Articles 4.30.2005 - 5.4.2005

5.4.2005
The Nashua Union-Leader, NH, has an article on Sgt. Angelo Lozada Jr., of the 2-17th FA, who was killed on 4.16.2005. The article clarifies the conflicting accounts surrounding his death and the deaths of his fellow soldiers, Spc. Randy Stevens and Sgt. Tromaine K. Toy Sr. Accounts from Lt. Col. Steven A. Boylan, director of the Combined Press Information Center in Iraq, a Colonel who contacted one of the families, and a soldier who was near the event, provided separate supporting accounts. At 10:45 p.m. on 4.16.2005, a mortar attack landed 5 direct hits on their base (the base wasn't specified, but is assumed to be Camp Ramadi). The three soldiers were ordered to move their Paladin 155mm Self Propelled Howitzer artillery piece "out to the front line" (likely for a counter-attack). They were raising their gun when they took a direct hit from a mortar with the gunner's hatch open. Sgt. Lozado and Sgt. Toy were killed instantly. Spc. Stevens was able to crawl from the vehicle, but died before medics could reach him. All three families had reported receiving conflicting accounts.
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5.3.2005
The Associated Press and AFP report on a battle in Ramadi on 5.3.2005. Masked insurgents with concealed weapons attacked a checkpoint manned by Iraqi Forces and Marines of the 1/5 Marines, which led to a larger gun battle. Twelve insurgents, one Iraqi soldier and two Iraqi civilians were killed. Two Marines "were slightly injured", and two Iraqi soldiers and 4 insurgents were also wounded. According to the article, the insurgents carried false papers, so their identities were not immediately known.
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5.1.2005
The Delco Times, PA, has an article on a annual "Loyalty Day" program held at a local VFW. The event traditionally recognizing local emergency responders and others who serve in the local community, but this year's event also featured a tribute to Spc. Michael J. Smith, of the 1-503rd, who was killed in Ramadi on 1.11.2005. Several attendees visited a dogwood tree that had been planted in his honor near a Sept. 11, 2001, memorial.
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The Flint Journal, MI has an article on the funeral service and burial for Spc. Randy Lee Stevens. A General attending the service "said Stevens' commander in Iraq described him as the kind of soldier every unit wants: selfless, motivated, expert at his craft, "a skilled cannoneer" in his howitzer unit." He was 21 years old.
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April 30, 2005
The Delmarva News reports that the funeral for Sgt. Tromaine K. Toy Sr. was scheduled for 4.30.2005.
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Other articles from the region:
- Associated Press: Troops comb village in search of insurgents
- Boston Globe: U.S. mission has evolved into dangerous rebuilding job
- LA Times (reg req'd): Iraqi Leaders Take Office
- LA Times (reg req'd): Shiites Take Firm Hold of Power as Government Nears Completion
- Christian Science Monitor: Adapting to shifting sands of battle in Iraq
- Christian Science Monitor: Old brutality among new Iraqi forces
- NY Times (reg req'd): The Way of the Commandos
- Washington Post: Iraq PM Reaches Out to Sunnis
- Washington Post: Power Grid In Iraq Far From Fixed