In Memoriam

[Grace]

28 August 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Aug. 28 in Rashid, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their vehicle with an explosively formed penetrator. Both Soldiers were assigned to the 41st Special Troops Battalion, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Oregon Army National Guard in Portland.

Killed were:

Sgt. Earl D. Werner, 38, of Mondovi, Wis.; and

Pvt. Taylor D. Marks, 19, of Monmouth, Ore.

[Grace]

28 August 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Abraham S. Wheeler III, 22, of Columbia, S.C., died Aug. 28 in Logar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

[Grace]

From the United Kingdom

31 August 2009

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that two soldiers from The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, have been killed in Afghanistan.

The soldiers were killed as a result of an explosion that happened whilst on a foot patrol north of Lashkar Gah District, southern Helmand Province on the morning of Monday 31 August 2009.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson said:

"Everyone in Task Force Helmand is deeply saddened by the deaths of these two brave soldiers. While there are no words that can ease their loss, our heartfelt sympathies go to their families, friends and fellow soldiers at this extremely difficult time."

Next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.

[Grace]

29 August 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Aug. 29 in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when they were shot by enemy forces Aug. 28 while conducting combat operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Jason S. Dahlke, 29, of Orlando, Fla.; and

Pfc. Eric W. Hario, 19, of Monroe, Mich.

[Grace]

The two soldiers from The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, who were killed on 31 August, have been identified.

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence has confirmed the death of Sergeant Stuart Millar, age 40, and Private Kevin Elliott, age 24, of The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The soldiers were killed as a result of an explosion believed to have been caused by a rocket-propelled grenade when they were attacked by insurgents whilst patrolling on foot in Babaji District, Helmand Province on the morning of Monday 31 August 2009.