An Elmhurst family that has already offered its nation the ultimate sacrifice was hit by new tragedy last week, when their home caught fire.
The fire struck just a month after their son, Pfc. Christopher Alcozer, was killed in an ambush in Mosul, Iraq.
"He was wounded, I was told, and he tried to get back to the vehicle. And the last bullet got him," said Jesse Alcozer, the soldier's father.
The family's house burned two days after Christmas when a makeshift shrine to the dead soldier caught fire. The blaze roared through the family home.
"When I seen the flames coming out through a doorway, I just yelled for everybody to get out," said the soldier's mother, Judy Alcozer. "There was no way I was going to be able to turn it out."
Family members escaped, and arriving firefighters were able to save their greatest treasure -- the flag that had draped Christopher Alcozer's coffin.
"It was an honorable thing to do, considering that his son gave the ultimate sacrifice, and that was his life, for his country," said Kevin Cwirla, a firefighter who helped battle the blaze.
Jesse Alcozer beams with pride when he speaks of his son. But he said it was with reluctance that he asked for the public's help.
"I just want to provide for my family, but I guess I can't do it by myself now," he said.
Christopher Alcozer was just two years out of high school when he died.
"Just keep praying for us. I think we'll be OK," his mother said.
A fund has been set up for the Alcozer family. Donations can be sent to:
Jesse Alcozer Family Fund Community Bank of Elmhurst 330 Butterfield Rd. Elmhurst, IL 60126
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