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Army widow’s story becomes country song

When Seana Arrechaga lost her husband, she didn’t know where to turn. What finally helped ease her grief was writing his story.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Ofren “AC” Arrechaga died March 29 from wounds suffered during a firefight in Afghanistan. It was one month before he was scheduled to return home, and a day after their son Alston’s third birthday.

The 22-year-old turned for comfort to other widows at Fort Campbell, Ky., and connected with the American Widow Project, a website where military widows seek advice and share stories. Seana began drafting hers, but found it too difficult at first.

Then she heard about “Heroes at Home,” a Sears charity that launches a drive to help rebuild the homes of military families. This year, Sears introduced its “Portraits of Heroes” contest: The person with the best story about a military hero would get their story recast as a song.

Arrechaga finally decided to share her story. It caught the attention of country singer and Marine Corps veteran Josh Gracin, the songwriter for the Portrait contest. In her submission, Arrechaga described their wedding day, her joy when their son was born, the moment when she learned of her husband’s death — and how he lives through the smile of their son.

Her story won the contest.

Arrechaga visited Gracin in Nashville, Tenn., during the recording of the song, which he sang for the first time at a concert for troops July 16 in Wheaton, Ill.

“Every time I hear that song in the future, it’s him. It’s about him,” she said.