Articles 3.18.2005 - 3.21.2005

3.20.2005:
The San Jose Mercury News has an article on an wounded Marine. Cpl. Isaiah Ramirez (who's unit wasn't given) had his leg amputated below the knee on a street in Ramadi on 1.11.2005 after being hit by an anti-tank round. Cpl. Ramirez is presently at the Brooke Army Medical Center being fitted for a prosthetic. He is part of a group of nearly two dozen amputees helping each other through their rehabilitation.
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The Kalamazoo Gazette, MI, has an article on a 2nd ID soldier in Iraq. Ben Harvey (who's rank or unit beyond 2nd ID isn't given), is a tank driver based near Ramadi. He describes his experiences as a soldier and impressions about the situation in Iraq.
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3.19.2005:
The Washington Post and Westchester Journal News have articles on the funeral for Pfc. Anthony Arciola, of the 1-503rd, who was killed on 2.15.2005 in Ramadi. Pfc. Arciola was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on 3.18.2005. The article described the wide showing of support from his hometown of Elmsford, NY. His memorial service was attended by nearly 1000 people, out of a town of 4600. More than 200 attended the burial service at Arlington. Pfc. Arciola was a multi-sport athlete in high school, and his old baseball team honors him at the end of each practice by cheering his old uniform number in their huddle. Pfc. Arciola was 20 years old.
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3.17.2005 & 3.18.2005:
The Times Herald, PA, has an article on the funeral service for Spc. Michael W. Franklin, of the 44th Engineers, who was killed on 3.7.2005. Spc. Franklin (who apparently received a posthumous promotion) was remembered for his selflessness in regularly volunteering for missions in Iraq. He was a former high school football player, and followed three uncles into military service, one of him is presently serving in Iraq. Spc. Frankin was 22 years old.
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The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has an article on the funeral service for Staff Sgt. Andrew L. Bossert, of the 44th Engineers, who was killed alonside Spc. Franklin in Ramadi on 3.7.2005. SSG Bossert received a posthumous promotion from Sgt. A letter was read at the funeral from 2nd BCT Commander Cpl Gary Patton, who had driven through the Ramadi checkpoint an hour before a car bomb exploded and killed the two soldiers. SSG Bossert had hoped to study architecture after leaving the Army. WISN News, WI, reports that the Wisconsin governer ordered city and state flags to be lowered in honor of SSG Bossert.
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The Valley News Dispatch, PA, has an article on a 2nd ID soldier home on R&R leave. Spc. Julius Reid (who's unit or location beyond 2nd ID was not given), was a guest speaker during an awards program at his former middle school.
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Other articles from recent days:
- Voice of America: US Officials Assess 2nd Anniversary of Iraq War
- Time magazine: Taking Back Iraq's Streets
- Associated Press: Two years after start of war, militants target Iraqis, fewer U.S. forces
- Reuters: Saudi Soldier's Journey to Death in Iraq
- LA Times (reg req'd): U.S. Joins Old Foes to Build New Iraqi Army
- Christian Science Monitor: A changed military emerges from Iraq war
- NY Times (reg req'd): U.S. Avoids Role of Mediator as Iraqis Remain Deadlocked
- NY Times (reg req'd): Sizable Cut in U.S. Forces in Iraq Called Possible in '06
- NY Times (reg req'd): Un-Volunteering: Troops Improvise to Find Way Out
- Associated Press: Insurgents Recycle Iran - Iraq War Weapons
- Washington Post: Two Years of War: Taking Stock
- Washington Post: Waiting for a Clear Picture To Emerge
- Washington Post: Two Years Later, Iraq War Drains Military
- USA TodayUnexpected insurgency changed way of war
- Associated Press: Polls: U.S. Troops Should Remain in Iraq