Mother heartbroken after robbers break into home, steal fallen solider's medals

Mother heartbroken after robbers break into home, steal Iraq vet's medals

By Craig Lucie
Jan. 20, 2012

VILLA RICA, Ga. — Burglars ransacked a Villa Rica home belonging to the family of a soldier who was killed in Iraq.

The burglars stole Army Sgt. Mike Hardegree's medals and the Gold Star that was given to his family by the Department of Defense after his funeral.

His mother, Cindy Hardegree, walked Channel 2's Craig Lucie through her home, pointing out where the burglars stole $10,000 worth of items, including her television and other electronics.

"I went into my bedroom and saw my jewelry box was gone," Hardegree said.

The box was packed with Sgt. Hardegree's belongings. He and six other soldiers died Sept. 10, 2007, in Iraq after the vehicle they were in flipped over.
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