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Pay It Forward: Memorial Day Weekend Baseball Game is Part of a Fallen Soldier’s Legacy

One thing we may not think about on Memorial Day; how quickly a life can end, and another one be changed. “I had actually talked with him three hours befo...

One thing we may not think about on Memorial Day; how quickly a life can end, and another one be changed.

"I had actually talked with him three hours before it happened," says Amber Patch-Troxell

Amber Patch-Troxell remembers the day in 2009 when she talked with her little brother Schuyler who was on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan.

She remembers the call being cut short by the leader of his next mission.

"And he's like 'I gotta go, I gotta go. They're calling me' and I go 'hold on a minute' and I was like 'I love you' and he said 'I'm sorry, I love you too' and that was the last time I talked with him.  It was the last time anybody had talked to him."

Schuyler Patch never made it back from that mission alive.

A big part of his sister's life died too.  But a much bigger part has survived.

"He was so full of life and he would have wanted me to do the things that I'm doing."

And her friends want to reward her for her work.

"Amber, on behalf of News 8 and Ascentra Credit Union, here's $300 to Pay It Forward," says Sarah Hamilton while presenting her with three crips $100 bills.

Just in time for Memorial Day, a gift for the charity that lives on in Schuyler's name: "Patchy's Red, White, and Blue Christmas Toy Drive".

"Thank you," says Amber.   "You guys are crazy.  I love you guys."

"There were 800 children just last year alone that wouldn't have had Christmas if it wasn't for Amber and the Patch family," says Sarah.

"After what happened with her brother, I think she made it her mission that she was going to do good and make sure his name was known," says friend Nikelle Tellier who also nominated Amber for the award.

And Schuyler's name is remembered.

The street in front of Wethersfield High School is memorialized for him.

And near one of his fishing spots in Windmont Park is a boulder featuring a marker with his picture.

But his greatest legacy might be his sister's on-going work to make sure Schuyler lives on in the children of Kewanee.

Whether it be toys at Christmas or any other help a child may need year-round.

"I kinda consider these are his kids, you know," says Amber.

"Like this is him being able to have kids and give kids a great Christmas."

Something else to consider this Memorial Day: those who have fallen can live on thanks to the selfless work of others.

"Honestly, she's one of the best people I've met in my life," says Sarah.

Amber is also organizing the first ever "Patchy's Craftapalooza Craft and Vendor Fair".  It's coming up Saturday, June 20, 2015.

And if you know someone who deserves to be recognized for helping in their community, consider clicking here to nominate them for the Pay It Forward award.

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