The family of Army Captain Derek Dobogai issued a statement Friday about the death of the Fond du Lac soldier in a Black Hawk helicopter crash in northern Iraq. The statement from his parents David and Lisa and brothers David Jr. and Daniel Dobogai says in part, “Words cannot express our sadness or convey how much he will be missed. It was Derek's dream to serve America and his life ended during this service.” They thank everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers. Their statement also includes a quote from Captain Dobogai, which says what he learned while attending Winnebago Lutheran Academy is “that God is the one who is in charge of everything. All I need to do is trust in Him, and He will lead me where I need to go.” Captain Dobogai is the second soldier from Fond du Lac to die in the war in Iraq. Army Specialist John Tollefson was killed by an improvised explosive device while driving a humvee in northern Baghdad in July of 2005.
Statement from family of Iraq chopper crash victim
Wisconsin flood volunteers help in MN
Some Wisconsin Red Cross volunteers are helping with the recovery effort in flood-stricken Minnesota.
At least five people have died in Minnesota's floods. President Bush on Thursday declared three counties federal disaster areas.
Red Cross Emergency services director Mark Damrau says two Stevens Point volunteers were deployed to Rochester, Minnesota, this week because they are trained to operate a special emergency response vehicle.
It's built like an ambulance but special features allow it to get into damaged areas easier than most vehicles. It's also designed for feeding people in the field and bulk distributions.
Damrau says the volunteers could spend up to two weeks providing food and other relief.
Damrau says anyone can help by donating to your local Red Cross. Donations can be earmarked for flooding relief in Wisconsin or Minnesota. The money can also be designated to stay in your local area should a need arise.
