These wounded veterans are brought to Midland to be recognized for their service. Their spouses are also brought in, and they have a weekend of activities for the vets as well as their spouses. There was supposed to be a big banquet tonight, and the parade was en route to that function. The vets and spouses and local sponsors were riding on 2 flat-bed semi's, and people were lining the streets to cheer. The parade crossed the railroad tracks. The first semi made it across but slowed or stopped - reports are still sketchy - and the crossing arms came down on the second semi, hitting some of the people. In a matter of seconds (as told by a witness), the train hit the semi. It was estimated to be travelling at about 55 mph.

The Department of Public Safety has been called to put their helicopter in the air to search for debris and bodies. There are 4 confirmed dead, and 17 in the hospital. 7 of those are considered critical.

This is the 9th year that this activity, called Hunt for Heroes, has been held. The spouses are treated to all kinds of nice activities here in town, and the vets are taken to a private ranch about 100 miles away and taken deer hunting with guides for the weekend. I've taken my grandkids out on the parade route many times, and cheered and waved flags as the vets go by. We didn't do that this year. This is a horrible tragedy, both for these vets and their families, as well as Midland. Everyone I've talked to is horrified and shocked. My prayers go out to all of the people involved.