Levi Hoover remembered

The air was cold and windy as a large group of people watched the gray sky. But there was nothing, and the stillness was becoming almost unbearable. Finally, the Kalitta Charters plane landed at MBS International Airport.

Spc. Levi Hoover was finally home.

Hoover, 23, of Midland, was killed in Iraq April 7 while serving with the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division based in Fort Bragg, NC.

"It was good because he was home," Belinda Brewster said later at her Midland home.

Earlier that day, Belinda, and her husband, Jack David Brewster, were standing inside the hangar looking tired. Both were wearing dark glasses; Belinda said her eyes were swollen from crying "30 hours straight." She was anxious for her son’s body to come home.

"To me, this is going to make it real," she said. She said it had seemed like she was planning for some event, but now she would get some closure.

"Once that coffin arrives, it’s done," she said.

Jack was remembering the other soldiers that had died in Iraq.

"Levi’s not the only one," he said.

"There were other soldiers in Michigan and our hearts go out to them," Belinda agreed.

Jack may be Levi’s stepfather, but he hurts as much as if Levi were his own.

"We were like best friends," he said. "He was a very generous person. Always there to help. Very unselfish.

"He was a riot," he continued. "He was so fun to do anything with."

Several of Levi’s fellow soldiers e-mailed their thoughts about him.

"He had an unique way of motivating all that came into contact with him," said 1st Lt. Seth Layton.

Layton also remembered Levi’s distinctive smell of Apple Skoal. Levi was the gunner, and Layton would sing "I Feel Pretty" when his friend was feeling down.

"I know Levi will be one of God’s top angels and he will look after the people he loved," said Spc. Melvin Tassin.

Sgt. Justin Vincent said his friend "will never be forgotten."

"He was proud to be in the Army," Belinda said.

Bob and Patti Hoyt of Midland have been family friends for years. They remember Levi’s closeness to his sister, Danielle Hoover, and being with his father, Kennith Hoover, a lot. He also would visit his grandparents’ lakehouse. The Hoyts said he enjoyed outdoor sports, such as being on the pontoon boat and water skiing.

"He was very nice, polite little boy," Bob said. "He was a very good kid."

Bob was sad and puzzled about the ongoing war in Iraq.

"I don’t know why they’re still over there killing off our boys," he said. "I’m having a hard time with that.

"They didn’t even get to live," he continued. He then started naming the wars – Vietnam, Lebanon, Iraq ... and then trailed off.

Levi’s body was met by a nine-member honor guard. Each one is a member of the Michigan National Guard and this team was out of the Midland Armory, although not all are members of the 1460th Transportation Company. They were led by Staff Sgt. Rohnalda Hollon, the honor guard’s non-commissioned officer in charge. Hollon is a member of the 1460th.

When it was time, two members dressed in camouflage went to the plane and prepared the casket for removal. The seven other members were in dress uniform, and six served as pall bearers.

"It’s an honor for all of us. It especially touches our hearts a little bit harder because we’ve been over there," Hollon said of being part of the honor guard. The 1460th served in Iraq in 2003-2004. Sgt. Richard Clipper, also a member of the 1460th, worked with Levi’s family to help them through the rough times.

The honor guard slowly, slowly lifted the casket and carried it to the hearse. The family stood somewhat back from the plane, united in their grief while watching and wiping their eyes. Sandy Hoover, wife of Levi’s father, Kennith Hoover, hugged Belinda’s sister.

And Belinda finally felt some closure.

"I’m just glad he’s here," she said.

From the Midland Daily News

Related Link:
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