Three True Americans

A proud father opens a door to reveal a small bedroom wallpapered with dozens of school wrestling and football photos. The occasional American Marine and Nike poster declaring "Just Do It" stand out, offering bits of foresight. One side of the room is littered with rows of carefully hung glittering medals.

An oversized photo of a handsome, confident soldier dressed in uniform sits in the corner. Perched next to it is a shadowbox showcasing a blue American Marine dress uniform, draped with countless medals. A green braid sits on the left shoulder; the father proudly explains that it is a rare accessory earned by few soldiers.

The room is a hauntingly beautiful encapsulation; one of a soldier lost, but watched over by a family who will ensure he is never forgotten.

Jared Hubbard, 20, was a true American, killed in the line of duty in Iraq in November of 2004.

In the fall of 2001, Jared began junior college. He considered joining the military, but was unsure when the time would be right.

After the horrifying events of September 11, Jared and his best friend, Jeremiah Baro, decided there wouldn't be a better time to join and talked more seriously about enlisting.

"The timing and his age made him a prime candidate," said his father, Jeff Hubbard, exuding a true American mentality with every word he spoke. "It was an honorable thing to do for his country and a good time to mature."

The two young men joined the American Marines in December of 2001. Though they went through boot camp together, their first deployment split up the two friends into different units. Jared was part of the invasion force on the sand of Kuwait, one of the first strategic movements by American forces.

There is a tinge of mischief in his father's voice as he explains how the boys were able to buddy up again. "For their second deployment they manipulated the Marines," he said. "They each volunteered for sniper training and arranged to be together as partners."

Jared earned several medals for bravery and valor during his tours of duty. During one mission, he was told he didn't need his sniper equipment. Always prepared, Jared took it along with him just in case. Unexpectedly, their patrol was ambushed, officers were hit, and Jared called in for help. With the use of his sniper equipment, he searched buildings and set up a counter attack, thus earning him the American Naval Commendation of Valor, one of the most prestigious and coveted medals an American Marine can be awarded.

November 4, 2004 was a day that would forever darken the lives of Jared and Jeremiah's family and friends, not to mention America.

Jared's father recounted that day as if he were there, nestled in Ramadi, the heart of terror and unrest in Iraq. He spoke with a sullen voice, but with pride swollen in his heart for his son, a true hero.

"They were on a surveillance mission with combat action. Basically they would find the right things and take them out," he said. "They were coming back at the end of the mission. There were eight in a group, and in pairs they were leapfrogging back."

"An IED (Improvised Explosive Device) intended for a tank went off, and Jared and Jeremiah were killed instantly. Three more were seriously injured."

Jared's life permanently imprinted those around him; his death sifted out endless meaningful recollections from family and friends. His father still recalls Jared's elementary school wrestling stories of determination with incredible detail.

Shawn Murray was Jared's high school football coach and close friend. Jared wrote Shawn often during his tours of duty.

"He was one of the best defensive linemen on our Valley championship team," Shawn said. "I especially think about him on Friday nights when the lights come on and we sing the American National Anthem before our football games."

Nancy Bacciarini, learning director at Jared's high school, also remembers him fondly. "Jared was a very giving soul who valued people, friendship and community. His smile was engaging, as was his ability to make a positive connection with those he encountered," she said. "I believe in my heart that these were the elements of who Jared was that led him to serve us and our country, through the Marines and his time in Iraq."

Jared Hubbard and Jeremiah Baro were buried, together, on November 11, 2004; Veteran's Day in America.

But the story doesn't end here. The twist is remarkable, a true test of character and the American spirit.

Brothers-In-Arms

Jared's brothers, Jason, 32, and Nathan, 20, were devastated by the loss of their brother, yet each ached to fill a void. "Intense emotions were brought on after Jared was killed," their father said. "But we believe that if you have the benefit of living in this country, you should do your share to make it work."

Six months after Jared's death, both Jason and Nathan began the enlistment process.

Jason originally followed in his father's law-enforcement footsteps. He was employed as a Sheriff's officer at the time of his enlistment. Heartbroken over the loss of his brother, yet deluged with both a first-responder mentality and an unfulfilled need to serve America, ultimately Jason left his budding career, his lovely wife and his 3-month son, a charming towhead named Elijah.

Jason and Nathan joined the American Army in August of 2005 and enlisted on a buddy system so they would be guaranteed the right to remain together. Serving in the HHC company, they are currently in a specialty infantry unit-- their title, "scouts".

In August of 2006, they were called up for a tour of duty and deployed to Iraq, in essence reliving the same fateful journey their brother took just two years ago.

Linnea Hubbard, Jason's wife, exudes sad, yet entrancingly soulful eyes. She doesn't have to say how proud she is of her husband and in-laws. Her dedication to the choice her husband has made radiates volumes in her soft-spoken voice.

"I knew it was something he needed to do. It's a huge change, but it's important for him," she said. "We keep in contact as much as possible, once or twice a week. The hardest part is distance," she pauses, "... and reality striking again."

Though the Hubbards are leery of their other sons joining the military, they are completely supportive.

"It's been tough on us," said their father. "But our sons are young men. They believe in our country and what it stands for."

Effervescently positive, Linnea wants to make sure that people realize the true intentions of Jason and Nathan, two brothers stripped of a sibling, yet determined to dedicate themselves to America and willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.

"People think they enlisted to seek revenge. That's not what it's about," she said. "They have no negative feelings about the people of Iraq."

"They want to experience what their brother did the last few years of his life."