27 Hawai'i based Marines killed in Iraq

[Quetzal]

27 Hawai'i Marines killed in Iraq

Twenty-seven Kane'ohe Marines and four other U.S. service personnel were killed today when a U.S. helicopter crashed in a desert sandstorm in Iraq.

Six other troops died in insurgent ambushes in the deadliest day for Americans since the Iraq war began nearly two years ago.

The CH-53E Super Stallion was carrying personnel from the 1st Marine Division on a security mission in support of the election on Sunday when it went down about 1:20 a.m. near the town of Rutbah, about 220 miles west of Baghdad, the military said.

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawai'i, confirmed that 27 of the 31 dead were from Marine Corps Base Hawai'i at Kane'ohe.

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27 Hawai'i Marines killed in Iraq

so sad.

I didn't get a chance to go today, but my friends went to a ceremony at Bishop Memorial Chapel for the fallen soldier that graduated from Kamehameha Schools. It was reported in yesterday's Honolulu Advertiser.



I am curious as to what your friends and neighbors are saying about this war. Some of my close relatives that initially supported the war in Iraq have seriously re-evaluated their support for this conflict. It seems they are searching for signs of hope - but are unable to find it.

[Radio_Lady]

1. This story was on the local news here in Oregon last night... I cried...

It also appeared in the Portland Oregonian. Such a touching story -- he gave her a bracelet and she said she would wear it until he came home. Now this young man is gone along with 1400 American troops. Another young widow has been created by the Bush Crime Family. I hope they all rot in Hell!!!

I can't imagine what the parents feel about this. It's human nature to think these kids are dying for some cause... but I can't accept it. There were at least a couple of mothers who had lost their sons who marched against the war at the Inauguration. Eventually, what will these people believe? That their son's blood was spilled for a GOOD REASON??????

[Oversea Visitor]

2. Send them

this link

www.zonaeuropa.com/01467.htm

[KamaAina]

3. Our worst loss of life in one day since the Hilo tsunami of 1960

which killed 41.

Thing is, tsunamis happen. This only happened because Bush** and those who surround him are evil, bloodthirsty would-be dictators. :grr:

And make no mistake, the soldiers who are based here are part of our community. Their children attend our public schools. (Wouldn't you like to be the psychologist at the school near K-Bay this morning?) Their spouses often hold jobs off-base. They worship in the community, and so on, and so on.

Thanks for nothing, Bush**. Will you be going to any of these funerals?

That's what I thought.

[Quetzal]

4. Article on Nainoa Hoe in the Washington Post

I plan on attending his funeral.

On Campaign Trail, a Single Shot
Before Sniper Struck, Platoon Leader Was Encouraging Iraqis to Vote

MOSUL, Iraq -- The 21-ton Stryker attack vehicles pulled into the neighborhood of al-Whada just after noon. Their rear ramps dropped simultaneously, disgorging dozens of American infantrymen into the cold rain.

The soldiers had multiple tasks on this day. In addition to hunting insurgents and searching houses, they were to help get out the vote for Sunday's national elections. For the next three hours, soldiers armed with assault rifles and election fliers moved warily through al-Whada's muddy streets, trying to get Iraqis to embrace democracy.

The inherent danger of the mission was driven home at 3:30 p.m. A single shot rang out, and 1st Lt. Nainoa K. Hoe, 27, the popular leader of the 2nd Platoon, C Company, 3rd Battalion of the 21st Infantry Regiment, fell dead in the street.

"Treat him! Treat him!" screamed Staff Sgt. Steve Siglock, one of his closest friends. The shot that killed Hoe on Saturday was followed within seconds by a blizzard of gunfire aimed at his exposed platoon. It was already too late for Hoe, but his men stepped directly into the gunfire in a desperate attempt to save him while fending off the unseen insurgents.

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On Campaign Trail, a Single Shot
Before Sniper Struck, Platoon Leader Was Encouraging Iraqis to Vote>