In Memoriam

[Edwina's Secretary]

This morning, as every Sunday, I read the obituaries of all those who died in uniform this week.

I have been struck by the ages. More people in their 30's and 40's than I would expect. It is not so apparent from those you have posted, Grace, but has anyone else noticed that.

[Grace]

This morning, as every Sunday, I read the obituaries of all those who died in uniform this week.

I have been struck by the ages. More people in their 30's and 40's than I would expect. It is not so apparent from those you have posted, Grace, but has anyone else noticed that.

Yes, I have noticed that over time. So I went back through this post. I have listed 25 names (just since June 29th ). 9 of them are 30 and over - one was 41. So that's just over 1/3.

I can remember a couple of years ago seeing one who was in his mid-50s.

[Grace]

July 10, 2009

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

Cpl. Matthew R. Lembke, 22, of Tualatin, Ore., died July 10 of wounds sustained on June 24 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

[Grace]

Let's not forget the British -


In a 24 hour period of time, in Afghanistan, they lost 8 young men.

Article -
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/ju...an-afghanistan



Coming home - - this made me cry.

[Grace]

And now for some more of our own.

July 11, 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.


Lance Cpl. Pedro A. Barbozaflores, 27, of Glendale, Calif., and Master Sgt. Jerome D. Hatfield, 36, of Axton, Va., died July 11 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. They were assigned to 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

July 12, 2009

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

Staff Sgt. Eric J. Lindstrom, 27, of Flagstaff, Ariz., died July 12 near Barge Matal, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his dismounted patrol using small arms and indirect fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.

Staff Sgt. Lindstrom is the second soldier from the 10th Mountain Division to die in the last 3 days.

[Grace]

July 13, 2009

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

Chief Warrant Officer Rodney A. Jarvis, 34, of Akron, Ohio, died July 13 in Baghdad of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 46th Engineer Battalion, 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Fort Polk, La.

[Grace]

July 13, 2009

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.


Sgt. Michael W. Heede Jr., 22, of Delta, Pa., and Staff Sgt. David S. Spicer, 33, of Zanesfield, Ohio, died July 13 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.


Heede was assigned to 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.


Spicer was assigned to 8th Engineer Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.