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~* Defense Officials Identify Casualties *~

WASHINGTON May 31, 2004

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

* Lance Cpl. Benjamin R. Gonzalez, 23, of Los Angeles, Calif., * died May 29 due to hostile action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2^nd Battalion, 4^th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

* Capt. Daniel W. Eggers, 28, of Cape Coral, Fla. * He was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 3^rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), from Fort Bragg, N.C.

* Staff Sgt. Robert J. Mogensen, 26, of Leesville, La. * He was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 3^rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.

* Pfc. Joseph A. Jeffries, 21, of Beaverton, Ore. * He was assigned to the Army Reserve’s 329^th Psychological Operations Company, Portland, Ore.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three Soldiers supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died May 29 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, when their vehicle hit a land mine. Killed were:
* Capt. Daniel W. Eggers, 28, of Cape Coral, Fla. * He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), from Fort Bragg, N.C.

* Staff Sgt. Robert J. Mogensen, 26, of Leesville, La. * He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.

* Pfc. Joseph A. Jeffries, 21, of Beaverton, Ore. * He was assigned to the Army Reserve’s 329th Psychological Operations Company, Portland, Ore.

One of the young men on the above list served with our own Cheney Chick's unit.

We hallow in our hearts the sacrifice of ALL who have fallen in the effort to protect our nation and other nations from the scourge of terrorism.

The following has been posted on our Troop Prayer Threads:
Post 606 --
http://freerepublic.com/focus/news/1101474/posts?page=605

MERCIFUL FATHER IN HEAVEN,

Wrap Cheney Chick's unit serving in Afghanistan with your comforting embrace. They have lost a precious friend and comrade. Father, take this young man into your arms and hold him and take him to a very special place in your heaven. Tell him how grateful his countrymen are for his service and sacrifice. Instruct each of us remaining behind how we may live so that that sacrifice was worth it. Help us to be honorable and mindful of our obligations to take up the torch of defending freedom from those who have fallen in the effort.

We understand that CC's young comrade had a wife and a young baby on the way. We ask for extraordinary intercession in the lives of this young family. Surround them and all his loved ones with special teams of angels so that they may fulfill their period of grief and find themselves able to take up their lives strengthened and blessed with their faith in you intact. Clear the way before the child entering on the earth's stage without its father. If it is according to thy Will, allow this young father the opportunity to be able to communicate with the heart and soul of his child. Grant the young wife assurance that all will be well. We call forth miracles of healing and faith and mercy in her life and all who this young man touched.

We are asking for a special blessing of healing and mercy for Cheney Chick's unit and all who served with this young man. We are informed and can well understand how devastating the loss of this fine young man would be. Father, help them to heal in their hearts and souls. Strip them of all inordinate fear, doubt, self doubt, distraction, depression, anger, and any other emotion which eats away at the soul and morale. Strengthen these young people who bear arms for freedom in their resolve to stand firm and fulfill their duties in the highest honor and standards which they hold for themselves. Indeed, through your intercession, grant them the gift of being able to transcend themselves in their service. Send to each of them directly the love we have in our hearts for them and for what they are doing for us. We ask that they will each be granted miracles of protection from your heart and from the hand and sword of Archangel Michael. Send forth your legions of angels to guide, guard, direct and protect CC's unit and all our troops, allies, and civilian contractors!

We thank you Father, for hearing our prayer. You are our beloved Father and we know how you care for us. You are our magnificent God, and we know how you care for this world and the Vision you have for it. Please, Father, share increments of your Vision with our President, our leaders and our people. Help us to move this nation and civilization in the course you have ordained. Let all opposition to your plan and Vision be shattered and confuted.

Let all which we have called forth for Cheney Chick's fallen comrade, his family, and loved ones be granted for each and every person who is in a similar situation of need. Let only your divine Will take place in our lives, on the battlefield, and in the earth. For we declare and claim in the name of our Lord Christ, "The EARTH is the Lord's and the fullness thereof!" The Enemy and those aligned with Death and Hell ultimately have no Power because our God is a God of Life, Love, and Mercy!

Amen