Army Specialist Jason Hubbard arrived in Fresno late Friday afternoon to reunite with his family.
Jason Hubbard left the service to be with his family after his younger brother, Nathan Hubbard died in a helicopter crash in Iraq, Wednesday.
The Hubbard family of Clovis has now lost two sons in the war in Iraq.
Nathan died nearly three years after his older brother Jared Hubbard died fighting the same war in 2004.
A vigil is being planned Monday from 7:00pm--9:00pm to remember Nathan. Meanwhile, Nathan's body is expected to arrive in Fresno from Dover, Delaware on Monday.
Pastor Tim Rolen says the family has been leaning on its Christian faith now more than ever. Nothing could have prepared them for another loss. Fortunately, the family is not alone and the community has been showing they care.
Specialist Nathan Hubbard enlisted in the army with his older brother Jason, 33. Both were on the same mission in Iraq. Family spokesperson and pastor Jim Rolen, of New Hope Community Church said Jason was on a second helicopter and likely witnessed his brothers helicopter go down.
From preliminary investigations, the U.S. Military said the helicopter crash was the result of mechanical failure, not enemy fire.
Jared Hubbard, a Lance Corporal in the Marines, and a 2001 Buchanan High School graduate, died in Iraq in nearly three years ago. He was killed alongside his best friend, Marine Corporal Jeremiah Baro.
The two remaining Hubbard sons enlisted in the army together shortly after their brother's death. Jason and his sister are the two remaining children of Jeff and Peggy Hubbard. Nathan was the youngest child.
Nathan Hubbard is the 5th Buchanan High School graduate to die while serving in Iraq, the 7th in the Clovis Unified School District. A spokesperson for the district says Buchanan High School does have counselors on hand to help any teachers, staff, or students impacted by the death.
TXT 24
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