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Alex Cabrero reportingA Utah father has been watching the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq as closely as anyone. His son has been in both places.
But this past weekend, a knock on his door changed everything.
Robert Lehmiller has tons of pictures of his son on his wall, on his table, in boxes. He's never been prouder, even after knowing he'll never see Michael alive again.
Robert Lehmiller, Michael's Father: "These are pictures of him in Fort Benning when he graduated infantry school."
On Robert Lehmillers living room table are memories: The good times before the explosion.
Robert Lehmiller, Michael's Father: "This is him before he went."
23-year old Army Sgt. Michael Lehmiller had already served a tour of duty in Iraq. Hecame home, then signed up again to go to Afghanistan.
Robert Lehmiller, Michael's Father: "I felt good about that because I felt Afghanistan was safer than Iraq."
But this past Sunday, Robert woke up and saw in the news where American soldiers had been killed in a roadside explosion in Afghanistan.
Robert Lehmiller, Michael's Father: "I knew he was on a mission, and I knew he was in that area, but we just hoped that it was not him."
A few hours later, everything changed.
Robert Lehmiller, Michael's Father: "When the doorbell rang, and I answered it, there was two military policemen, and... I knew."
His son Michael was one of the four soldiers who died in that roadside explosion.
Robert Lehmiller, Michael's Father: "They talked, but I couldn't tell you a word they said."
Even now he couldn't tell you. He really just remembers bomb, humvee, hero.
His flag is at half-staff. All his neighbors are flying flags. There is even a child's poster thanking Michael for his sacrifice.
Robert Lehmiller, Michael's Father: "Mike wanted to serve his country better than anybody."
Now, Robert has to bury his son, the future Army Ranger, the man who signed up after 9-11, the soldier who gave his life for us.
Robert Lehmiller, Michael's Father: "Everybody buries somebody eventually, but very few people get to bury a hero."
Michael Lehmiller will be buried with full military honor at Arlington National Cemetery.
