January 10, 2006
DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of eight soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died near Tal Afar, Iraq, on Jan. 7, when their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crashed.
Killed were:
Maj. Stuart M. Anderson, 44, of Peosta, Iowa. Anderson was assigned to the Army Reserve's 3rd Corps Support Command, Des Moines, Iowa.
Maj. Douglas A. Labouff, 36, of California. Labouff was assigned to the Army's 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.
Capt. Michael R. Martinez, 43, of Missouri. Martinez was assigned to the Army's 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.
1st Lt. Jaime L. Campbell, 25, of Ephrata, Wash. Campbell was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment, Anchorage, Alaska.
1st Lt. Joseph D. deMoors, 36, of Jefferson, Ala. deMoors was assigned to the Army's 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Chester W. Troxel, 45, of Anchorage, Alaska. Troxel was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment, Anchorage, Alaska.
Spc. Michael I. Edwards, 26, of Fairbanks, Alaska. Edwards was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment, Anchorage, Alaska.
Spc. Jacob E. Melson, 22, of Wasilla, Alaska. Melson was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment, Anchorage, Alaska.
The incident is under investigation.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
My heart and prayers go out to the families of these brave soldiers. Waiting to hear word is never easy, but it's nothing compared to getting that midnight phone call or visit. May these Army National Guardsmen, the Brave Rifles of the 3rd ACR, the Army Reservist, and the four civilian passengers aboard rest in peace. God bless those who grieve for them, whether they be family by blood or family by choice.
Breathe a sigh of relief and then say a prayer for the families of these young heros. There is no harder news to bear. May the lord give them something that will give them a measure of comfort.
May God reat all their brave souls.
Our gratitude goes out to all of them, and all men and women serving our country in this time of war.
May angels surround your boyfriend and bring him home safe to you. And the same prayers and wishes go out for your son, Its_me_K.E.T.