Articles 12.19.2004

The Honolulu Adviser reports that a 2nd BCT soldier killed in action has been granted a posthumous U.S. citizenship. Pvt. Jeungjin "Nikky" Kim, a South Korean national and soldier in the 2-17th Field Artillery, was killed in Ramadi on 10.6.2004. He had sought citizenship prior to deployment for several reasons, including his love of his experiences in Hawai'i and a desire to join the political process. He was married to a U.S. citizen, and together they had a son this year that he was never able to meet.
=====================
The Lufkin Daily News, IN, has a story on the funeral services of Sgt. 1st Class Todd Gibbs, of the 1-506th, who was killed in Khalidiyah on 12.7.2004. The article containes several loving stories of Sgt. 1st Class Gibbs life.
=====================
The Vellejo Times Herald, CA, has an article on a wounded 2nd BCT soldier. Cpl. John Escoto, of an unidentified 2nd Infantry unit, suffered a crushed foot sometime in November while in Ramadi. He has just arrived home to his pregnant wife and four sons on a 30-day medical leave, and will report to Ft. Carson after that. In the article, Cpl. Escoto describes some of his experiences and impressions of Iraq.
=====================
An AFP article briefly mentions clashes in Ramadi: "In the rebel stronghold of Ramadi, west of Baghdad, police said three people were killed and two wounded in clashes between US troops and insurgents."
=====================
Other stories from the region:
- NPR audio story: insurgents reappear in Fallujah
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Over Iraq, Pilots Fly Into Action When Troops Call for Help
- Washington Post (reg req'd): The wounds of war
- AFP: US marines do not recommend return of residents to Fallujah