One Brick Short

As a child of the Vietnam era, I’ve tried to give a little notice to the return of the U.S. military’s missing-in-action and killed-in-action folks as their bodies are tracked down, identified and brought home.

As an adult of the Terrror era, I think it’s just as important that we don’t forget folks serving in war zones so we don’t have to. With that in mind, I’d like to add to the missing-in-action from previous wars, the names and annoucements of those killed in action in our current wars.

It’s not so much a political statement—I’m neither pro nor anti-war but in favor of stabilizing where we’re at before we pull out—as a way to remember that our sons, daughters and even ourselves may be at risk. It’s also important to remember that our own Monticello Guard is serving outside of Baghdad.

So, with all that in mind, here’s the lastest announcements from the Department of Defense:

Pfc. Joseph R. Berlin Jr., 21, of Chelsea, Ala., died Dec. 30 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident.  He was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Sgt. Reno S. Lacerna, 44, of Waipahu, Hawaii, died Dec. 31, 2007 in Al Qayyarah, Iraq, of a non-combat related illness. He was assigned to the 87th Corps Support Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.