Train Tragedy Victim: SGM William Lubbers
By: Shelby Levins
Updated: November 18, 2012
U.S. Army Sergeant Major William Lubbers was one of the four veterans
killed Thursday, when a freight train hit a Show of Support Parade float the veterans were riding on.
Midland Police say SGM Lubbers was pronounced dead at Midland Memorial Hospital after the crash.
Below is his biography, as it appeared on the Show of Support website:
I am Sergeant Major William L. Lubbers of the United States Army. I've served 21 of my 24 years of service with Army Special Forces. I started my special forces career with 1st Special Forces Group, where I served over eight years in Fort Lewis, Wash. and Okinawa, Japan. In 2003, I was assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group (SFG) where I currently serve. During my time in 3rd SFG, I have been deployed to Afghanistan four times and Pakistan for a one-year tour.
While on my second deployment to Afghanistan, serving as the team sergeant of an Operational Detachment Alpha, I sustained a single gunshot wound to my upper right arm that shattered the bone. On Oct. 8, 2005, I was conducting patrols in Southwestern Afghanistan when my team was ambushed and I received my injury. I was evacuated to Walter Reed Army Medical Center where I spent one month before being released back to my unit at Fort Bragg, N.C. During the next 15 months, I underwent 13 surgeries and eventually made a full recovery.
I live in Fayetteville, N.C. with my family. I have been married for 19 years to Tiffanie. She is a stay-at-home mom and has done a wonderful job raising our children during my deployments, Zachary, 18, and Sydnie, 11. Zachary will begin college this fall at the University of North Carolina where he will enroll in ROTC. Sydnie is a gifted student who plays soccer and competes in academic competitions.
I have enjoyed a rewarding and satisfying career. I have earned the Special Forces and Ranger Tabs, Master and Freefall Parachutist Badges and awarded three Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and other awards.
Below is his biography, as it appeared on the Show of Support website:
I am Sergeant Major William L. Lubbers of the United States Army. I've served 21 of my 24 years of service with Army Special Forces. I started my special forces career with 1st Special Forces Group, where I served over eight years in Fort Lewis, Wash. and Okinawa, Japan. In 2003, I was assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group (SFG) where I currently serve. During my time in 3rd SFG, I have been deployed to Afghanistan four times and Pakistan for a one-year tour.
While on my second deployment to Afghanistan, serving as the team sergeant of an Operational Detachment Alpha, I sustained a single gunshot wound to my upper right arm that shattered the bone. On Oct. 8, 2005, I was conducting patrols in Southwestern Afghanistan when my team was ambushed and I received my injury. I was evacuated to Walter Reed Army Medical Center where I spent one month before being released back to my unit at Fort Bragg, N.C. During the next 15 months, I underwent 13 surgeries and eventually made a full recovery.
I live in Fayetteville, N.C. with my family. I have been married for 19 years to Tiffanie. She is a stay-at-home mom and has done a wonderful job raising our children during my deployments, Zachary, 18, and Sydnie, 11. Zachary will begin college this fall at the University of North Carolina where he will enroll in ROTC. Sydnie is a gifted student who plays soccer and competes in academic competitions.
I have enjoyed a rewarding and satisfying career. I have earned the Special Forces and Ranger Tabs, Master and Freefall Parachutist Badges and awarded three Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and other awards.
