Wounded Cheshire Soldier Joshua Budd Visits Arlington National Cemetery

Pfc. Joshua Budd, 19, of Cheshire continues to recover at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Maryland from wounds he received in July in Afghanistan.

Today he will join a group of firefighters for a tribute to fallen firefighters at Arlington National Cemetery, according to his mother, Barbara Budd.

In her online journal, Barbara Budd said she and her son met Congressman John Larson (D-1) on Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol and will join firefighters today for the tribute. 

Joshua Budd was a junior firefighter with the Cheshire Fire Department and his father, Dave Budd, is an active lifetime member of the volunteer department.

Barbara Budd said her son has been fitted for an artificial leg built with such recent technology that fewer than 10 have been distributed. Joshua Budd lost his lower left leg, shattered his right leg and had internal injuries after a bomb exploded while he was on patrol.

The online journal notes that Joshua Budd plans to take a college course during his recuperation at Walter Reed. His mother said he wants to return to active duty in the Army.

Donations for the family's travel costs to Maryland, and the purchase of a specially adapted truck, are being collected by these Cheshire organizations:

"Friends of Joshua Budd", c/o Webster Bank, 145 Highland Ave. Cheshire, CT 06410.

The "Josh Budd Wounded War Vet Fund," Naugatuck Savings Bank, 218 Maple Ave. or by PayPal to: buddsbuddies@cox.net.