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'Those Guys Inspired Me Every Day': Haitian Man Fulfills Dream Of Joining U.S. Army

BOSTON (CBS) – A massive 2010 earthquake in Haiti left 160,000 people dead and 1.5 million homeless. America sent in the Army with food and water and doctors, and those soldiers left a lasting impact on one Haitian man.

Fritz Laroche, 27, went to work for the 82nd Airborne as a translator when they arrived in Haiti. But to the soldiers, he quickly became much more.

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Fritz Laroche working as a translator following the Haiti earthquake in 2010. (Courtesy Photo)

"He was a brother, and we wanted to bring him back," said Nick Moore, then a sergeant with the unit.

The Army eventually left, but not without leaving a big impression Laroche.

"Those guys inspired me every day of my life to be better, to go harder, to be strong mentally, and to help people more," said Laroche.

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Frtiz Laroche. (WBZ-TV)

It took nine years, but Fritz made it to America, and next week he will join the United States Army.

"He's an amazing man, with a heart that just wants to serve people," said Moore.

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