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New Details On The Lives of War Heroes Killed In Train Crash
New Details On The Lives of War Heroes Killed In Train Crash 11/17/12
fbolton@cbs7.com
CBS 7 News Reporter
November 17, 2012
MIDLAND, TX - On the Hunt for Hero's website, the honored veterans wrote their autobiographies. These vivid words are now candid memories, giving a glimpse into their lives.
Forty seven year old Army SGM Lawrence Boivin and thirty seven year old Marine Chief Warrant Officer Gary Stouffer were pronounced dead at the scene.
Boivin served 24 years of active duty service and deployed to Iraq several times and once to Afghanistan. He was awarded a silver star and purple heart.
Just hours before the accident, he was receiving the keys to the Tall City from Midland Mayor West Perry. Now the family man leaves behind a wife, two stepdaughters and a grandson.
Marine Chief Warrant Officer Gary Stouffer survived being hit by multiple IEDs while in Afghanistan.
In his own words he says, " After nine months of testing, I was diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury, anxiety disorders, PTSD, and compression fractures in my neck and lower back. It has been two years since the incident and I am still undergoing speech therapy and physical therapy"
He leaves behind a wife and two children.
Thirty four year old army SGT Joshua Michael and forty three year old Army SGM William Lubbers were transported and later pronounced dead.
SGM Lubbers served 21 of his 24 years of service with army special forces. He leaves behind a wife and two children. The veteran received three bronze stars, a purple heart and special forces and ranger tabs.
SGT Joshua Michael faced many national threats abroad. But in his online bio, he describes one his major life challenges was to have a second baby with his wife.
In his own words he says " We had been trying for years to have another baby but deployments, field problems and I believe God himself, kept us from adding to the family. Finally in April of 2005 we had a beautiful baby girl. She was amazing. "
Michael joined shortly after 9/11 and leaves behind a wife and two children.
Now families and friends are going through a new trauma. Medical officials it may trigger deployment experiences of the past.
A total of 26 people were on the parade float but the impact is touching millions across the nation.