Published: May 16, 2006 12:49 pm      

Preparations

About 20 people braved chilly, rainy weather Monday to honor fallen soldier Chris Donaldson.

Taunya Ohnesorge of Shumway, who described herself as the best friend of Donaldson’s mother Lynne, organized an effort to tie black ribbons inside yellow ribbons that had been placed along the parade route in Effingham for Company B, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry of the Illinois Army National Guard earlier this month.

“It’s the least we can do,” Ohnesorge said, adding the fallen soldier’s family has told her the recent outpouring of community support has been vital since his death on May 5 in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

“The family has told me that if not for the prayers from the community, they would not have been able to get through this time,” she said.

After meeting at the front door to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham, volunteers tied the black ribbons with the yellow ribbons beginning on Fayette, turning north on Third and continuing to Evergreen.

Donaldson’s body is expected to travel in a procession from St. Louis to Effingham today.

Ohnesorge’s sister, Tracey Greuel of Effingham, said the black ribbons are a way for the community to remember Donaldson’s sacrifice.

“This is a kid who devoted his life to the military,” Greuel said. “As my duty here, I feel it’s important to support him and his family.”

A third sister, Donez McNeely of Effingham, said she was motivated by her lifelong friendship with Donaldson’s parents Bill and Lynne.

“I’ve known Bill and Lynne my entire life,” McNeely said. “I just want to show support for their son and what he’s done for us. It’s just a little thing I can do.”

Bill Grimes can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 132 or bgrimes@effinghamdailynews.com