Florida Death in Iraq Hits Close to Home

By: Mike Vasilinda - Email

Updated: Tue 5:38 PM, Mar 25, 2003

News that Floridian, Lance Corporal David Fribley was one of the first marines killed in Iraq came to the state capitol early in the day.

Gov. Jeb Bush says his death brings the war close to home.

"This is a sad time, I'm so proud of the sacrifices and the heroism of our enlisted men and women that serve from Florida. We are doing everything we can to provide some consolation to their families,” says Gov. Jeb Bush.

One hundred thousand full time military reservists call Florida home, and when someone becomes a casualty who lives in Florida, it brings shock and sadness to those here at the Capitol.

Upstairs the House paused as it began its daily session to pray for those involved in Iraq. And, lawmakers also took a moment of silence to notice the bravery of captured chief warrant officer David Williams of Orlando.

"His helicopter went down just 60 miles south of Baghdad, and an intense battle with the Iraqi republican guard,” Rep. Johnnie Byrd shares.

A yellow ribbon sits on the empty desk of State Rep. Cary Baker of Mt. Dora. Baker's National Guard unit is in Kuwait. Signs supporting the war adorn many of the desks in a chamber that is being brought together across party lines in support of the nations troops.

Valdosta Woman Hopes Family in Oklahoma is Safe After Tornado

Weather for Tallahassee, Florida

67° F

Clear

Thu

93 66

Fri

86 67

Sat

82 61

Sun

83 56

See detailed forecast

Commenting Policy

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

For more on WCTV’s policy regarding viewer comments or to report an offensive comment, click here.

Today's Events

Wednesday May 22

Click Here to Submit and View Events

Tweets by @WCTV