#4,390...

The number of dead and wounded US military personnel continues to rise in Iraq... despite the recent national elections and upcoming drawdown. Sadly, some of losses strike close to home...

SPC Robert M. Rieckhoff of the 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum, died 6 days ago. His unit, assigned locally to BIAP/Baghdad security detail, was attacked last week and SPC Rieckhoff sustained wounds from RPG fire on his tower. A member of the Wisconsin National Guard in high school, this was his third tour to SW Asia. Rieckhoff, who was 26, leaves two young children behind.

He was our patient.