By Amy Sienicki
 
November 11, 2009
 
MEDFORD, Ore. - Two Oregon Army National Guard soldiers from the Rogue Valley are recovering after a semi truck hit their military vehicle in Iraq.
 
A military official says the semi truck was driving without lights when it hit their armored vehicle, which was stopped on the side of the highway.
 
Corporal Richard Martin from Central Point and 27-year-old Specialist Kevin Gallo of Medford were injured in the crash. According to National Guard officials, both soldiers are stable.
 
Gallo's family says he has already undergone surgery for a fractured bone behind his eye at an army hospital in Iraq
 
He's scheduled to be transported to a military medical facility in Germany on Thursday. Martin was flown to Germany Wednesday to be examined.
 
"I hope he comes out of this just the same old Kevin. I hope it doesn't dry out his humor, make him very serious, and I just hope it doesn't change his personality," Injured Soldier's Brother Tim Gallo said.
 
Gallo, a father of two, graduated from Crater High School.
 
Gallo's mother says her son was wearing ballistic glasses at the time of the accident. She says that may have saved his eye. The eye wear was donated to the guard earlier this year.
 
If you would like to donate to the soldiers overseas, you can stop by the local red cross or armories.