Plainfield Residents Show Support for Fallen Marine

A public viewing for Aurora native Cpl. Sara Medina was held today at St. Mary Immaculate Parish in Plainfield. Medina was one of eight people killed in a helicopter crash in Nepal May 12. Medina was assisting in earthquake relief efforts.

Scores of people lined up to honor Medina, many of them people who just wanted to come out and show their support.

Plainfield resident Julia Bottom Albores said coming out to support Medina was the American thing to do.

“We support all branches of the military,” Albores said. “I have quite a few family members in the military. I think it’s important to instill in the children what America’s about and this is what it’s about - coming out in the community to support those who put their lives on the line for us everyday. A lot of people do not appreciate that and take that into consideration on a daily basis.”

Sheri Bottom, who is also a Plainfield resident, echoed Albores’ statement.

“I think it’s important for the family to see as they drive by,” Bottom said. “People care about their daughter. People who have never met their daughter, their sister, their grandchild, their aunt. People just care. I’m a mom of a 23 year old myself and I try to instill in my little ones that that could be your brother there. It means a lot for the family to see that.”

Both Bottom and Albores took part in the parade and flag line June 2 in Plainfield.

Therese Skalnik has a daughter, Catelynn, in active duty. Catelynn is an aviation electrician and a Lance Corporal. Skalnik also participated in Tuesday’s parade and flag line in Plainfield. She considers herself to be a big supporter of the troops. She also admitted that she was a little disappointed in the turnout, saying there should be more people to show their support.

“They support our freedom every single day, something that many people take for granted,” Skalnik said. “It would be nice to have that support here around showing that to everybody.”

The viewing for Medina will continue June 3 until 7 p.m. when a prayer service will be held. St. Mary Immaculate Parish is located at 15629 S. Rte 59 in Plainfield.

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