Three soldiers from the Chicago area were caught in the gunfire that erupted in Fort Hood Texas last week.
Friends, family members and neighbors gathered at the family home of Pfc. Francheska Velez Monday for an evening vigil. A senior aide from Gov. Quinn's office was in attendance and expressed condolences and gratitude for Pvt. Velez's service to the country.
Velez's father, Juan Guillermo Velez has traveled to Fort Hood for a memorial service on Tuesday but her mother, Eillen Velez, was unable to attend.
"We're very grateful for everybody in Chicago, for their support ," says Velez's aunt Margarita Montero.
Pcf. Michael Pearson, of Bolingbrook also died in the gunfire. His family is in the midst of planning funeral arrangements.
Meanwhile, a Homewood family is grateful Pvt. Najee Hull, who was apparently the first shot in the rampage, is recovering from his wounds.
"My fear is something would happen in Afghanistan," says Pvt. Hull's mother Yvonne. "Here in America? No. It's too farfetched but it did happen."
Pvt Hull told his family he was shot once in the knee and then got to a cubicle for cover. He said the gunman perused him and shot him twice more in the back.
"We're thankful for all the prayers," said Hull's sister Annette. "People are coming up to our family telling us how much they are praying for us and we are grateful for it all."
Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan is accused of killing 13 people and wounding 29 at Fort Hood in Texas. Hasan fired off more than 100 rounds Thursday before civilian police shot him in the torso. Authorities continue to refer to Hasan, 39, as the only suspect in the shootings, but they won't say when charges would be filed and have said they have not determined a motive.
President Obama and Illinois Senator Roland Burris plan to attend Tuesday's memorial service.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Friends, family members and neighbors gathered at the family home of Pfc. Francheska Velez Monday for an evening vigil. A senior aide from Gov. Quinn's office was in attendance and expressed condolences and gratitude for Pvt. Velez's service to the country.
Velez's father, Juan Guillermo Velez has traveled to Fort Hood for a memorial service on Tuesday but her mother, Eillen Velez, was unable to attend.
"We're very grateful for everybody in Chicago, for their support ," says Velez's aunt Margarita Montero.
Pcf. Michael Pearson, of Bolingbrook also died in the gunfire. His family is in the midst of planning funeral arrangements.
Meanwhile, a Homewood family is grateful Pvt. Najee Hull, who was apparently the first shot in the rampage, is recovering from his wounds.
"My fear is something would happen in Afghanistan," says Pvt. Hull's mother Yvonne. "Here in America? No. It's too farfetched but it did happen."
Pvt Hull told his family he was shot once in the knee and then got to a cubicle for cover. He said the gunman perused him and shot him twice more in the back.
"We're thankful for all the prayers," said Hull's sister Annette. "People are coming up to our family telling us how much they are praying for us and we are grateful for it all."
Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan is accused of killing 13 people and wounding 29 at Fort Hood in Texas. Hasan fired off more than 100 rounds Thursday before civilian police shot him in the torso. Authorities continue to refer to Hasan, 39, as the only suspect in the shootings, but they won't say when charges would be filed and have said they have not determined a motive.
President Obama and Illinois Senator Roland Burris plan to attend Tuesday's memorial service.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
