KTRV Fox 12 Second Treasure Valley Soldier Killed in Two Days
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Boise, Idaho -- Just one day after an Army major from Emmett was killed, another Treasure Valley soldier has died from enemy gunfire in Iraq.
Borah High School graduate Sgt. Michael Lilly died from a rocket propelled grenade.
Lilly's name will join a half of dozen other fallen Borah high heroes at a special memorial on campus. Lilly is the 32nd Idaho troop to lose his life in Iraq.
Lilly, 23, of Boise died on Monday from a rocket propelled grenade in Sadr City. Lily and another soldier killed were assigned to the 1st squadron, 2nd stryker cavalry regiment in Germany.
A 2002 graduate, Mike is the seventh Borah High Lion to die in active duty.
The school will pay tribute by adding his name with six other Borah High grads to a monument on campus who were also killed in Iraq and in Viet Nam.
"It's a way we really want to thank them as true Borah Lions. They represented us well, they paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country," said Borah High School Principal Greg Frederick.
Lilly leaves behind a wife and many family members, including his parents.
His mother released this statement:
"We are very proud of Michael and we will miss him forever. We all loved him very much, Michael knew he had an important job to do and he did it. He knew what he was doing was important, and there was never any question in his mind that serving in the army was what he needed to do."
"I was jolted when I heard the news, it's just puts that feeling in your stomach that you don't like to have. Unfortunately it's the way the world is now a days," said Frederick.
Lilly's death comes one day after the department of defense announced Major Stuart Wolfer of Emmett was killed on Sunday in Baghdad.
"I believe Sgt. Lilly was the 32nd since 2001. We've lost a share of men and women and it's always a difficult situation," said Idaho National Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Tim Marsano.
Lives forever changed for two more Treasure Valley families.
"Both of these men -- Major Wolfer and Sgt. Lilly -- were outstanding Idahoans and outstanding citizens of the U.S. and some of the best we have to offer. Our condolences go out to the families at this very difficult hour," said Marsano.
The Wolfer family has set up a memorial fund for Major Wolfer. Contributions can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank location.
Borah High School will have a special tribute to Sgt. Mike Lilly this Friday at 9:45 a.m.
