Panhandle community turns out for prayer vigil to honor veterans - KFDA - NewsChannel 10 / Amarillo News, Weather, Sports

Panhandle community turns out for prayer vigil to honor veterans

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By Emily Griffin - email
Fred Rangel, President of the Texas Panhandle War Memorial Fred Rangel, President of the Texas Panhandle War Memorial

A prayer vigil was held Sunday to remember and honor Army Sgt. Joshua Michael and the other three veterans that were killed in that horrific train accident in Midland last Thursday.

Sgt. Michael was a Hereford native, but attended Amarillo College and worked in the city for several years before enlisting in the Army. Members of the Panhandle community, including Amarillo Mayor Paul Harpole, came out to the prayer vigil at the Panhandle War Memorial Sunday to show their respect for the veteran and his family. Organizers say it was a small way to honor the veteran and all of the sacrifices he made during his time of service and following.

"It was needful that we do this in this community, to support these people," said Larry Lewis, President of America Supports You Texas. "They gave so much for our country, and to come home and to be killed in such a tragic accident like they did, when they were all together celebrating. Its just a tragic thing."

"For him to die like he did, and the other three is sad," added Fred Rangel, President of the Texas Panhandle War Memorial. "The family will always have a hollow, but we can try to heal that hollow as much as we can, and to show them as much respect as we can and our honor and let them know they wont be forgotten."

Army Sgt. Michael has gained national attention with his actions right before the train accident. Michael is said to have pushed his wife, Daylyn, off of the trailor, saving her life, only moments before being struck and killed by the train himself.