January 25, 2007
Thursday

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin today offered her condolences to the families of the eight paratroopers who died on Saturday in Iraq. Four paratroopers with the 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team and four from the 25th Infantry Division were killed in separate attacks.

In the first incident, soldiers were repelling an attack on the Provincial Joint Coordination Center (PJCC) in Karbala, Iraq. An illegally-armed militia conducted the attack using grenades, small arms and indirect fires.

In the second incident, Fort Richardson paratroopers were conducting a mounted patrol when their Humvee was struck by a roadside bomb near Karmah, Iraq.

"Our state is affected deeply by the loss of these brave soldiers," said Governor Palin. "Todd and I extend our deepest sympathies to their families and friends. These fine men risked their lives to protect our freedom and they will stay in our hearts forever."

"The PJCC is a coordination center where local Iraqi officials, Iraqi security forces and Coalition forces stationed within the center meet to address the security needs of the population," said Brig. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, Deputy Commander for Multi-National Division - Baghdad. "A meeting was taking place at the time of the attack to ensure the security of Shiite pilgrims participating in the Ashura commemorations."

"The attack on the Karbala Provincial Joint Coordination Center was aimed at Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces working together toward a better future for the citizens of Karbala," said Lt. Col. Scott R. Bleichwehl, spokesman for Multi-National Division - Baghdad.

The paratroopers who died are:

• 1st Lieutenant Jacob N. Fritz, 25, a field artilleryman from Verdon, Nebraska, who joined the Army in May 2005 and was assigned to Alaska in March 2006.
• Specialist Johnathan B. Chism, 22, a field artillery cannon crewmember from Gonzales, Louisiana, who joined the Army in March 2005 and was assigned to Alaska in August 2005.
• Private Johnathon M. Millican, 20, a field artillery cannon crewmember from Trafford, Alabama, who joined the Army in July 2005 and was assigned to Alaska in February 2006.
• Private First Class Shawn P. Falter, 25, a field artillery cannon crewmember from Cortland, New York, who joined the Army in August 2005 and was assigned to Alaska in March 2006.
• Sergeant Phillip D. McNeill, 22, a combat medic from Sunrise, Florida, who joined the Army in January 2003 and was assigned to Alaska in September 2005.
• Specialist Toby R. Olsen, 28, an infantryman from Manchester, New Hampshire, who joined the Army in June 2004 and was assigned to Alaska in April 2005.
• Sergeant Sean P. Fennerty, 25, an infantryman from Corvallis, Oregon, who joined the Army in July 2004 and was assigned to Alaska in April 2005.
• Specialist Jeffrey D. Bisson, 22, an infantryman from Vista, California, who joined the Army in December 2004 and was assigned to Alaska in June 2005.

Governor Palin will send each family a letter of condolence and a state flag that has flown over the Capitol to honor their service and sacrifice.

Source of News:

Office of the Governor
www.gov.state.ak.us

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