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Marines, Mobilians Help Soldier During Tragic Time

210 views · Published 24 January 2014 · 2:58 · Indexed 26 September 2026

Channel: NBC 15 · 2014 · News & Politics

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MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) Maura Garino struggled to find the words.I'm going to try not to break up... she said.Garino often hosts members of the military, especially the United States Marines the two hotels she manages in Downtown Mobile, the Holiday Inn and the Admiral Semmes.Her respect for the military runs deep. That's why the news about Sunday's deadly accident was personal.One of our Sergeants, on his way from Camp LeJune, with his wife and two children at Atmore on Sunday night were rear ended by a tractor trailer, she said, tearfully. It was a five vehicle accident... and both... both babies perished. The children were 7 and 9 years old.Staff Sgt Isom Hodges received minor injuries.His wife, Labricia, was burned, treated and released from a Birmingham hospital.But 9-year-old Nadir Gillis, and 7-year-old Naviya Gillis, 7 were killed.They were on their way from North Carolina to Mobile, where Hodges was to join a local Maine unit.Wednesday night, they'll complete that trip in the shadow of a loss few of us can even imagine,So Maura and her staff are doing what they do best.They're preparing a special room for the Hodges during this difficult time, to try to make this unbearable ordeal, somehow, just a little bit more bearable.We want to show them true southern hospitality and keep them in our thoughts and prayers, she said, and give them whatever comfort we can.We means everyone at the Admiral Semmes, including maintenance man Willie Allen, who felt the pain of suddenly losing his sister.When I hear anybody lose a family member, anything like that, he said, my heart goes out, because I understand, truly.Souse chef, Sam Spencer, spent the afternoon preparing comfort food for the couple.It takes you back to that Mom dish or that grandmother dish, he said, you know, that childhood. And then one thing, you know, being in this southern hospitality. So we're gonna give them that southern hospitality tonight.And then there's United States Marine veteran Cynthia House, who is also helping to rally the troops however she can, to make sure this distraught couple knows their loved.Our community is going to pull together and just provide that marine whatever he needs, said House. And one thing he's going to need no matter what, he's sees this bugle and golden anchor, he'll know we're leading the march and we'll just be there for him.Hodges' gunnery sergeant, Kurt Legere, released this statement to Local 15 News:Marines take care of their own, and no 3rd Force Recon Marine or their family will go through any tragedy alone.Local 15 News is inviting you to send cards of encouragement for Staff Sgt. Isom Hodges and his wife, Labricia.Send them to:SSgt. Isom Hodgesc/o WPMI Local 15 News661 Azalea RoadMobile, Alabama 36609

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