Lawmakers honor fallen North Aurora veteran

SPRINGFIELD — Lawmakers Wednesday honored a fallen North Aurora soldier who was killed in Afghanistan last January.

@$ID/[No paragraph style]:West Aurora graduate Christopher Patterson’s family was on hand to see tributes in both the Illinois House and Senate.

“Chris was strong in his faith, and many young men and women have stepped forward to tell the story of how this young man changed their lives through his quiet ministry,” said state Rep. Kay Hatcher, a Yorkville Republican, on the House floor. “What greater legacy could any of us, at any age, leave?”

Patterson’s family members said they felt touched and honored by the lawmakers’ words.

“The fact that people continue to recognize him, it helps to ensure that his name will continue to live on and he won’t be forgotten,” said Robert Patterson, Chris’ father.

Sen. Chris Lauzen, an Aurora Republican, recognized Patterson’s life and sacrifice in remarks before the Senate.

Patterson, a 2009 graduate of West Aurora High School, was studying music education at Valparaiso University in Indiana when he left to serve overseas. He was killed along with three other members of his company Jan. 6 in an explosion in the Kandahar Province in Afghanistan.

Patterson was stationed there with the 713th Engineer Company of the Indiana National Guard. He introduced the entire unit to chocolate muffins, which his mother Mary Patterson says the unit still eats at 10 a.m. every day in his honor.

Mary said her son was more than just a soldier; he was also a family-oriented person who loved music. She hoped the recognition of the lawmakers will help keep alive the memory of her son and comfort families of others who have lost loved ones in war.

“This was an honor to have him recognized — it just means so much,” she said.