IEDs

06/02/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. 1st Class David Nunez, of Los Angeles, CA:

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Sergeant First Class David Nunez, who fought with pride and honor to preserve the liberties of his fellow citizens. We will forever remember his service and sacrifice given in the name freedom. Maria and I send our thoughts and prayers to David's family and friends as they mourn this extraordinary loss."

Nunez, 27, died May 29 in Shewan, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when he encountered small arms fire while conducting combat operations. Nunez was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, United States Army, Fort Bragg, NC.    » read more »

June 02, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died May 31 in Jalalabad City, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

They were assigned to the 173rd Special Troops Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Bamberg, Germany.

Killed were:

Spc. James M. Finley, 21, of Lebanon, Missouri.    » read more »

June 02, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Justin R. Mixon, 22, of Bogalusa, Louisiana, died June 1 in Baghdad Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.

   » read more »

Honoring Illinois' Fallen

May 30, 2008 -- The Illinois Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor Blagojevich’s Office to fly the flags at State occupied buildings at half-staff on behalf of:

Sgt. Blake W. Evans
United States Army
Hometown: Rockford, Illinois

Please immediately lower the United States flags and the State flags at all buildings occupied by your agency’s personnel from:

Sunrise, June 2, 2008 until sunset, June 4, 2008

Source: Illinois Governor

May 29, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. Chad M. Trimble, 29, of West Covina, California, died May 28, near Gardez, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.    » read more »

05/29/2008 -- California Governor Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Pfc. Chad M. Trimble of West Covina, CA:

"Private First Class Trimble served with honor, integrity and unrelenting dedication to our country and his fellow soldiers. He was a true patriot and his selflessness will never be forgotten. Maria and I join all Californians in offering our condolences to Chad's loved ones during this difficult time."

Trimble, 29, died May 28, near Gardez, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Trimble was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), United States Army, Fort Campbell, KY.    » read more »

05/28/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Spc. Christopher Gathercole, of Santa Rosa, CA:

“Maria and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Specialist Christopher Gathercole. He served with courage, determination and patriotism and Californians will forever remember his sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers are with Christopher’s family, friends and fellow soldiers during this difficult time.”

Gathercole, 21, died May 26 in Ghazni, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from small arms fire during combat operations. Gathercole was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, United States Army, Fort Lewis, WA.

In honor of Spc. Gathercole, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.    » read more »

05/27/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Frank J. Gasper of Merced, CA:

“Sergeant Frank Gasper’s bravery is a shining example of the courage and determination that makes our nation strong. His dedication to preserving our nation’s freedom serves as inspiration to all Californians and his sacrifice will not be forgotten. Maria and I extend our prayers to Frank’s family and friends as they mourn this tremendous loss.”

Gasper, 25, died May 25 in Najaf, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Gasper was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, United States Army, Fort Carson, CO.    » read more »

May 28, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. 1st Class Jason F. Dene, 37, of Castleton, Vermont, died May 25 in Baghdad, Iraq, from injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident on May 24.

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

The incident is under investigation.    » read more »

May 27, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Frank J. Gasper, 25, of Merced, California, died May 25 in Najaf, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, Fort Carson, Colo.

Source: DOD

May 27, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Blake W. Evans, 24, of Rockford, Illinois, died May 25 in Al Jazeera Desert, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Source: DOD

May 27, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Kyle P. Norris, 22, of Zanesville, Ohio, died May 23 in Balad, Iraq, from wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device during a patrol May 22 in Jurf as Sakhr, Iraq.

He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Source: DOD

May 23, 2008 --The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Lt. Jeffrey A. Ammon, 37, of Orem, Utah, died May 20, as a result of injuries suffered from an improvised explosive device in the Aband District, Afghanistan.

The sailor was attached to Commander Navy Region Northwest, Bangor, Wash., and serving in Afghanistan as a member of Provincial Reconstruction Team Ghazni.

   » read more »

May 21, 2008 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings remain at half-staff in honor of a Fort Campbell soldier who died May 18 supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

According to the Department of Defense, Pvt. Branden P. Haunert, 21, of Cincinnati, Ohio, died in Tikrit, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of the funeral, for which arrangements are pending.    » read more »

May 21, 2008 -- The Department of Defense today announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

1st Lt. Jeffrey F. Deprimo, 35, of Pittston, Pennsylvania, died May 20 in Ghazni, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 103rd Armor Regiment, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Williamsport, Pa.

   » read more »