Iraq war

12 August 2008 -- A new report says the United States has spent about $100 billion on private contractors to support operations in Iraq since the 2003 invasion to oust Saddam Hussein.

At the height of last year's military surge in Iraq, the United States had roughly 168,000 troops deployed in the country.

Blackwater security guards, Republican Palace, Baghdad: US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) photograph by ACoE photographer Jim Gordon.

But America's armed forces have been outnumbered by what some see as a private army funded by the federal government: contractors that provide a wide array of services, from security operations to rebuilding projects to logistical support.    » read more »

August 13, 2008 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on state government buildings across New York be flown at half-staff on Friday, August 15, 2008, in honor of New York City resident Sergeant Jose Ulloa, who died August 9, 2008 in Baghdad, Iraq.

Sergeant Ulloa was a member of the 515th Transportation Company, 28th Transportation Battalion, based in Mannheim, Germany.

“It is with deep regret that we acknowledge and mourn the death of Sergeant Ulloa,” said Governor Paterson. “On behalf of all New Yorkers I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Sergeant Ulloa. His sacrifice to our country will never be forgotten.”    » read more »

8/11/2008 -- Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer has ordered that the National flag and State flag be flown at half-staff on Wednesday morning, August 13th until sundown Thursday, August 14th to honor the memory of U.S. Army Private Timothy Hutton, who died in Iraq in August 4th, 2008, while in service to his country.

Source: Montana Governor

Honoring Illinois' Fallen

August 13, 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:

Cpl. Adam T. McKiski
United States Marine Corps
Hometown: Cherry Valley

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

Sunrise, Saturday, August 16, 2008 until
Sunset, Monday, August 18, 2008

Source: Illinois Governor

August 12, 2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the deaths of Cpl. Adam T. McKiski, of Cherry Valley, IL and Cpl. Stewart S. Trejo, of Whitefish, MT:

"Corporal Adam McKiski and Corporal Stewart Trejo are true patriots who fought proudly and bravely for their fellow citizens and for the ideals of this country. Californians will never forget their courage and sacrifice. Maria and I send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of these brave men during this difficult time."    » read more »

August 5, 2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Pvt. Jair De Jesus Garcia, of Chatsworth, CA:

"Maria and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Private Jair De Jesus Garcia. Jair De Jesus was a brave soldier who fought courageously in defense of our nation's freedom. His sacrifice, service and loyalty to our country will never be forgotten. We join all Californians in offering our thoughts and prayers to Jair De Jesus' family and friends during this difficult time."    » read more »

August 5, 2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Pfc. Jennifer L. Cole, of American Canyon, CA:

"Private First Class Jennifer Cole fought with pride, honor and unyielding commitment to freedom and democracy. Her courage is an inspiration to all Californians and we will never forget her sacrifice. Maria and I send our condolences to Jennifer's family and friends."

Cole, 34, died Aug. 2 in Bayji, Iraq, of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. Cole was assigned to the 426th Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), U.S. Army, Fort Campbell, KY.

In honor of Pfc. Cole, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

Source: California Governor

August 12, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The following Marines died Aug. 7 while supporting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq:

Cpl. Adam T. McKiski, 21, of Cherry Valley, Illinois.

Cpl. Stewart S. Trejo, 25, of Whitefish, Montana.

The Marines were assigned to the 1st Maintenance Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Source: DOD

August 11, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Kenneth B. Gibson, 25, of Christiansburg, Virginia, died of wounds suffered Aug. 10 in Tarmiyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position during dismounted operations.

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

Source: DOD

August 11, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Jose E. Ulloa, 23, of New York, New York, died Aug. 9 in Sadr City, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device Aug. 8 in Sadr City.

He was assigned to the 515th Transportation Company, 28th Transportation Battalion, Mannheim, Germany.

Source: DOD

August 09, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Master Sgt. Danny E. Maybin, 47, of Columbia, South Carolina, died Aug. 7 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, as the result of a non-combat related incident.

He was assigned to Headquarters, U.S. Forces Command, Fort McPherson, Ga.

The incident is under investigation.

Source: DOD

August 06, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Ronald A. Schmidt, 18, of Newton, Kansas, died Aug. 3 in Balad, Iraq, of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident in Ashraf, Iraq, on Aug. 2. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, Kansas Army National Guard, Kingman, Kan.

The incident is under investigation.

Source: DOD

August 06, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pvt. Timothy J. Hutton, 21, of Dillon, Montana, died Aug. 4 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident.

He was assigned to the 54th Engineer Battalion, 18th Engineer Brigade, Bamberg, Germany.

The incident is under investigation.

Source: DOD

August 06, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Aug. 4 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when debris from an improvised explosive device detonation on an overpass fell onto their vehicle.

They were assigned to the 38th Military Police Company, 38th Infantry Division, Indiana Army National Guard, Danville, Ind.

Killed were:

Sgt. Gary M. Henry, 34, of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Spc. Jonathan D. Menke, 22, of Madison, Indiana.

Source: DOD

August 05, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Brian K. Miller, 37, of Pendleton, Indiana, died Aug. 2 in Abd Allah, Iraq, of injuries suffered in a vehicle accident.

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry Regiment, 76th Brigade Combat Team, Indiana Army National Guard, Fort Wayne, Ind.

The incident is under investigation.

Source: DOD