Spc. Christopher Talbert: "Everybody's Hero"

"It was like losing a child of my own." That's how an East Galesburg resident says she reacted when she heard that 24-year old Army Specialist Chris Talbert died while serving his country in Afghanistan. Karen Kraft contacted WGIL when we asked for people to share with their memories of Talbert. He died Tuesday after a roadside bomb detonated near his vehicle in western Afghanistan. Kraft says she and her daughter Kristin have known Talbert since he was a boy -- communicating often with him, even when the Krafts moved to New York for a time. Kraft tells WGIL she remembers Talbert as always being full of life. "My perception of Chris never changed at all," Kraft said. "He was always, always helping everybody. He loved people. He grew up with my nieces as well, and he treated all three of the girls as if they were sisters." Kraft says she'd classify Talbert as a sort of "underdog", saying, "Chris tried to be everybody's hero." She says she hasn't yet talked to Talbert's family, wanting to give them time to grieve, but wants to give them a big hug and help them however she can. Kraft says her heart aches for Chris' mother Amanda and their entire family. You can still share your memories of Talbert by CLICKING HERE. (Spc. Christopher Talbert. Photo Courtesy Illinois Army National Guard.)

07 09 09 by Newsroom

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