Mundelein turns out to welcome injured soldier
Dozens of boisterous people filled a normally quiet Mundelein neighborhood this morning to welcome home a local soldier injured in Iraq.
Police cars and fire trucks escorted U.S. Army Pfc. Patrick Madison and his family through Mundelein to their home in the Concord Grove subdivision. As the caravan approached the Madison house, it was greeted by countless American flags, patriotic banners and signs.
Madison's father, Larry, was tickled by the outpouring of support from his family's friends and neighbors.
"It was quite entertaining, to say the least," Larry Madison said. "It's been fun."
A member of the 3rd Infantry Division, Patrick Madison was injured May 23 in a tank fire. He suffered internal injuries from the smoke and flames, his father said.
It was the second time he'd been injured in Iraq.
Madison, a 2006 Carmel High School graduate, has been recuperating at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. His dad has been by his side much of that time as his advocate.
After a 30-day leave, the soldier will return to the hospital for more treatments that could last for a year, his father said.
"The good news is, he's recovering," the elder Madison said. "Everything he has is curable."
Neighbor Kathi Petrocelli helped organize today's celebration. The event was put together pretty quickly, she said, because they learned Madison was heading home only a few days ago.
She had personal reasons for taking part.
"I have a son in the Army and I really appreciate the sacrifice they make, and their dedication," she said.
The event attracted plenty of young children. Eight-year-old Harrison Jensen, who attends Santa Maria del Popolo School with some of Madison's siblings, called the gathering exciting.
Harrison's dad, Brian Jensen, said attending was the least they could do for the Madisons.
"It's great for Patrick and the Madison family to see what kind of support is behind him," Jensen said.
The event also paid tribute to one of Patrick's brothers, Mark, who is a soldier in a different unit in Iraq. Beneath the giant sign reading "Welcome home Patrick!!!!" on the Madison's garage was a second banner reading "We miss you Mark!"