IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN: U.S. casualties identified

The Defense Department on Wednesday announced the deaths of several soldiers and an airman. At least 4,063 American military personnel have died in Iraq and at least 496 in Afghanistan, according to the independent website icasualties.org.

Pfc. Adam L. Marion, 26, of Mount Airy, N.C., died Monday when his Baghdad base was attacked with indirect fire. He was assigned to the 171st Engineer Company, North Carolina Army National Guard, Saint Pauls, N.C.

Sgt. Marcus C. Mathes, 26, of Zephyrhills, Fla., died Monday when his Baghdad base was attacked with indirect fire. He was assigned to the 94th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), located at Fort Polk, La.

Sgt. Mark A. Stone, 22, of Buchanan Dam, Texas died Monday when his Baghdad base was attacked with indirect fire. He was assigned to the 94th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), located at Fort Polk, La.

Pfc. William T. Dix, 32, of Culver City, Calif., died Sunday at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, of non-combat injuries. He was assigned to the 14th Engineer Battalion, 555th Engineer Brigade, I Corps, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Sgt. 1st Class David L. McDowell, 30, of Ramona, Calif., died Tuesday in Bastion, Afghanistan, of gunshot wounds. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Senior Airman Jonathan A. V. Yelner, 24, of Lafayette, Calif., died Tuesday near Bagram, Afghanistan, of roadside bomb wounds. He was assigned to the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.

Comments

[PacificGatePost]

The beautiful and delicate poppy that now paints the landscapes of Afghanistan with vibrant colors, has long been the symbol for sacrifice. The aesthetic is as soothing to the sense of sight, as it is exasperating to the conscience.

http://pacificgatepost.blogspot.com/2008/04/poppy-fields-of-mass-destruction.html

Drastic action is required.

-------