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Feldbusch Gets Hero's Welcome
The town of Blairsville gave Sgt. Jeremy Feldbusch, 23, a hero's welcome Saturday.

Feldbusch, RD 2 Blairsville, was left blind after being hit with shrapnel from a mortar attack April 3 in Iraq while serving with the U.S. Army's 75th Ranger Regiment.
People lined the streets to watch a parade in Feldbusch's honor that included participants from the Blairsville and Derry football teams, marching bands and cheerleaders, veteran organizations and fire departments.

People waived signs that said "Jeremy Our Local Hero" and "Go Jeremy," and wore T-shirts that said "What Would Jeremy Do?"

A ceremony for Feldbusch followed at the Blairsville Bandstand where Blairsville Mayor John Zedick declared Sept. 20, 2003, Sgt. Jeremy Feldbusch Day in the Blairsville and the surrounding areas.

John E. Spisso, civilian aide to the secretary of the Army, reminded the crowd that there are many troops that need support and commended everybody involved with the day.

"They brought the spirit of America to Blairsville," Spisso said.

Retired Maj. Gen. Rodney Ruddock also commended Feldbusch and the people of Blairsville.

"Like many of the vets who have joined us in celebration, you represent the best of America," Ruddock said about Feldbusch. "America cares and the community of Blairsville cares."

Ruddock then presented Feldbusch with the Bronze Star medal.

Feldbusch's mother, Charlene, thanked the organizers of the parade and everybody who came out to support her son before Feldbusch addressed the crowd.

"I had a great time during this parade and everything was wonderful," Feldbusch said. "Don't forget the rest of the soldiers. They still need your support also."

Feldbusch was presented with many gifts during the ceremony, including a song, "Dance With Me (Jeremy's Song)" written for him by Penny Neff, a singer/songwriter and honorary member of the 75th Ranger Regiment. Neff, who claims to have penned 35 theme songs for the Army, performed the song a cappella. She said the song will be released on CD in a few months and that she will perform the song when she goes to Iraq to entertain troops.

"It's the hero behind the song that's going to make this one that good," Neff said.

Feldbusch was also presented with an angel medal from Lei Hennessy of Somerset County. The metal angel is a miniature of a sculpture that Hennessy designed. Hennessy said her angel sculptures are displayed at Ground Zero, the Pentagon and the Flight 93 crash site in Shanksville.

Feldbusch also received a red, white and blue quilt from the Loyalhanna Quilt Guild, a welcome-home sign and a citation from Rep. Joseph Petrarca, who read a letter from Gov. Ed Rendell commending Feldbusch for his service.

Following the ceremony, Feldbusch spoke with a few friends, but was unavailable to talk with the media. His mother, Charlene, expressed his gratitude for the event.

"He's overwhelmed," said Charlene. "It's been a real boost."

Feldbusch has been going through rehabilitation and plans to enroll in a school for the blind.

Charlene said a tour of a blind school near Pittsburgh is planned and that Feldbusch has a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Pittsburgh.

Feldbusch returned form Iraq on April 9 and stayed at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, where he underwent surgery and rehabilitation. He returned to his parents' home June 7 and will undergo more surgery on his left eye. His family is optimistic that some of Feldbusch's sight may be restored and say his positive attitude has helped him and his family cope.

"He is our strength," said Charlene. "He really is an encouragement to us."

Feldbusch's brother Shaun, 25, was living in Greensburg, but has returned home to help his family. He works at First Commonwealth Bank in Indiana and said he tries to keep his brother's spirits high and his mind off negative things.

"I spend most of my time with him," Shaun said.

Shaun said the family was told the worst about Feldbusch's condition and that he may act like a different person at times. Feldbusch's ability to still crack jokes has convinced Shaun that his brother is still the same.

"Jeremy is the same as he ever was," said Shaun. "He still has that humor."

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