IRAQ: Not to be forgotten

Four Marines killed Friday in Al Anbar province have been identified as members of the 1st Marine Logistics Group from Camp Pendleton.

Their deaths push to at least 335 the number of Marines from Camp Pendleton killed in Iraq, according to information compiled by the Department of Defense and the independent website icasualties.org. An additional 113 Marines have been killed from the base at Twentynine Palms, which is part of the Camp Pendleton-based 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.

The four were killed by a roadside bomb explosion in Karma, once an insurgent stronghold, near Fallouja.

Killed were: Lance Cpl. Casey L. Casanova, 22, of McComb, Miss., a field radio operator; Cpl. Miguel A. Guzman, 21, of Norwalk, Calif., a mechanic; Lance Cpl. James F. Kimple (above), 21, of Carroll, Ohio, a maintenance specialist; and Sgt. Glen E. Martinez, 31, of Boulder, Colo., an engineer equipment operator.

"These four brave and dedicated warriors will not be forgotten," said Col. Juan G. Ayala, commander of the 1st Marine Logistics Group stay-behind element at Camp Pendleton.

—Tony Perry, in San Diego

Photo: Lance Cpl. James F. Kimple. Photo credit: Lancaster (Ohio) Eagle-Gazette

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Comments

[Carl Louk]

I was part of the Air Force Jolly Greens that flew the remains back to camp. I was silenced by the shear devistaion that this IED caused. I hope and pray the families of those killed will find peace of mind and heart. I am not a Marine, but I will not forget those that paid with their lives. I salute all those in uniform, as we are doing a job most people can not understand. It takes a soldier to understand a soldier. Now those that have gone before us stand gaurd in heaven. Peace be with all of you, and bless each one of you that have given the ultimate sacrifice.

[Kirk Adams]

This Is Really Sad. James Kimple Was A Personal Friend Of Mine And We Served In Iraq Together The Time Before This. Hopefully He Is In A Better Place Now And I Hope Everyone Prays For His Family.

[Jerry Dee]

My heart goes out to the families of these brave true Americans - it's so sad - of course you want to say more or do more - I'll leave it at that and try to remember the young man's face above