LaMarche set to go prime time

ESCANABA - A local Iraq war veteran is expected to be one of the people featured on a national television show Sunday night.

An effort to bring more awareness to the Rebuilder's organization has led to a prime-time special scheduled to air Sunday on ABC (Charter channel 10) beginning at 9 p.m. Scheduled to appear is Iraq veteran Spc. Bobby LaMarche, Wells Township, who received assistance from the Rebuilder's organization upon his return home.

Popular entertainers, including country performers Toby Keith and Clint Black, will be part of "America United: In Support of Our Troops." The show is being billed as an opportunity for the nation to show its appreciation for the troops and all military families.

LaMarche, who is attending Bay College, was injured when his patrol unit was ambushed June 15, 2007, south of Baghdad. LaMarche, hit on the left side of his neck, was immediately paralyzed from the chest down.

"The producers of the 'America United: In Support of Our Troops' were seeking a human interest story," said Bobby. "The film crew was here a few months back to tape the segment."

The Rebuilder's organization, sponsored by Sears and Kmart, was one of the programs which assisted Bobby's parents, Robert and Toni LaMarche, to remodel their home for their son's return.

LaMarche was also interviewed Friday by WBAY Channel 2 out of Green Bay, for a segment concerning the Rebuilder's organization. Toni said the station allotted extra time for him to tell his story.

"Even the 'America United: In Support of Our Troops' producers were so dumbfounded by Bobby's story they cut one song from the special to provide the extra time needed," said Toni LaMarche.

Bobby also credited his physical therapist, Margie Haslow, Northwoods Physical Therapy, Escanaba. "Because without her, I would not be where I am at, walking with the use of a cane," he said

Bobby also said he was curious to see how the his segment for Sunday night would be pieced together.

"I have never been on a national broadcast before. The segments were taped in different sections of the country, so it will be interesting to see," he said.