Thursday, June 23, 2005

"Last Throes" of the Insurgency?

''I think they're in the last throes, if you will, of the insurgency."
- Vice President Dick Cheney, May 30, 2005

"I believe there are more foreign fighters coming into Iraq than there were six months ago. In terms of the strength of the insurgency, I would say it is the same as it was."
- General John Abizaid, June 23, 2005


So, which is it?

Reporters have tried to get Scott McClellan to clarify the vice president's contention that the Iraqi insurgency is in it last throes. Mr. McClellan has demonstrated an inability or an unwillingness to do so.

Consider the following exchange, via E&P, from June 20:

    Q In the news conference just now, the President was asked about the Vice President's assertion that the insurgency is in its 'final throes.' He was asked if he agreed, and he didn't say anything about it. We went around on this last week, with you, and you didn't endorse that. Is it now the administration's view the Vice President went too far in saying that?

    MR. McCLELLAN: Well, let's talk -- I mean, I think you should look at the context of what the Vice President was saying. In fact, he was referring to how some Zarqawi lieutenants have been captured in Iraq. There's been great progress made in going after the al Qaeda network in Iraq. And so we're continuing to make progress against what is a determined enemy.

    Q So is that the last throes? I mean, do you agree with what the Vice President said?

    MR. McCLELLAN: Well, let me tell you where things are. The terrorists and the regime elements are desperate. They are going to be defeated. They have no vision to offer. They have no alternative to offer, other than destruction and chaos and killing of innocent civilians. And they have shown that they are not able to stop the progress on the political front. The Iraqi people time and again have defied their desire to stop them from advancing on democracy.

    Q I'm just asking if those two words -- so you're standing behind what the Vice President said?

    MR. McCLELLAN: Hold on, and I'm talking -- and look at what the context of what the Vice President said, because you didn't point out everything that he said....
The operative question, so far unanswered by the White House is, "what is a 'last throe?'" How would we recognize one if we saw it? Would it resemble the current situation in, say, Iraq?

As the White House press office has had so much trouble explaining the meaning of the Vice President's remark, the editorial staff of UncommonSense thought it might be instructive to let the Department of Defense press office give it a try.

Here, in the DoD's own words, is an episodic description of the Iraqi insurgency. The reader may draw her own conclusions as to whether it conforms to any notion of "last throes."

The narrative begins on May 30, 2005, the day that Vice President Cheney pronounced sentence on the insurgency.

May 30, 2005

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Lt. Col. Albert E. Smart, 41, of San Antonio, Texas, died May 28 in Doha, Qatar, of a non-combat related illness. Smart was assigned to the U.S. Army Reserve's 321st Civil Affairs Brigade, San Antonio, Texas.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Spc. Phillip N. Sayles, 26, of Jacksonville, Ark., died May 28 in Mosul, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his security position. Sayles was assigned to the Army's 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

May 31, 2005

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

First Sgt. Michael S. Barnhill, 39, of Folsom, Calif., died May 28 after his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device near Haqlaniyah, Iraq. He was assigned to the Marine Forces Reserve's 6th Engineer Support Battalion, 4th Force Service Support Group, Eugene, Ore. During Operation Iraqi Freedom his unit was attached to 2nd FSSG, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

Media with questions about this Marine can call the Marine Forces Reserve Public Affairs Office at (504) 678-4178.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

Cpl. Jeffrey B. Starr, 22, of Snohomish, Wash., died May 30 from small-arms fire while conducting combat operations against enemy forces near Ar Ramadi, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom his unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

Media with questions about this Marine can call the Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 725-5044.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Staff Sgt. Victor M. Cortes III, 29, of Erie, Pa., died May 29 in Baghdad, Iraq of non-combat-related injuries. Cortes was assigned to the 703rd Forward Support Batttalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

June 1, 2005

DoD Identifies Air Force Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of four airmen who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. The airmen died May 30 in the crash of an Iraqi air force aircraft during a training mission in eastern Diyala province. They are:

    Maj. William Downs, 40, of Winchester, Va., assigned to the 6th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.

    Capt. Jeremy Fresques, 26, of Clarkdale, Ariz., assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.

    Capt. Derek Argel, 28, of Lompoc, Calif., assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.

    Staff Sgt. Casey Crate, 26, of Spanaway, Wash., assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

For further information related to this release, please contact the Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office at (850) 884-5515.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died May 24 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

The Soldiers are:

    Sgt. Charles A. Drier, 28, of Tuscola, Mich.

    Spec. Dustin C. Fisher, 22, of Fort Smith, Ark.

    Pfc. Jeffrey R. Wallace, 20, of Hoopeston, Ill.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

June 2, 2005

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Staff Sgt. Virgil R. Case, 37, of Mountain Home, Idaho, died June 1 in Kirkuk, Iraq, from non-combat related injuries. Case was assigned to the Army National Guard's 145th Support Battalion, 116th Brigade Combat Team, Mountain Home, Idaho.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Sgt. 1st Class Steven M. Langmack, 33, of Seattle, Wash., died May 31 in Al Qaim, Iraq, from injuries sustained from small arms fire during combat operations. Langmack was assigned to Headquarters, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Sgt. Miguel A. Ramos, 39, of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, died May 31 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an enemy rocket impacted near his position. Ramos was assigned to the Army Reserve's 807th Signal Company, 35th Signal Battalion, Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Spc. Phillip C. Edmundson, 22, of Wilson, N.C., died June 1 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle during combat operations. Edmundson was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Pfc. Louis E. Niedermeier, 20, of Largo, Fla., died June 1 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when his unit was conducting combat operations and he came under enemy small arms fire. Niedermeier was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

June 5, 2005

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They were killed on June 3 at Forward Operating Base Orgun-E in Afghanistan when their convoy vehicle was struck by an improvised expolsive device. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.

The soldiers are:

    Staff Sgt. Leroy E. Alexander, 27, of Dale City, Va.

    Cpt. Charles D. Robinson, 29, of Haddon Heights, N. J.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

June 6, 2005

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

Cpl. Antonio Mendoza, 21, of Santa Ana, Calif., died June 3 at Brook Army Medical Center, San Antonio, from wounds received as a result of an explosion while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, on Feb. 22. At the time of his injury, Mendoza was assigned to 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Media with questions about this Marine can call the Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 725-5044.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Spc. Carrie L. French, 19, of Caldwell, Idaho, died June 5 in Kirkuk, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device hit the front of her convoy vehicle and detonated. French was assigned to the Army National Guard's 145th Support Battalion, Boise, Idaho.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

June 7, 2005

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on June 5 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their military vehicle. They were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.

Killed were:

    Staff Sgt. Justin L. Vasquez, 26, of Manzanola, Colo.

    Spc. Eric J. Poelman, 21, of Racine, Wis.

    Pfc. Brian S. Ulbrich, 23, of Chapmanville, W. Va.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Col. Theodore S. Westhusing, 44, of Dallas, Texas, died June 5 in Baghdad, Iraq, from non-combat related injuries. Westhusing was serving with the Multi-national Security Transition Command-Iraq and was assigned to the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

June 8, 2005

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Spc. Brian M. Romines, 20, of Simpson, Ill., died June 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Romines was assigned to the Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 123rd Field Artillery, Milan, Ill.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

Lance Cpl. Jonathan L. Smith, 22, of Eva, Ala., died June 6 from wounds received as a result of an explosion while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Fallujah, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, Regimental Combat Team-8, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Media with questions about this Marine can call the 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs Office at (910) 451-9033

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

Lance Cpl. Robert T. Mininger, 21, of Sellersville, Pa., died June 6 from wounds received as a result of an explosion while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Fallujah, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team-8, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Media with questions about this Marine can call the Camp Lejeune Public Affairs Office at (910) 451-9033.

June 9, 2005

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Spc. Eric T. Burri, 21, of Wyoming, Mich., died June 7 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Burri was assigned to the 623rd Quartermaster Company, 1st Corps Support Command, Fort Bragg, N.C.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

June 10, 2005

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

1st Lt. Michael J. Fasnacht, 25, of Columbus, Ga., died June 8 in Tikrit, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Fasnacht was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

Lance Cpl. Marc L. Tucker, 24, of Pontotoc, Miss., died June 8 as a result of a non-hostile vehicle accident in Asr Uranium, Iraq. He was assigned to 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was attached to 2nd FSSG, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

The incident is under investigation.

Media with questions about this Marine can call the III Marine Expeditionary Force Public Affairs Office in Okinawa, Japan, at 011-81-611-745-0790 or email paomedia@mcbbutler.usmc.mil.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Michael J. Kelley, 26, of Scituate, Mass., died June 8 in Shkin, Afghanistan, when his helicopter landing zone came under enemy fire. Kelley was assigned to the Army National Guard's 101st Field Artillery Battalion, Rehoboth, Mass.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Sgt. Roberto Arizola, Jr., 31, of Laredo, Texas, died June 8 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Arizola was assigned to the Army's 297th Military Intelligence Battalion, 513th Military Intelligence Brigade, Fort Gordon, Ga.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of five Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

    Lance Cpl. Dustin V. Birch, 22, of Saint Anthony, Idaho

    Lance Cpl. Daniel Chavez, 20, of Seattle, Wash.

    Lance Cpl. Thomas O. Keeling, 23, of Strongsville, Ohio

    Lance Cpl. Devon P. Seymour, 21, of St. Louisville, Ohio

    Cpl. Brad D. Squires, 26, of Middleburg Heights, Ohio
All five Marines died June 9 as a result of an explosion while conducting combat operations with 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), in Haqlaniyah, Iraq.

Keeling, Seymour, and Squires were assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Akron, Ohio.

Birch was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Boise, Idaho. Chavez was assigned to 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Media with questions about Keeling, Seymour, Squires, and Birch can call the Marine Forces Reserve Public Affairs Office at (504) 678-4178. Media with questions about Chavez can call the Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 725-5044.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on June 8 in Tikrit, Iraq, of injuries sustained on June 7 in Tikrit, Iraq, when an explosion of unknown origin occurred near their location. Both soldiers were assigned to the Army National Guard's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 42nd Infantry Division, Troy, N.Y.

Killed were:

    Capt. Phillip T. Esposito, 30, of Suffern, N.Y.

    1st Lt. Louis E. Allen, 34, of Milford, Pa.
The incident is under investigation.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Lt. Col. Terrence K. Crowe, 44, of New York, N.Y., died June 7 in Tal Afar, Iraq, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. Crowe was assigned to the Army Reserve's 10th Battalion, 98th Regiment, 4th Brigade, 98th Division, Lodi, N.J.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public
Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. Emmanuel Hernandez, 22, of Yauco, Puerto Rico, died June 8 in Shkin, Afghanistan, when his helicopter-landing zone came under enemy fire. Hernandez was assigned to the Army's 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, Vicenza, Italy.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public
Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Staff Sgt. Mark O. Edwards, 40, of Unicoi, Tenn., died June 9 at his forward operating base near Tuz, Iraq, from a non-combat related cause. Edwards was assigned to the Army National Guard's 2nd Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Erwin, Tenn.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Pfc. Douglas E. Kashmer, 27, of Sharon, Pa., died June 8 in Nippur, Iraq, when the wrecker in which he was a passenger was involved in a non-combat related rollover. Kashmer was assigned to the Army's 70th Transportation Company, Mannheim, Germany.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

June 13, 2005

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

Lance Cpl. John J. Mattek Jr., 24, of Stevens Point, Wis., died June 13 from wounds received as a result of an explosion while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, on June 8. He was assigned to the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team-2, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Media with questions about this Marine can call the 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs Office at (910) 451-9033.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on June 11 in Owesat Village, Iraq, when their armored personnel carrier was hit by an improvised explosive device. Both soldiers were assigned to the Army National Guard's 150th Combat Engineer Battalion, 155th Brigade Combat Team, Lucedale, Miss.

Killed were:

    Sgt. Larry R. Arnold Sr., 46, of Carriere, Miss.

    Spc. Terrance D. Lee Sr., 25, of Moss Point, Miss.
For further information related to this release, contact Army
Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

    Lance Cpl. Mario A. Castillo, 20, of Brownwood, Texas

    Lance Cpl. Andrew J. Kilpela, 22, of Fowerville, Mich.
Both Marines died June 10 as a result of an explosion while conducting combat operations in Saqlawiyah, Iraq. They were assigned to 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Media with questions about these Marines can call the 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs Office at (910) 451-9033.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died June 11 in Al Taqaddum, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their military vehicle.

Killed were:

    Spc. Casey Byers, 22, of Schleswig, Iowa. Byers was assigned to the Army National Guard's 224th Engineer Battalion, Ottumwa, Iowa.

    Sgt. 1st Class Neil A. Prince, 35, of Baltimore, Md. Prince was assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

June 14, 2005

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Cpl. Stanley J. Lapinski, 35, of Las Vegas, Nev., died June 11 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle. Lapinski was assigned to the Army's 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Sgt. David J. Murray, 23, of Clinton, La., died June 9 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle. Murray was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1088th Engineering Battalion, New Roads, La.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

June 15, 2005

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on June 13 in Ramadi, Iraq, where their military vehicle came under a grenade attack while conducting combat operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

The soldiers are:

    Sgt. Larry R. Kuhns Jr., 24, of Austintown, Ohio.

    Spc. Anthony D. Kinslow, 21, of Westerville, Ohio.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

Pfc. Joshua P. Klinger, 21, from Easton, Pa., died June 14 as a result of an explosion from an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations against enemy forces near Fallujah, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Media with questions about this Marine can call the 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs Office at (910) 451-9033.

June 16, 2005

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

    Lance Cpl. Jonathan R. Flores, 18, of San Antonio, Texas

    Cpl. Jesse Jaime, 22, of Henderson, Nev.

    Cpl. Tyler S. Trovillion, 23, of Richardson, Texas

    Lance Cpl. Dion M. Whitley, 21, of Los Angeles, Calif.
All four Marines died June 15 when their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations near Ar Ramadi, Iraq. All four Marines were assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, their unit was operating with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, which was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force(Forward).

Media with questions about these Marines can call the Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 725-5044.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Pfc. Michael R. Hayes, 29, of Morgantown, Ky., died June 14 in Baghdad, Iraq, where a rocket-propelled grenade hit his HMMWV while he was providing security cordon for an improvised explosive device found earlier. Hayes was assigned to the Army National Guard's 617th Military Police Company, Richmond, Ky.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Sgt. Anthony G. Jones, 25, of Greenville, S.C., died June 14 in Baghdad, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle. Sgt. Jones was assigned to the 104th Transportation Company, 36th Engineer Group, 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Benning, Ga.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Navy Casualty

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

Petty Officer 2nd Class Cesar O. Baez, 37, of Pomona, Calif., died June 15, as a result of enemy small arms fire while conducting combat operations in al-Anbar province, Iraq. Baez was a Hospital Corpsman assigned to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

For further information related to this release, contact Navy Public Affairs at (703) 697-5342.

For further information about 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), email cepaowo@cemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil .

June 17, 2005

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

Pfc. Nathan B. Clemons, 20, of Winchester, Tenn., died June 14 from wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle while conducting combat operations against enemy forces near Ar Rutbah, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Media with questions about this Marine can call the 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs Office at (910) 451-9033.

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

Lance Cpl. Chad B. Maynard, 19, of Montrose, Colo., died June 15 when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations near Ar Ramadi, Iraq. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit was operating with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, which was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

Media with questions about these Marines can call the Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 725-5044.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Spc. Anthony S. Cometa, 21, of Las Vegas, Nev., died June 16 in Safwan, Kuwait, when his HMMWV rolled over. He was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1864th Transportation Company, 106th Transportation Battalion, Henderson, Nev.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Christopher N. Piper, 43, of Marblehead, Mass., died on June 16 at the Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, from injuries sustained on June 3 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle in Orgun E, Afghanistan. He was assigned the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

June 18, 2005

DoD Identifies Marine Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

    Lance Cpl. Erik R. Heldt, 26, of Hermann, Mo.

    Capt. John W. Maloney, 36, of Chicopee, Mass.
Both Marines died June 16 when their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations near Ar Ramadi, Iraq. They were assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. During Operation Iraqi Freedom their unit was attached to 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

Media with questions about these Marines can call the Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 725-5044.

June 20, 2005

DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

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

Lance Cpl. Adam J. Crumpler, 19, from Charleston, W.Va., died June 18 as a result of small-arms fire while conducting combat operations against enemy forces during Operation Spear in Karabilah, Iraq. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Media with questions about this Marines can call the 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs Office at (910) 451-9033.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on June 18 in Baqubah, Iraq, from injuries sustained on June 17 in Buritz, Iraq, when they were conducting a mounted patrol and their HMMWV was attacked by enemy forces using rocket-propelled grenades. Both soldiers were assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

Killed were:

    1st Lt. Noah Harris, 23, of Ellijay, Ga.

    Cpl. William A. Long, 26, of Lilburn, Ga.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

June 21, 2005

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on June 17 in Al Qaim, Iraq, while conducting combat operations. Both soldiers were assigned to Headquarters, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Killed were:

    Master Sgt. Robert M. Horrigan, 40, of Austin, Texas.

    Master Sgt. Michael L. McNulty, 36, of Knoxville, Tenn.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Pfc. Christopher R. Kilpatrick, 18, of Columbus, Texas, died June 20 in Tal Afar, Iraq, during convoy operations when enemy forces attacked his HMMWV with an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. Kilpatrick was assigned to the 603rd Transportation Company, 142nd Corps Support Battalion, Warrior Brigade, Fort Polk, La.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

June 23, 2005

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Spc. Nicholas R. Idalski, 23, of Crown Point, Ind., died June 21 in Ramadi, Iraq, where his unit was conducting combat operations and were attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire. Idalski was assigned to the Army's 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on June 21 in Ramadi, Iraq, where their unit was conducting combat operations, and were attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Killed were:

    Spc. Christopher L. Hoskins, 21, of Danielson, Conn.

    Spc. Brian A. Vaughn, 23, of Pell City, Ala.
For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Sgt. James D. Stewart, 29, of Chattanooga, Tenn., died June 21 in Ar Rutbah, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near his military cargo truck. Stewart was assigned to the 57th Transportation Company, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.
And, of course, this is but a fraction of the number for Iraqis killed since the Vice President Cheney declared the insurgency in its last throes.

There are no adjectives in the English language adequate to describe how tragic and unnecessary these deaths are. The tragedy is only made worse by the inability, or unwillingness, of President Bush and his aides to acknowledge the nightmare that they have manufactured for men and women in uniform, their families, the American people and, certainly not least, the long-suffering citizens of Iraq.

Is the insurgency and, by extension, the war, in its last throes?

Decide for yourself.

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