Levi K. Hoover
Private First Class, United States Army
March 21, 1984 – April 7, 2007
Age – 23
Midland, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regient, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC
Died of wounds received when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit in Zagniyah, Iraq
PFC Hoover was in Parma, Ohio, the son of Kennith William and Belinda (Meyer) Hoover. He attended Midland schools, graduating from Dow High School in 2002. In high school, he served as a member of the Steering Committee and served on the wrestling team from his freshman year through his senior year with the guidance of Sam San Muigel who he greatly admired. He graduated from Delta College in 2004 with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice before heading to Alaska to work as a ranger’s assistant. While in high school, Levi K. Hoover would tell his wrestling coach that he dreamed of traveling to Alaska and having a career in law enforcement. When he finally made it to Alaska, he gave his old coach a call. The kid loved to go fishing and had a passion for the outdoors. When he made his way to Alaska, he had reached one of his dreams.
He enlisted in the Army in 2005 and was deployed to Iraq the next year.
Levi was an adorable little boy who grew up devoting much of his time to fishing, hunting, camping, and the great outdoors, frequently accompanied by his family and life-long friends Jake Pena and Dave Mason. As a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew and a friend, he was always a loving and thoughtful young man who will be forever missed by so many he leaves behind. We will always be proud of him.
He joined the U.S. Army in 2005 in hopes that this would benefit his anticipated career with the Michigan State Police. After completing his military training, he was deployed to Hurricane Katrina-New Orleans, Louisiana and then to Zaganiyaha, Iraq where his death occurred.
His fellow solders remembered him with the following –
To the family of Spc.Levi Hoover,
I knew Spc Hoover “hoov” very well. We served together in the 5/73rd cav ,and was in the same platoon in Iraq.
Hoover was one of the most serious guys around when it came to our job. His intensity and dedication to our mission let me know that he had my back, and my fellow paratroopers as well. There was also the time we all spent together in our room at Caldwell playing Halo, and joking when the intensity wasn’t needed and he was an absolute joy to be around. Hoov’s love for the outdoors always gave us alot of things to talk about.
Hoover made friends easily and was liked by all of our battle buddies, and also the command. I had the opportunity to meet his fiancee Crystal once, when he came to my house on Bragg to lend me his computer and meet my family. It was a short visit but my family and I were very impressed by both Hoov’s and Crystals respect and politeness. Hoover had my respect instantly when he offered his seat to my then pregnant wife.
His dedication and commitment to all of us is humbling. I would like to send my deepest sympathy to Hoover’s family and friends and let you all know Hoover is our brother and will never be forgotten.
AIRBORNE.ALL THE WAY.
H-MINUS
I WILL SEE YOU AT THE FINAL MANIFEST MY BROTHER AND FRIEND.
Sgt.Brandon Young
5/73rd cav,82nd Airborne (retired)
Hey my name is Sgt.Schley, I went to basic training, airborne school and went to the rip w/ Hoover and came to the 82nd together. My condolences go out to his family and his fiancee. He will forever be remembered as probably the most polite and well-mannered person I’ve ever known, always willing to go the extra mile for a friend. I remember times going Texas road house and, if someone didn’t have money, he was always the first one to speak up and offer to pay for them and if he didn’t have money and you offered to help him it was nearly brain surgery getting him to accept a gift. He never hesitated to help out and always gave us rides in his jeep which he loved and had so many plans for it, he always talked about getting his lift kit and big tires for it but I’m rambling now… hey Levi man you’ll always be remembered love you bro!