In Memoriam

[Grace]

20 September 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Senior Airman Matthew R. Courtois, 22, of Lucas, Texas, died Sep 20 as a result of a non-hostile incident on Abdullah Al Mubarak Airbase, Kuwait. He was assigned to the 366th Security Forces Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

[Grace]

19 September 2009

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

Spc. Michael S. Cote Jr., 20, of Denham Springs, La., died Sept. 19 in Balad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when the Blackhawk helicopter he was in crashed. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment, Task Force 49, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

[Grace]

United Kingdom

21 September 2009

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that a soldier from 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment has been killed in Afghanistan on the morning of 21 September 2009.

The soldier was killed as a result of an explosion that happened whilst on a dismounted patrol in the Gereshk District, central Helmand Province.

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

"The death of this courageous soldier from 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment is a heartfelt blow to all of us serving in Task Force Helmand. Our sorrow is nothing compared to the heartache felt by his family to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

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

The name of the British soldier has been released.

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Acting Sergeant Michael Lockett MC, of 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) was killed in Afghanistan on Monday 21 September 2009.

Acting Sergeant Lockett was on a dismounted patrol near Patrol Base SANDFORD in the Gereshk district of Helmand province when an explosion detonated, killing him before he could be extracted to hospital.

He was investigating and confirming the find of an Improvised Explosive Device when it exploded. Two other soldiers were injured in the same incident.

[Grace]

20 September 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Sept. 20 in Zabul province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained during a vehicle rollover. The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Killed were:

Spc. Corey J. Kowall, 20, of Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Spc. Damon G. Winkleman, 23, of Lakeville, Ohio.

The incident is under investigation.

[RICHARD]

http://community.tasteofhome.com/for...7.aspx#6338717

Sorry I don't bank with them any more, It's an unfortunate misunderstanding.

It's really unfortunate that something like this turns into a national news story.

Both parties are at fault in this one.

The woman for not asking for permission and the bank manager for pulling them up.

I can see some stupid customer going to the mananger and asking her to remove the flags, too.

We have become a nation of paranoid AHs-all because we are afraid of hurting someone's feelings by doing something that was really O.K. a few years ago.

------------------------

As I move away from the sidewalk of civility and dash into the oncoming traffic?

If you see something that really bothers you and you feel you must complain about it? Grab a sheet of paper and a sharp number 2 pencil.

Jab the pencil into your eyes and use the paper to sop up the mess that follows.

You will never see another offensive flag on anyone's lawn again.

[Killearn Kitties]

Michael Lockett was awarded the Military Cross two years ago, the highest honour that the country can present.

A bit about him on the BBC site.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8269774.stm

[Grace]

Thanks for the information, Karen, and the link.