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Gold Star Mom speaks at Austintown's 33rd Veterans Day Assembly
AUSTINTOWN
A mom has dedicated her life to serving veterans – and helps her son live on through her service.
Chris Wortman spoke Friday about her duty as a “Gold Star Mother” who had three children enlist in the military – one who was killed in action.
She addressed Austintown School District staff and students, as well as township residents, gathered in the Fitch High School auditorium for the 33rd annual Veterans Day Assembly to honor local veterans for their service.
Her son Sgt. Robert Carr, 22, a Champion High School graduate from Fowler Township, Trumbull County, was killed in action by an improvised explosive device March 13, 2007, while on patrol in Al Dora, Baghdad, Iraq.
During his time in the military, Carr received a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Iraq Campaign medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service medals, Parachutist Badge, Overseas Badge and Korean Defense Service Medal.
Since her son’s death, Wortman said she has dedicated her life to serving and speaking about veterans – and helps her son live on through her service.
“He always was my hero and now he’s everyone’s hero,” she said.
Chris Berni, Fitch principal, said he enjoys being part of a school that carries on such a patriotic tradition. “It’s critical that we take time to remind our young people of what our military does for our country and for its people,” he said. “Without doing that we are not able to continue to foster a sense of patriotism for our kids.”
Berni said hearing stories such as Wortman’s really impacts students.
“Our kids genuinely have great respect for the military already and this just allows them to stay connected with those who are serving or who have served,” he said.