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NOTICE to parents and friends of service members from other parts of New Mexico. Please contact Wendy Hoffman with information we do not have.
SPC James Heath Pirtle of Carlsbad paid the ultimate sacrifice October 4, 2003 while serving in Iraq with 4th Infantry Division. His Bradley fighting vehicle was hit by small arms fire and a rocket propelled grenade in an ambush about 60 miles north of Baghdad. SPC Pirtle is survived by his wife Ursula and stepsons Shane and Kai Youngerman of Harker Heights, TX; his mother Kay Beeman of Silver City, NM; his father Doyle Pirtle of Parker, CO; his stepfather Rick Beeman and three brothers Jarrod, Ranger and Houston. His daughter, Kate Sky was born to Ursula October 30, 2003.
The gold star graphic indicates his mother was presented with the Gold Star Banner.
Linda and Richard Michaels of Aztec son was injured in a vehicle accident while serving in Iraq. Louie Michaels of Aztec who was serving with a unit from Fort Polk, LA . He suffered many broken bones and a damaged kidney. He has undergone several surgeries and is now at Walter Reed hospital in Washington, D.C.
Linda and Richard are currently visiting Louie at Walter Reed. Their date of return is currently unknown. Louie will undergo a number of weeks recuperation before being able to return home on convalescent leave.
Son of Mary and Richard Pickering of Farmington found safe. Army PFC Patrick Miller of Park City, KS was a POW and part of the group of soldiers from Fort Bliss, TX that were captured in southern Iraq. Patrick's family lives in Park City, KS. Mrs. Miller and Patrick's mother hope to be on hand when the ex-POW's arrive back in the States. Patrick and six other POW's were found by U.S. Marines Sunday 4/13. Local Blue Star Mothers, Dads and friends were elated to hear of their release.
New Mexico Chapter Secretary and Farmington resident Shirley Enoah has reported that her son, Marine CPL Manuelito Benallie was injured along with 34 other Marines in a fire fight at a mosque. Manuelito's wounds were minor, although one Captain's leg injuries were serious enough for him to be evacuated to the States. It is also important to note that one Gunnery Sergeant died in this exchange, although he wasn't from the same company. Manuelito has returned to duty with his fellow Marines.
Update: CPL Benallie recovered from his injuries and returned to Camp Pendleton, CA. In addition CPL Benallie received the Navy marine Corps Commendation Medal with a 'V' for his actions during the same operation where he was wounded. He was also awarded the Purple Heart.
CPL Stephen Carpenter of Albuquerque was involved in a vehicle accident. Stephen was with 3/11th Marines in Kuwait. After 32 hours of straight driving they took a 1 hour break, then back on the way to Baghdad. After a short time he rolled his 5-ton and flipped the tanker he was hauling. His gunner was flipped off the top of the 5-ton. They seem to be all okay now. CPL Carpenter is the son of Kay Coleman and Mike Carpenter, both of Albuquerque.
LCPL Christopher Ramos of Albuquerque was killed in action April 5, 2004 while on his second tour of duty in Iraq. Christopher is survived by his wife Dianna, an infant daughter, his mother Viola of Mesa, AZ his father Alvaro and a brother of Albuquerque.
LCPL Aaron Austin of Lovington was killed in action April 26, 2004 while serving with the 2nd Battalion 1st Marine Regiment Echo Company Weapons Platoon in Fallujah, Iraq. Aaron is survived by his mother De'on Miller of Lovington, NM and his father Douglas Austin of Amarillo, TX.
LCPL Jeremiah Anderson of La Plata was injured July 2, 2004 when he was stuck by rounds from mortars fired by Iraqi insurgents. Jeremiah was evacuated to the U.S. and as of this update is still in serious condition.