The Clovis family who lost a second son to the War in Iraq more than a week ago, spoke publicly for the first time Thursday, recalling fond memories of Army Corporal Nathan Hubbard, who they say went through life with a smile on his face.
Almost three-years ago, the Hubbard family lost their middle son, Marine Jared Hubbard in a road side bombing. Jared’s long-time best friend, fellow Marine Jeremiah Baro, was also killed in that same bombing. The two Buchanan High graduates enlisted together after high school, served in the same unit, and were buried side by side.
Jared’s death is what sparked the two surviving brothers, Nathan and Jason Hubbard, 33, to enlist. The brothers joined the Army and requested to be assigned to the same unit, the 3rd Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division based on Oahu.
"This was something that both of us needed to do and we both felt like doing it together would certainly be easier on us and we thought is was important to pick up where Jared left off,” Jason said during Thursday’s interview.
The pain of Nathan’s death is still fresh in Jason’s mind. He was on the same training mission that day, riding in another helicopter, when the Black Hawk carrying his brother and 13 other soldiers experienced mechanical problems and crashed.
Jason rode with Nathan’s body from Iraq to Kuwait, then returned to Fresno to be with his grieving family.
Now, Jason and the rest of the Hubbard's, along with countless friends, family and members of the community, are trying their best to cope during a painfully difficult time. They say the outporing of support from the community and the nation is greatly appreciated.
Click on the video link to watch Jon Brent and Carolyn Bruck's team coverage of how the community is preparing to lay Nathan to rest and hear from his brother and father for the very first time since his death.
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