Buchanan High hosts the first annual Bear Boot Camp

FRESNO, Calif (KFSN) -- A special event was held commemorating ten years since Clovis lost two Buchanan High graduates, best friends, who were serving in the military together.

Jared Hubbard and Jeremiah Baro died in combat in Iraq in 2004. Jared's younger brother, Nathan Hubbard was also killed in action two years later. All three attended Buchanan High School in Clovis.

Jeff Hubbard says the pain of losing his son Jared ten years ago, and his son Nathan seven years ago, is still fresh. He represents the Hubbard family today, knowing it's still too hard for his wife.

"This is like having a funeral every year for her so she can't quite do it but I can so I do," explained Jeff.

Buchanan High is hosting a new event, the first annual Bear Boot Camp. The three-hour event is an expansion from the annual golf tournament, to include more families. The kids go through a wide variety of obstacle courses, grab a bite to eat and join together as a community on this Veterans Day.

Andi Ruiz with the Hubbard-Baro Committee said, "Our golf tournament is so huge, with adding this Bear Boot Camp to it we're able to involve so many more people and really touch home by having all the kids running around."

Many of the children here today are the sons and daughters of Hubbards' and Baro's friends.

"It's wonderful to see them grow and have their own families and have children of their own and what they're doing," said Jeremiah's mother, Terry Baro. "Unfortunately this is the one event where I get to see all of them together so it can be heartbreaking but it's also really satisfying to know how well they've done."

A local Girl Scout troop also hosted a booth for other children to write notes of thanks to the men and women serving in the military overseas.

Eight Buchanan High School graduates lost their lives while serving in the military in the Middle East. Those who knew and loved them can't believe so much time has already passed.

"It's crazy how fast ten years can go," said Ruiz. "Still remember the day like yesterday but we just remember them and honor them the best we can."

"It is in support of our family and we're kind of a name behind the idea but it's really about the community," said Jeff. "It's the community that's wonderful."

Proceeds from the event all go towards the Fresno Veterans Hospital.