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DEL.ICIO.USSoldier who aided storm victims dies
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A Georgia National Guard soldier who helped collect money in Iraq for Hurricane Katrina victims last summer has died, the Pentagon announced Monday.
Sgt. 1st Class Amos C. Edwards Jr., 41, of Savannah died Friday near Rutbah, Iraq, from what military officials said was a noncombat related cause.
First Lt. Selena Owens, a spokeswoman for the 48th Brigade Combat Team, said Edwards died of an apparent heart attack. The death is under investigation.
Edwards was part of the 48th’s 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment. His death brings to 26 the number of 48th soldiers who have died since the unit was sent to the Middle East last May.
Of those casualties, 16 have been as a result of combat, and the other 10 died in vehicle accidents or other nonhostile incidents.
Owens said Edwards died at Camp Korea Village in a remote stretch of Iraq’s western desert close to the Syrian and Jordanian borders. Edwards’ unit has been providing security for supply convoys making the run from Jordan to bases in western Iraq since November.
Edwards had been among three 118th soldiers who felt compelled to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina and helped spearhead a drive to raise money while stationed at Camp Taji, just north of Baghdad.
The 48th Brigade has more than 2,500 Georgians and nearly 2,000 soldiers from other states including Maryland, Rhode Island, Illinois and Alabama serving in Iraq.
Staff writer Jeremy Redmon in Iraq contributed to this article.
Comments
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By HOLLY SUTTON
February 21, 2006 01:42 AM | Link to this
TO THE EDWARDS FAMILY WE SEND OUR CONDOLESENCES MY HUSBAND WAS IN THIS UNIT AND KNEW HIM SAYS HE WAS TRULY A NICE GUY.GOD SAW WHERE HIS WORK WAS DONE UPON THIS EARTH HE SERVED HIS COUNTRY WELL AND HE EARNED HIS WINGS. TO BE ABSENT FROM THE BODY IS TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD.OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO EACH OF YOU SSG RODERICK SUTTON AND FAMILY.
By "Momma Kat" Orr
February 21, 2006 07:05 AM | Link to this
I am so sorry to hear of this greatloss… please know his family - and all his friends - are in my prayers.
My heart cries with you all…. hugs
By 48th BDE Wife
February 21, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this
To the Edwards Family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
By Elaine
February 21, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this
To the Edwards Family-you are in my heart and my prayers-he was a brave and wonderful caring man-this world is a much better place for him being in it. God Bless you all.
Elaine
By Loggins
February 21, 2006 09:08 PM | Link to this
SFC Edwards was a good soldier, he took pride in himself and the job he performed. I had the honor of working and serving with him for a short while in Iraq. I pray that God will strenghten the family at this time and give them comfort in knowing that his trials are over now and he rest at home now, Go to a deserved rest my brother!!
By Debra Martin-Dabson
February 21, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this
To the Edwards Family In the short time that I have known Sgt Edwards he has always been someone to lend a helping hand to his fellow comrads. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
The Family of SSgt Alexander Dabson
By LEROY HILL
February 24, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
I,ll always remember the harmonizing of gospel songs with a powerful soulful voice on pt runs,and the constant leadership of a professional soldier throughout.you will always be thought of as gone to soon and missed by many.I give your family my condolences and prayers. SPC HILL