Home » Archives » "Bremerton family prays for missing soldier"

Bremerton family prays for missing soldier

Jan-28-2004 » Filed Under: 3/2 SBCT

[Link to Full Article] including picture of Christopher Bunda.

By GARY CHITTIM / KING 5 News [update of previous story from parents perspective]

BREMERTON, Wash. - The past few days have been agonizing for the Bremerton family of a missing soldier in Iraq but they are still hoping for a miracle.

Staff sergeant Christopher Bunda, a member of the Stryker brigade in Fort Lewis, Wash., disappeared after his patrol boat capsized on the Tigris river Sunday.

His run a store in Bremerton, where they have a steady stream of customers and well-wishers. Customers are all met by the smiling face of Bunda in a collection of photos behind the cash register.

"Every time he would come through the door in his uniform, we'd just be really proud," said stepfather Thomal Vigil.

While the parents wait, the military is combing the banks of the Tigris river looking for Bunda and two chopper crew members who crashed while they were searching for Bunda.

It's full-scale day and night near the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, much like the vigil in Bremerton where the family can't give up hope.

"The Tigris River is long and winding,” said Vigil.”If he was swept downstream, there's still a chance he's still here."

"My son is still alive,” said his mother Lita Vigil. “He's still out there. Please pray for him.”

Bunda also has a wife and two young children in Bremerton.


Advertisements