September 01, 2004
Wednesday

Alaska Governor Frank H. Murkowski expressed sadness in learning the news Tuesday that the war in Iraq has claimed an Alaskan serviceman and that two other Alaskan servicemen were wounded. The governor offered his prayers for the servicemen and their families.

"My heart goes out to the family of Airman 1st Class Carl Anderson, Jr., who lost his life on Sunday fighting in the service of freedom for the Iraqi people. My prayers are with the family of Airman Anderson and with those of Staff Sgt. Michael Helmick and Airman 1st Class Jacob Sutton who were wounded in the service of their country."

The governor said he had been informed that Helmick was sent to a military medical facility in Landstuhl, Germany for treatment of his wounds. Sutton was treated for his wounds and returned to duty. The three are attached to the 3rd Logistics Readiness Squadron based at Elmendorf Air Force Base.

"The military is such a part of Alaskan life that all Alaskans celebrate their victories and mourn their losses together. They are our neighbors, our friends, our family. And words cannot adequately express the loss we feel. We can only offer our humble condolences," said Governor Murkowski.

Airman 1st Class Carl Anderson Jr. was killed while on a supply convoy near Mosul, Iraq, on Aug. 29th, defense officials announced Tuesday. Anderson, 21, of Georgetown, South Carolina, was deployed with the 732nd Expeditionary Mission Support Group and died after his convoy hit a roadside bomb.

Anderson was a transportation operator assigned to the 3rd Logistics Readiness Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, where he had been stationed since April 2002, base officials said.

Airman Anderson entered the Air Force in December 2001.

Governor Murkowski ordered state flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Airman 1st Class Carl Anderson, Jr. State flags will be raised again the morning of Friday, September 3rd.

Source of News:

Office of the Governor
Web Site

United States Air Force
Website

 

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