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Air Force Building On Army Base Named For Longmont Sailor

LONGMONT, Colo. (CBS4) - A Longmont sailor killed in Iraq is set to receive a special honor. A medical training facility in Texas will now be named for Christopher "Doc" Anderson.

CBS4's Tom Mustin talked to Anderson's family about the honor.

"He loved being a sailor, he loved his job," said Debbie Anderson, Christopher's mother.

"We're proud of the way he did his job. He had a terrific attitude. At the same time, we miss him terribly," said Rick Anderson, Christopher's father.

The 24-year-old Navy corpsman had been assigned to a Marine battalion. He died in 2006 during an enemy mortar attack in Iraq. Now a new building will bear his name at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. Anderson Hall will be a medical training facility for enlisted soldiers, sailors and airmen.

"I'm thrilled, it was a big surprise," Rick said.

"There are so many that have been lost -- very good men -- I was honored Christopher was considered someone to represent them," Debbie said.

Christopher's bedroom in his parents' Longmont home is dedicated to his memory. The Anderson's say he strove for excellence in everything he attempted. His heroism in battle led to the unprecedented move of having an Air Force building on an Army base bear the name of a sailor.

In Iraq, Christopher's sergeant was seriously injured when an IED exploded. Christopher ran to his aid.

"Sgt. Edwards kept saying, 'Tell my wife, tell my kids goodbye.' Chris said, 'I'm not going to do it,'" Debbie said.

Christopher's quick work kept him alive. Edwards will speak at the building dedication Friday.

"I know it's where he wanted to be. He was happy," Debbie said.

As Christopher's neighbors grilled burgers and displayed the flag on the Fourth of July, a true American hero will be remembered forever for a job well done.

"I don't feel like Christopher has left us. I just feel he's doing a different job somewhere else," Debbie said.

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