My Heart Hurts

DoD Identifies Army Casualties


The Department of Defense announced today the death of nine soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Apr. 23 in As Sadah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their location.

Killed were:

1st Lt. Kevin J. Gaspers, 26, of Hastings, Neb.
Staff Sgt. Kenneth E. Locker Jr., 28, of Wakefield, Neb.
Staff Sgt. William C. Moore, 27, of Benson, N.C.
Sgt. Randell T. Marshall, 22, of Fitzgerald, Ga.
Sgt. Brice A. Pearson, 32, of Phoenix, Az.
Sgt. Michael L. Vaughan, 20, of Otis, Ore.
Spc. Jerry R. King, 19, of Browersville, Ga.
Spc. Michael J. Rodriguez, 20, of Sanford, N.C.
Pfc. Garrett C. Knoll, 23, of Bad Axe, Mich.

All were assigned to the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

God be with the families... many hugs, prayers & tears going out for all...