OVERWHELMED

Dan and Pam Wassom say they were overwhelmed by the "Christ-like love" they, their daughter-in-law and granddaughters have received from friends, family, church members and strangers across the globe in response to the loss of their son.

They got particularly emotional when talking about all the support and generosity from their son's unit, the 189th Airlift Wing at Little Rock AFB, Ark.

"We've witnessed firsthand that being in the Air Guard is like being in a family," Dan said. "Those guys -- from the commander to the lowest ranking member -- really stepped up and helped take care of Bud's family from day one after his death."

Unit members spent days sifting through debris, searching for the family's possessions and priceless mementos, such as family photos. One member of Bud's unit paid for the displaced family's temporary lodging on base out of his own pocket. Others rented a storage unit and hauled the family's found belongings there. They handed out temporary furniture, beds, kitchen appliances, dishes and monetary donations. They even organized a 5K run to raise money for Bud's wife and two children, as well as for other base members who lost their homes. They dubbed the fund-raiser the "Awesome Wassom 5K Run."

"By their overwhelming response, you can really tell how much members of his unit loved him," Dan said, choking up at the thought. "We will never forget what they have done for our family."