Continuing Coverage

Powell, Knox County (WVLT) - East Tennesseans are mourning the loss of a 278th soldier, killed in the line of duty.

Specialist Paul Thomason of Jefferson County died Sunday during a roadside attack in Iraq.

News of the tragedy is spreading quickly to love ones of other 278th soldiers here in East Tennessee.

WVLT Volunteer TV’s Chloe Morroni spent time with soldiers’ families and joins us from the newsroom with more.

Tuesday we talked with a soldier's mother and another soldier's wife.

They didn't know Specialist Thomason personally, but they say his death affects everyone, since the military is one big family.

For them, the first death of a Tennessee 278th Guardsman, drives home the reality, no soldier is safe, not even theirs.

Things are hard for Diann Byrd being mother and father to four children.

"I’ve got a lot of help still don't have your partner,” says Diann Byrd, 278th soldier's wife.

Her partner is 278th First Lieutenant Robert Byrd in Iraq. For Diann, the stress of everyday duties, combined with worry for her husband can be overwhelming.

"About once a month have my nutty moment, gets to me have a break down," says Byrd.

But the news of Specialist Paul Thomason's death now makes things even worse.

"I guess I've put everybody in the 278th in a bubble, thinking they're above any harm in safe places,” she says.

His loss hits close to home, there are no safe places, and the unthinkable can happen to any soldier.

"You just know the enemy is gonna be out there after them and it doesn't matter what they're doing," she says.

In a note Robert wrote before he left, he promised Diann he'll always love her and the children. But there's one thing he can't promise, "not promised he's gonna come back, promised gonna have a husband."

From a soldier's wife, to a soldier's mother, the worry is consuming.

"It's on your mind all the time," Margaret Cruze finds it hard to concentrate at work.

"Just thinking about it, thinking about it could have been my son,” says Cruze.

She knows the dangers Sergeant Chris Cruze faces, and hopes to never know the heartbreak, Specialist Thomason's family is dealing with.

"I ask God to give me the strength to accept whatever happens, all you can do, hope that family has the strength to get through it,” she adds.

If you want to help the family of fallen 278th Specialist Paul Thomason, you can make a donation to the Paul Thomason Fund, care of First People's Bank located in Jefferson, Hamblen and Knox Counties.

Paul Thomason Fund
c/o First People’s Bank
P.O. Box 590 Jefferson City, Tennessee 37760.

And the family says any help would be much appreciated.

Story Copyright to WVLT Volunteer TV Knoxville