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DEL.ICIO.US3 more from 48th killed in Iraq
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
By MONI BASU The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Camp Striker, Iraq � Three more soldiers from the 48th Brigade Combat Team were killed and one was seriously wounded in a car bomb attack Wednesday, military officials said.
It was the third time in 10 days that the Georgia Army National Guard outfit has suffered multiple fatalities from Iraqi attacks. The brigade has lost 12 soldiers since arriving in Iraq in early June for a year-long tour.
Details were sketchy early today, but 2nd Lt. Selena Owens, spokeswoman for the 48th, said the attack “was along one of those same routes we’ve been having problems with.”
Identities of the dead soldiers were not released.
Brigade officials locked the Internet cafes here and confiscated cell phones and satellite phones Wednesday night to keep soldiers from calling home and possibly inadvertently alerting the families of the dead troops before they could be notified by Army officials.
The news began circulating among 48th soldiers as many were preparing a memorial service tonight for four of their comrades who died in a massive bomb attack Saturday. On July 24, during a patrol outside Camp Striker, a bomb exploded under an armored Humvee, killing four other soldiers.
The brigade has about 2,500 soldiers from Georgia but is augmented for its tour in Iraq by about 1,900 National Guard troops from Alabama, Illinois, Missouri, Maryland, Rhode Island and Puerto Rico.
Comments
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By The KIdd's Mom
August 4, 2005 01:21 AM | Link to this
It’s midnight, I just heard it’s happened again. I’m sitting here WAITING…Who was it this time? I haven’t heard from my son at FOB Row…could it be…?? Dear God help us all to get through this nightmare.
By Mary
August 4, 2005 02:14 AM | Link to this
Dear Lord, please comfort our Soldiers who are now mourning again for their comrades-in-arms - members of their military family.
Yet again we must wait to learn who will be the broken hearted when someone in uniform comes to tell them the almost unbearable news that their loved one has fallen.
God grant us all inner strength and when the families of the three are notified hold them near and let them be comforted.
Comfort our Soldiers who were their brothers and sisters.
By Mary
August 4, 2005 02:24 AM | Link to this
I also pray for the injured Soldier. I failed to include that. Thank you, God for sparing him and let him heal quickly.
By AM
August 4, 2005 04:20 AM | Link to this
How many more have to die? I pray day and night that my husband is ok, along with his fellow soldiers. Please bring every one home. “My sympathy goes for those families that had lost their love ones, THEY ARE TRUE HEROS” and to you Sgt. Maisonet, I love you baby. Be safe and remember siempre en mi mente, alma y corazon. Dios te bendiga a cada momento Your wife and daughter! A.M and J.A.M
By Judie Paxton
August 4, 2005 09:14 AM | Link to this
We appreciate the wonderful coverage the AJC has given the 48th. My son in law is with the 48th in Iraq. My daughter called this morning very upset after reading on your web site that 3 more from the 48th were killed yesterday. I wish you would not release this information until the families have been notified. Three familes will be devastated but until then hundreds will be frantic until they know it was not their husband or son.
By Randall J. Wisham,SGT, Retired
August 4, 2005 09:26 AM | Link to this
It is with deep regret that I hear of the loss of yet another of my brigade brothers. I knew Victor well. He would spend a lot of time here with the active duty members at the National Guard Armory in Montezuma, Ga. We would laugh and cut up and just generally enjoy each others company. I was so looking forward to seeing him again after this deployment and having him share his war stories. He was a fine soldier and I am sure he was a fine leader of his troops. He will be miss by all that had the pleasure and previlage to know him.
By Em
August 4, 2005 09:58 AM | Link to this
My heart goes out to all the family and friends waiting, like I am, to hear from their loved ones. ALL SOLDIERS are in my prayers. Thank you to people on the blogs who have become a support group in these past few days.
By AF Vet. Kimberly Thompson
August 4, 2005 10:08 AM | Link to this
How Many More Bring our soldiers home ! It’s time for the Iraqis to defend their own ! My personal hero is there and each day with every passing death I am saddened and sickened even more ! We have done what we can there if they don’t want change who are we to force change ! Our way of life may not be what works for them, it is evident that as long as we are there, there will be a sect that will intentionally harm our soldiers and rebel ! Bushyou can no longer justify these deaths to the families of fallen soldiers, if it were your children there they would be home by now ! I don’t mean to let my personal political views get out but this is personal ! I understand war when neccessary ! This war was and is not ! This had nothing to do with 9/11I pray this will be the end of this horrible streak of deaths for the 48th ! I pray for every family and their soldiers ! I pray for Spc Brad Shawhan, please be careful and may god carry you all through this unharmed !
By Sherry
August 4, 2005 10:17 AM | Link to this
God bless the families of the soldiers we have lost in the past two weeks. I pray everyday that my husband will not be among those killed in this war. I often wonder if we are making a difference, is our sacrafices worth the loss? Please pray for our families and the safe return of all of our men and women. We love, miss and are very proud of you all! Gods speed for a safe return!
By Reenie
August 4, 2005 11:22 AM | Link to this
My heart goes out to all the families of the fallen soldiers. God be with all of our soldiers over there. I pray that we bring them home soon. To my very special friend Jonathan know that you are in my prayers.
By Mom of Spc McCaslin's (48th BCT)
August 4, 2005 11:29 AM | Link to this
We cannot afford to doubt our faith at this time, for it is only through faith that our soldiers will come home. My son is there, and he’s my only child. I’m afraid for him….but I know that God is watching over him. He and his best friend, Spc Josh Addison are there together. I continue every day because I believe that God protects them.
I know that some of you don’t appreciate this info being posted until the names are out — but some of us prefer it that way. When I read these stories I know that it could be him….and because of the stories I have time to brace myself for the worst. And, if I am at work I know to go home so that I can get any news, any hope immediately.
PRAY - PRAY HARD - PRAY OFTEN. God will hear our prayers. And I will stay strong for my son. I will not fall prey to anger, doubt, and a drop in the strenght of my faith.
Brandon and Josh, we love you and look forward to seeing you safe and at home. We will never stop believing that it will be any other way!
And for those of you reading this, please go to the Post Office and buy phone cards to donate to the soldiers there…..they will need to hear our voices.
By Marie
August 4, 2005 12:18 PM | Link to this
My solider is at Camp Taji….recently transfered from FOB Michael…the 48th replaced him and his buddies there. I continue to follow AJC’s coverage here and am simply heartbroken for the families of these fine men and women. I know what it is like to sit and wait and wonder and I feel completely impotent that there is NOTHING we at home can do but wait. If anybody has done anything that makes them feel more peaceful in this situation please share…besides the obvious…I pray and I sponsor a soldier (besides mine) and I try to be supportive of all of the men and women there but I am frustrated that there is so LITTLE I can tangibly do. Once again my prayers are with your soldiers my soldiers and their fine brave families…may God have mercy on us all.
By JWC
August 4, 2005 12:46 PM | Link to this
BRING OUR SOLDIER HOME!! Kimis right - how many more must we sacrifice to this notionless war game? Why are our guys still there? I pray for the innocent Iraqi people. I dearly love and support our troops but despise these cowardly terrorists who hide their faces is shame while our guys boldly follow orders to bring some civility to this poor nation. * BRING OUR SOLDIERS HOME!!*
By Jessica
August 4, 2005 01:03 PM | Link to this
One of my good friends, Paul Mayes from Bremen, GA is in the 48th, and it is so hard every time I hear yet another soldier has died from the 48th brigade. I worry so much about him- he’s only 21 years old and has his whole life ahead of him, as do many of the other soldiers. These last 2 weeks are the first time for me that it has felt like war in the last 2 years just because it has hit so close to home. I pray for him, as well as all of the soldiers fighting this war. Though some may not ever be hurt physically, these men will return home after seeing things that no human being should ever have to witness. Whether or not you agree with the war or agree with Bush, these men are AMERICAN, and let’s all just pray that they will all return home safely and with a sound mind and heart. I love you Paul, and I miss you neighbor! Please take care of yourself!
By Kathy
August 4, 2005 01:34 PM | Link to this
I think all our men should come home and let the Iraqi’s kill themselfs. Our men can not fix what has been wrong for so many men. We are loosing to many of our men.
By Frances
August 4, 2005 01:58 PM | Link to this
I just don’t know what to say anymore. My heart just aches. To the Family and loved ones of the fallen, we pray daily for your comfort.
By Shannon
August 4, 2005 02:39 PM | Link to this
We’ve done all we can do over there. It’s time to bring the soldiers home. If the Iraqi people want freedom bad enough, they’ll make the democracy stick. We did. And we were just a small group of colonies against the British Empire. This has gone on long enough.
I’m praying for the families that are going through this tragic time as their loved ones pay the ultimate price in service to their country. God bless all soldiers and their families!
By Karen
August 4, 2005 02:43 PM | Link to this
I too am sitting here waiting. Praying to God that my son is safe. I try not to read the articles but can’t seem to stop myself. Now I sit and wait, as all the other family members do that have a loved one in Iraq. Each praying that it isn’t their child. And praying for the families that will be dealt this horrible blow. Pray for the soldiers. To my Spc. Ronald Raymond, III, come home safe. You are always in our thought and prayers. We love you! ~ Mom
By Bonnie
August 4, 2005 03:34 PM | Link to this
My brother is one of the soldiers in Iraq. I pray for him each day..for his safe return to his family. I wish we would get our troops out of this “no win” situation. Those who are terrorists are barbaric killers with no regard for human life.
By Tomoko
August 4, 2005 04:25 PM | Link to this
It makes my heart ache so much and make me so sad to read the articles about our soldiers getting killed in Iraq. Their command need to do something very quickly to stop getting more casualities. Enough is enough.
I fear for my husband who is in 48th. And I know rest of the families of 48th soldiers who go out on missions feel the same too.
By Terri
August 4, 2005 05:30 PM | Link to this
To all the families of the 48th BCT soldiers that are stationed at Camp Stryker, my thoughts and prayers are with you. My son is one of only 3 survivors of BOTH bombs last week. I know what it is to live thru these long hours waiting to find out if your soldier is alive or not. It is terrible to learn of more deaths by another bomb and then to have to wait…..I, too, wish the media would not let out ANY news until after the families of the dead soldiers have been notified AND until after the other soldiers have had plenty of time to let their families know they are OK. It is terrifying to not know, especially for those families who know that their loved one is patrolling in that area. I wish I had words to share that would comfort all of you at this time. I hate that our sons, husbands, fathers, and brothers have to be in such a terrible place at such a dangerous time. To me, there is nothing there that is worth the lives of any of these soldiers. They have been thru too much, and it is time to bring them home. I am so proud of my two sons for serving their country, but I am not proud of this country for using them this way.
By AW
August 4, 2005 05:57 PM | Link to this
Today I found out that my brother was one of the soldiers killed. He was the most wonderful person in the entire world. The world is a little colder today. He leaves behind a wife and 2 childern - 1 of which he has never seen. Chuck - I LOVE YOU! You were the best brother and also my best friend.
By Susan Reynolds
August 4, 2005 06:07 PM | Link to this
I sit here crying and thinking of our fallen soldiers and their families. I like the 48th are getting most of the action over there I pray for each and everyone of them and their families. It is hard sitting and waiting to find out if it has to do with you but better to perpare just in case or have it like with when our friend Gus got killed and get slapped in the face with someone you know is dead. There was coverage hardly at all till after we found out he was gone . So to whom ever doesnt like the coverage I am soory for you but some of us like to be warned a little..
By Christy
August 4, 2005 06:53 PM | Link to this
I am so sorry to hear about all of the things that you guys are going through over there. I have always been an optimist, but this whole thing has thrown me into a constant state of fear and sadness. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially you SPC Jonathan Bentjen. You are the love of my life. Your kids and I miss you so bad. Please come home safe and soon!!! Christy
By Mother of a Guardsmen
August 4, 2005 07:46 PM | Link to this
Tears are streaming down my cheeks. For we have lost 4 more of our family.
God bless these families for their loss. God bless us all. God bless America.
By NANCY
August 4, 2005 08:02 PM | Link to this
Dear God give us strength, I sit hear waiting not knowing. My son,My heart, My soul-Like all of the family of the 48th brigade I support his choice. Yes he choose to join and serve his country. Just recently he told me Mama I may not like being here, but I’m a Soldier and a Soldier goes where he’s told,and does what he trained for. I’ve seen my twenty year old son grow up so fast. Now he’s seen things I wish ge never had to see. But as he told me he has a diffent outlook on whats important and whats not.
By Beth Ethridge
August 4, 2005 09:15 PM | Link to this
I am also a mother of a soldier at Camp Stryker (PFC Josh Ethridge). My son is in the same unit as three that have just lot their lives. My heart aches for each and everyone of the soldiers and all of their families. Today has been a rough day just waiting to see if Josh was ok. I can’t even imagine what it is like for them to be there and to go thru this kind of tragedy. They are all brave soldiers and I pray daily for their safe return home. Proud Soldier Mom, Beth
By charlotte ferguson
August 4, 2005 11:01 PM | Link to this
Mom of SPC Derry Monroe with 48th infantry brigade at camp stryker.
My heart stops every time I hear news of another fallen soldier.
I can only stay busy,I am collecting phone cards on saturday and sunday at the Albany Flea Market, Albany Georgia drop one off it helps to hear your soldiers voice.
to Spc Derry Monroe your Mom loves you very much
By Allison
August 5, 2005 09:25 AM | Link to this
Since my brother left for Iraq with the 48th there have been so many days when we have waited for news, knowing that soldiers had been hurt or killed and praying he is safe. But with that sick feeling in our stomachs, we know that this tragedy is someone else’s, no less agonizing than if it had touched our family. I do not believe that there are enough grateful Iraqis to make these sacrifices worth it. As our president vacations, I hope he comes to terms with this reality and has the wisdom and courage to bring our remaining troops home. It really makes me mad to hear him talk about the insurgents trying to force us out and how we’re not going to bow down. He went into the wasps’ nest and stirred them up—what did he expect? He created these dangers and he needs to face that fact and give our soldiers back to their families and communities.
By Chief
August 5, 2005 03:53 PM | Link to this
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the families of all eleven soldiers of the 48th who have been killed thus far in this deployment and those Marines too. I salute every man and woman in uniform serving all over this earth to try to bring peace, freedom and justice. I want to comment on the practice of taking up the soldier’s cell phones and shutting down the internets after an incident involving KIA or VSI soldiers. I wish the Army would rethink that policy. While the news for the families of the latest 3 soldiers was terrible, nothing could really prepare you for that moment. For the other approximately 4,997 families it was and will always be pure torment waiting to know if it was our loved one. Just a text msg. or phone call to say, “I’m OK” would relieve so many fears for so many others. I agree that the media should not print the names or unit until “official notification” but let the families hear from their soldier as soon as possible because no matter how hard the Army tries to put a lid on it, it is getting out and always will. The rumor mill is faster than the internet! Change comes hard in the Army but please take a second look at this policy and get input from other families about this. May God continue to bless and protect our soldiers who are fighting to give those oppressed people a chance to taste the freedoms that so many of us take for granted. Don’t lose sight of why we are there. Women couldn’t go to school to learn to read or write. Sadam used poison gas to kill thousands of women, children, babies and Kurdish men. That’s no political lie, that’s documented fact. Let Freedom Ring and our sacrifices not be in vain.
By porcsha
August 6, 2005 01:33 PM | Link to this
May God bless all our men that are fighting BUSH WAR. I personally feel that bush need to be over their to fight his own war because this is starting to get personal.To all the men your brave and need more stripes than you can imagaine.I just want you’ll to know that god is watching over you guy, because i prayed about it.
By ashley
August 10, 2005 03:18 AM | Link to this
my heart goes out to all of those in the 48th for my husband is part of them. but i do have to say this…. morale there is already so low and here we sit saying that they are dying in vain. i could never bring myself to utter those words. for my husband and all of those over there signed up willingly, knowing that one day our country could call on them. if they did not want to take that chance then they should not have signed up. and i will stand beside my husband no matter what. we all need to stand behind our soldiers for we are all they have to lift their morale. maybe i am crazy to think that we are actually doing some good over there, but i do. we just dont get to hear about it very often. i too wait everyday to see if he will call or drop an email to let me know if he is ok. it breaks my heart when i hear about the deaths of all these brave men and woman over there. but they are doing what they must and what they believe in. thank you guys!! we all love you and keep up the good work!! you are our heroes!!!
By Dora Velasquez
August 13, 2005 09:12 PM | Link to this
Hola mi querido Sgt. J.Maisonet, como siempre te escribo para hacerte sentir nuestra presencia, aunque separados por la distancia , estamos unidos por el carino y el deseo de tu regreso pronto a casa. Recuerda siempre que no te puedes dejar vencer por la desesperacion. Siempre firme y valiente como hasta ahora. Te quiero mucho. Tu tia la tetis!