Evan Pertile: Army Strong

July 9, 2009

by Cassy Fiano in military 4 Comments

(Tissue box warning.)

Evan Pertile is the six-year-old son of Rachel Pertile, a generous woman who bought a group of soldiers lunch a few days before Thanksgiving. Evan was shortly therefter diagnosed with a brain tumor, and soldiers around the world have rallied around the Pertile family. He’s undergone two neurosurgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy. Rachel made a blog for Evan to keep people updated on his status, and before she knew it, soldiers from around the world were sending messages of encouragement. He even was given his own set of ACUs, a beret, and a certificate naming him an honorary soldier. He got to visit Fort Jackson as a guest of Brig. Gen. Bradley May, wearing the ACUs provided by Col. Bob Burns, the director of the Center for Army Tactics at CGSC. Burns also provided patches for the ACUs, giving Evan the rank of a colonel.

Here’s some video of Evan. Make sure you have the tissues ready:

Our soldiers truly are amazing. You think you can’t get any prouder of them, and then you see something like this.

Evan’s Caring Bridge site is here. Leave him some words of encouragement.

Hat Tip: Chuck Ziegenfuss

Written by Cassy Fiano

4 Comments

Rob Moscato says:

July 9, 2009 at 1:58 am

Great Story Cassy. It is great to see a child so positive in the face of such a formidable enemy. I have a feeling that Litte Evan is going to turn out allright. I know what it is like to fight Cancer at a young age. I was diagnosed at 11 with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and will mark 22 years as a Long Term Survivior this November.
Stay Army strong little Warrior. May God bless you and the rest of you family.

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slamdunk says:

July 9, 2009 at 7:33 am

Wow, what a story. Thanks for posting.

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Melinda P says:

July 9, 2009 at 9:18 pm

Thanks for posting that! Not only does it remind us how wonderful these men and women are who are fighting for our country, but it reminds us who are parents, to be thankful for healthy children!

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Wayne Rench, SFC Afghanistan says:

October 27, 2009 at 5:23 am

This is a great story. I actually recieved a copy of the “Soldiers” magazine, dated Oct09, here in Afghanistan. This is a warrior. My prayers are with you all

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