Jul 8, 2009 5:01 pm US/Mountain
Military Widow Gets Pay It Forward Gift
Written by Suzanne McCarroll
DENVER (CBS4) ―
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CBS4's Suzanne McCarroll talks with Thelma Soto about the death of her husband in Iraq.
CBS
Thelma Soto is in a tiny apartment, with a ten month old baby, and the America flag that covered her husband's coffin. Sgt. Joshua Soto was killed last month in Iraq when an IED exploded under his military vehicle. It was his third tour of duty in Iraq. This is her first time being completely alone.
"I'm trying to stay strong for him." said Soto, 23.
She doesn't cry. She talks softly. And she clutches their ten-month-old for support.
"These are his dog tags. They were given to me at the funeral service."
They are the medal pendants soldiers wear around their neck with their name, social security number and rank. She now wears them around her neck.
In West Denver, Jeannie Strubinger lives in a century old house filled with American flags, peace signs, and pictures of her soldier son. She's never met Thelma Soto, but Soto's story touched her immediately when she heard it.
"For her not to have a father to come home anymore, to realize he's now never coming back." said Strubinger as tears welled up in eyes.
She asked CBS4 News to pay it forward, giving $1,000 to Thelma Soto in honor of her husband who was brave and strong.
"It broke my heart. Everything about it broke my heart." Strubinger told CBS4.
The two women may never meet, but they share a love of men in the military. Through that, they feel connected.
"Will you be o.k. on your own?" CBS4 reporter Suzanne McCarroll asked Soto.
I hope so, I hope so," she replied under her breath.
(© MMIX CBS Television Stations, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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