Former Marine From North Las Vegas Hurt In Ukraine

North Las Vegas resident Michael "Monty" Montoya did what he has done much of his life. The former Marine jumped into action to head to Ukraine to help find and safely dispose of landmines. It was that work that ended up hurting Monty, who is now recovering in a German hospital and awaiting transport back to the States.

In an interview with Fox 5, Monty described what happened. Serving in Kharkiv which has been a hotbed of military action in Russia's war against Ukraine, he was helping to clear deadly landmines which litter the area. Landmines like these have been widely panned for years, including Princess Diana who sought to have their use banned. The damage they inflict on human bodies is immense and cruel, often hurting people far after conflicts die down.

Monty knew this. He had been in the "explosive ordinance disposal" business for much of his life, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan. So rather than sit in North Las Vegas and watch it happen, he wanted to help use his expertise to save lives. Unfortunately, a misstep with his right foot sent him flying. He laid on the ground, severely injured. Most of his foot blown off. He was delicately taken from the minefield, tourniquet on his wound. 75% of his right foot is gone. Chemical burns and further damage to his body beyond that.

Now he lays in a hospital in Germany. He is expecting to be transported back to the US for further surgery next week.

This injury is quite obviously going to take a long emotional and financial toll on Monty and his family. He's a husband and father of three. His wife Laura created a GoFundMe to help raise funds to get Michael the best care possible. As of press time, the fundraiser has raised nearly $60,000 of its $100,000 goal.

Who doesn't love a parade! The Summerlin Patriotic Parade took place on the morning of July 4th, as is tradition! The event was filled with incredible floats, community spirit, and even a couple Stanley Cup Champion Vegas Golden Knights!

Tens of thousands gathered up and down the parade route near Village Center Circle in Summerlin. The Summerlin Council let paradegoers get a head start on claiming their "perfect spot" this year. Tents, blankets and chairs were set up early Monday morning and it was competitive!

It all got started humbly in 1995. Summerlin was just in its infancy as a community and the parade was born. Nearly 30 years later, and massive balloons soar through the sky up and down the route. An American eagle larger than life flies low to avoid street poles and traffic lights. Floats range from the modest to the incredible, with dancers, singers, storybook characters and even Jedi masters showing off their skills.

Perhaps one of the most impressive floats this year was the Indiana Jones float. While the reboot of the movie is falling short of expectations, this float certainly did not. The theming was excellent and the ominous boulder rolling behind Indy. This float blew our socks off!

Of course there are old favorites as well. Danza Del Carrizo de Ciudad Juarez was in the parade once again this year with an incredible endurance. We saw them at the end of the route and we do not know how they do it in this weather! Our favorite member? The youngest one who took to the parade route until the very end.

If you have never been to the parade, maybe make it a point to go next year! Many people like to say "Las Vegas is missing community"... but you will find it here!