Family of fallen soldier offers support

VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - There is one family in Vigo County, that perhaps knows better than any other, what Sgt. Dale Griffin's family is going through.

Sgt. Kyle Childress was killed almost five years ago during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His family now offer their support to the family of Sgt. Dale Griffin.

Childress was killed Jan. 21, 2005.

"We think about him every day," Kyle's father, Kevin Childress, said. "There isn't a day that goes by that we don't recollect something about Kyle."

News of Griffin's death brought back memories of Kyle. Kyle's brother, Jason, knew Griffin from high school and made a shirt stating "Brothers of Mine" with pictures of both Kyle and Dale.

"Immediately my heart dropped again," said Jason Childress. "It was like déjà vu all over again."

The Childress' plan to pay their respects to Griffin attending both the procession and the funeral Wednesday.

Their flag in front of Kyle's memorial in their front yard has been at half-staff since hearing news of Griffin's passing.

"I think of Kyle every day," Keith Childress said. "Now this has happened and I feel so sad for his parents and his family."

Sergeants Kyle Childress and Dale Griffin are not the only Wabash Valley soldiers that have died while serving our county.