Casualties of war: the numbers you don't and won't see

[theHandpuppet]

This story appeared in today's (Saturday) Cincy Enquirer. I really can't understand how a strapping young 21 year old who supposedly passed all of his physicals, boot camp, etc., dies in his sleep from heart failure. Since his death was due to a "non-combat illness", I guess he won't be among the roll call of those we have lost in Iraq. Just another of our "invisible losses". My heart goes out to his family.

RIP, soldier.

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060121/NEWS01/601210421

Saturday, January 21, 2006

Soldier, 21, dies in Iraq
Cause was apparently heart failure, family says

By Michael D. Clark
Enquirer staff writer

WEST ELKTON - Though Adam Shepherd was only 21, he had already accomplished one of his life goals by becoming a soldier and fighting for his country.

But his death in Baghdad this week cut short his other dream: of going to college after he got out of the Army.

Pfc. Shepherd died Tuesday from a "noncombat-related illness," the U.S. Department of Defense announced Friday.

Shepherd was from West Elkton in Preble County, just north of the Butler County line. Family members said the young soldier died of heart failure in his sleep....

MORE

[KitSileya]

1. Wanna bet his family won't get any money either? n/t

[Libby2]

2. Here is another one.

101st soldier dies of illness in Iraq


A 101st Airborne Division soldier died from a non-combat-related illness in Baghdad on Tuesday, Fort Campbell officials announced yesterday.

Pfc. Adam R. Shepherd, 21, of Somerville, Ohio, was an infantryman assigned to C Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

Fort Campbell officials said they could not release details about
his illness, citing health privacy laws.

Shepherd joined the Army in January 2003 and arrived at Fort Campbell in June 2003.

A memorial service for him will be held in Iraq

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060121/COUNTY05/601210316/1001

[theHandpuppet]

3. Same soldier, but curious in the differences in the report

Interestingly, though... slightly different report regarding the cause of his death. Isn't it unusual for the memorial service to be held in Iraq? Odd.

[Libby2]

4. Sorry about that.

I just looked at the link and saw it wasn't the same as mine.