Local war hero gets special portrait treatment

  Sergeant David Fisher of Watervlet was killed in a tank incident in Iraq on December 1st,2004.  He was only 21 years old.

  On Friday David's family was joined by other soldiers at the National Guard Headquarters in Latham to receive a special honor, a portrait of David  painted as part of the American Fallen Soldiers Project created by Texas artist Phil Taylor.

  The portrait's unveiling was an emotional moment. David's mother Vicky Di Mura and his siblings stood by as the image of the young sergeant in a black cowboy hat was shown publicly for the first time.  David's step sister Gabriella spoke lovingly of her brother and how the portrait made her smile.  She called him her angel.

  Taylor has completed 61 Fallen Soldier portraits and said ceremonies like this were emotional for him but he realizes how they can inspire families still in pain.  Taylor said, "in his sacrifice he brings us here today."

  With the Michael Jackson recording 'Gone Too Soon' playing in the background many of those gathered for the portrait unveiling began to wipe their eyes.

  Vicky Di Mura said she had a special room in her home to hang the portrait.  She said she feared the image would make her feel said..but added looking at the painting actually 'made her feel good'.  

  Di Mura now works with deployed and returning soldiers saying she has a special understanding now of what their families are going through.