Vermont assumes heavy burden in Iraq war

[unhappycamper]

Vermont assumes heavy burden in Iraq war
By John Curran - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jan 26, 2010 16:11:34 EST

BENNINGTON, Vt. — Vermont, a bastion of ex-hippies and Ben & Jerry liberals, has another distinction seemingly at odds with its peace-loving, tie-dyed politics: It has suffered more deaths per capita in the Iraq war than any other state.

Beginning with Chief Warrant Officer 4th Class Erik Halvorsen on April 2, 2003, a total of 22 Vermont men have perished in roadside bombings, firefights, sniper attacks and helicopter crashes during the war.

“The losses we’ve had in Vermont have touched most of the state because we’re so close-knit,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Dubie, commander of the Vermont National Guard. “Almost everyone knows someone — or they know someone who knows someone — who’s been affected by our losses.”

The casualties give Vermont, pop. 621,000, a rate of 3.54 deaths per 100,000 people.

The high rate speaks more to Vermont’s small size than it does to the actual number of deaths. With such a small population, it doesn’t take a large number of deaths to produce a high per-capita rate. Vermont is followed on the list by Montana (2.87), Wyoming (2.57), Nebraska (2.50) and South Dakota (2.46).


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/01/ap_iraq_vermont_troops_012610/



From icasualties.org:

8-23-2009 US Fortin, Joey 2nd Lieutenant 22 Hostile - hostile fire - IED attack Vermont St. Johnsbury
5-25-2008 US Dene, Jason F. Sergeant 1st Class 37 Non-hostile - injury Vermont Castleton
11-05-2007 US Muller, Adam J. Private 1st Class 21 Hostile - hostile fire - IED attack Vermont Underhill
8-06-2006 US Clark, Carlton A. Sergeant 22 Hostile - hostile fire - IED attack Vermont South Royalton
8-03-2006 US Dechen, Kurt Edward Lance Corporal 24 Hostile - hostile fire Vermont Springfield
3-01-2006 US Merchant, Christopher S. Specialist 32 Hostile - hostile fire - RPG attack Vermont Hardwick
1-25-2006 US Johnson, Joshua Allen Sergeant 24 Hostile - hostile fire - RPG attack Vermont Richford
11-02-2005 US Procopio, Mark J. 2nd Lieutenant 28 Hostile - hostile fire - IED attack Vermont Stowe
9-22-2005 US McLaughlin, Scott P. Sergeant 29 Hostile - hostile fire - small arms fire Vermont Hardwick
8-23-2005 US Chapin, Chris S. Master Sergeant 39 Hostile - hostile fire - sniper fire Vermont Proctor
1-26-2005 US Strong, Jesse W. Sergeant 24 Hostile - hostile fire - RPG attack Vermont Irasburg
11-25-2004 US Holmes, Jeffery Scott Lance Corporal 20 Hostile - hostile fire - grenade Vermont Hartford/White River Jct.
6-07-2004 US Gray, Jamie A. Sergeant 29 Hostile - hostile fire - IED attack Vermont Montpelier
5-25-2004 US Bean Jr., Alan N. Sergeant 22 Hostile - hostile fire - mortar attack Vermont Bridport
5-25-2004 US Sheehan, Kevin F. Sergeant 36 Hostile - hostile fire - mortar attack Vermont Milton 1
3-14-2004 US Normandy, William J. Sergeant 42 Non-hostile - illness - heart attack Vermont East Barre
1-02-2004 US Bangayan, Solomon C. "Kelly" Specialist 24 Hostile - hostile fire - IED attack Vermont Jay
11-15-2003 US Piche, Pierre E. Captain 29 Hostile - helicopter crash Vermont Starksboro
8-06-2003 US Gilbert, Kyle C. Private 20 Hostile - hostile fire - ambush Vermont Brattleboro
4-03-2003 US Evnin, Mark Asher Corporal 21 Hostile - hostile fire Vermont Burlington
4-02-2003 US Halvorsen, Erik Anders Chief Warrant Officer (CW4) 40 Non-hostile - helicopter crash Vermont Bennington

[SpiralHawk]

1. Rest in Peace - Green Mountain Boys (and Girls)

Pay no attention to what Republicon chickenhawks say about the Northeast corner of these United States. It's just BS to cover up their personal FAIL. New Englanders all know you went to serve and protect your country with high intentions, even if you were told lies to make the needless oil-profits war happen.

[cali]

2. 2 of those on that list are from my tiny town

It's true that just about everyone knows someone who's lost a family member or friend. And now a large contingent from the VT National Guard has shipped off to Afghanistan.

[democrank]

3. Rest in peace

K & R

[Captain Hilts]

4. I continue to marvel and be saddened by VT's contribution in the face of their casualties. nt