S. Florida soldier in Iraq dies during a pool swim (In Baghdad)

Sun- Sentinel ^ | October 6, 2003 | Sallie James

[Prodigal Son]

For Carol City resident Charles M. Sims, serving in the U.S. Army was a childhood dream.

Soft-spoken but resolute, the 2002 Miami-Carol City High School graduate enlisted in August 2002, about two months after finishing high school. Brimming with anticipation, Sims was deployed to Iraq in March.

On Friday, his mother learned he was dead.

Pvt. First Class Sims, a member of the Third Platoon, Echo Company, drowned in a swimming pool during cherished recreation time in Baghdad, a piece of candy lodged in his throat so he could not breathe, Andreta Horne-Hester said. He was assigned to the 549th Military Police Company in Fort Stewart, Ga.

[Arthur Wildfire! March]

God take him on angels' wings.

Now for the hard liberal edge of this: even candy and swimming pools are dangerous there-- this is more evidence of what a deadly quagmire this place is. It's GW's fault. We tried 'unity', and now we want to lynch him for moments like this. And we need more soldiers there. This makes it obvious. [/sarcasm-- the liberal vultures fly off to seek more.]

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[traumer]

Just DAMN !

[MEG33]

To have someone die in a freak accident is shocking because of the other dangers.It's sad when we lose anyone.God bless our armed forces.May God comfort the mourning.

[DustyMoment]

Unfortunately, he is being included in the number of dead due to hostile action. I'm sorry for him and for his family's loss, but I have to ask: Had he died the same way at home, would the Sun-Sentinel have paid any attention?

[NautiNurse]

a piece of candy lodged in his throat so he could not breathe

Terribly sad. Similar tragedy occurred in Homestead FL after Hurricane Andrew. Young soldier working in the tent city choked to death on a potato chip while playing cards one night.