"The impact that my brother had on everyone else was huge. So having this allows others to kind of see just the great things that he did during his 27 years that he was on this earth," says Karen Covarrubias, his sister. "And I'm just very grateful that we had this opportunity to stand here today and accept this award."
Covarrubias died in Camp Taji in Iraq in 2020 when his unit was attacked by rockets.
The loss was devastating for his family and loved ones.
His sister, Karen, says he led by example, describing her older brother as humble, caring, and family-oriented.
"He was someone that was a soldier, not just with the uniform, but he was someone that knew what it meant to take on the role of being a protector, a brother, friend, a son, and someone who's very religious as well," said Karen.
Planning for the memorial took four months and cost about $8,000.
The dedication was made possible with help from local leaders who stepped in after the effort stalled for years.
"There was legislation done in Sacramento to put a freeway sign in Hanford honoring his memory. But it fell through the cracks," said Henry Perea, the memorial's organizer. "So, we were engaged in it and raising the money, getting the people together, working with Supervisor Valle to make it happen. And here we are today, honoring a soldier who gave his life for this country."
The Covarrubias family says that while nothing can bring him back, the freeway sign will serve as a lasting reminder of his legacy.
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