Hundreds pay respects to fallen Schofield soldier

FRESNO, Calif. » Hundreds of people lined the streets yesterday for a procession carrying the flag-draped casket of an Army corporal, the second son in his family killed in Iraq.

Nathan Hubbard, 21, died Aug. 22 when a helicopter crashed, killing him and nine fellow Schofield Barracks soldiers and four Fort Lewis, Wash., crew members in Multaka. A third brother, Jason Hubbard, was riding in another helicopter nearby and told his wife he had to search the wreckage, according to the family's pastor.

Nathan Hubbard's remains arrived in an Army-chartered jet yesterday at Fresno-Yosemite International Airport, where an honor guard carried the casket from the plane to a hearse. The family had a few moments alone with the casket, then led the procession to a funeral home.

Hubbard enlisted at age 19 while still grieving for his older brother, Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Hubbard, who was killed at age 22 alongside his best friend by a roadside bomb in Ramadi in 2004.

Jason Hubbard, 33, joined the Army at the same time Nathan did. At their request, the two were assigned to the same unit, the 3rd Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division, based at Schofield Barracks.

Jason accompanied his brother's body on a flight out of Iraq and returned home to be with his family.