream Come True" . Brandi has been instrumental in granting many wishes for Chris and really hit the ball out of the park with this one! She has been a wonderful source of encouragement for Christopher. Also on the home front, many thanks go to Mike Staley, AKA "Uncle Mike". Christopher asked his Uncle to go with him as he knew he appreciated the Armed Forces, coming from a military family dating back to the Civil War! (Plus this was deemed a "guy thing" so I reluctantly got the axe!) Mike not only took care of our stay while we were in Fort Benning but also made sure there were proper thanks given to those member of the Army Rangers that took the time to make Christopher's visit exceptional. You will see a photo of Chris that we took the night before and put in a frame that Mike had engraved with Christopher's name and "Army Strong". A well thought out and very well accepted gift. I am also thanking my brother in law in advance for commenting on some of the photos as I was not there and do not want to mis respresent anyone!

Next and very importantly are the amazing, kind and compassionate people at Fort Benning. I had no idea that they would go to such great lengths to make this day one that Christopher calls "The best day of his life". When I heard the run down of the days activities I was thrilled for Chris and grateful for all the effort that went into planning all of it. Most of all I was extremely moved by the sincere compassion and heartfelt presence I saw in the photos and videos. It was very clear that their service that day was for a child involved in a fight/battle for his life. As a mom, it was hard not to be there but seeing the expression on their faces as well as Christopher's intense re-telling of his experience I don't feel like I missed a thing. So my very heartfelt thanks to Elsie Sono, Public Affairs Officer; Major General Robert Brown, Fort Benning commanding general; Col. Ryan Kuhn, 197th Infantry Brigade commander; Sgt. Glenn Eller, an instructor and shooter with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit and Olympic Gold Medalist; USAMU platoon sergeant 1st Class Charles Coffey (who gave Christopher his very own President's Hundred Tab worn on his last deployment to Afghanistan; The Ranger Training Brigade; The 194th Army Brigade; the 197th Infantry Brigade and all the men and women at Fort Benning for sharing their themselves and their time with my son. Some of the things that Christopher did that day included flying in a Black Hawk helicopter,riding in a Stryker, seeing a Rangers in Action Demonstration, trap shooting with an olympic gold medalist, hands on with a combat simulator and shooting a M240! Whew...and much more but I will let him comment. I have not seen Christopher smile so hard and be in such great spirits in a very long time. So again, my thanks to all of you that were a part of a very special day in this young boy's life. Much Peace, Patty