7 June 2010


The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device June 7 in Konar, Afghanistan. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Killed were:

Sgt. Joshua A. Lukeala, 23, of Yigo, Guam;

Spc. Matthew R. Catlett, 23, of Houston, Texas;

Spc. Charles S. Jirtle, 29, of Lawton, Okla.;

Spc. Blaine E. Redding, 22, of Plattsmouth, Neb.