Articles 3.15.2005

The Arizona Republic has an article on Spc. Nicholas E. Wilson, of the 1-9th, who was killed in Ramadi on 3.11.2005 in a vehicle accident. Spc. Wilson was home on R&R in February, and visited organizations that had sent his unit care packages. Over the course of his deployment, he wrote several letters to a 4th grade class taught by his mother. Spc Wilson was 21 years old.
===========
Deleware Online has an article on the funeral service for Cpl. Stephen McGowan, a combat medic in the 1-9th, who was killed in Ramadi on 3.4.2005. About 300 people attended the service. He will be buried today at Arlington National Cemetery. (Please note the video slideshow on the right side-bar of the article, containing a slideshow tribute created by Cpl McGowan for school children illustrating his experiences. It is a very beautiful and touching slideshow.)
===========
WIVB News has a story and video segment on Pfc Michael Franklin, of the 44th Engineers, who was killed in Ramadi on 3.7.2005. His body arrived home last night. A wake is scheduled for Wednesday, 3.16.2005, and the funeral will take place on Thursday, 3.17.2005
===========
An AP photo from Ramadi shows former police workers demonstration. According to the caption, "Dismissed across Anbar Province in the months following the U.S-led Fallujah incursion in November, the former local police officers are protesting a new plan to replace them with police from other Iraqi provinces."
===========
Other articles from the region:
- AFP: Trying and shaming insurgents on prime time Iraqi TV
- Knight Ridder Newspapers: Overhauling Iraqi security forces could cause collapse, analysts say
- Associated Press: Report: Iraq Coverage Wasn't Biased
- LA Times (reg req'd): Strength of Iraqi Forces Questioned
- Christian Science Monitor: Iraq parties gridlocked over terms