Four NC National Guard Soldiers Killed in Iraq

By Catherine M. Welch

Wilmington, NC – The North Carolina National Guard lost four soldiers in Iraq this week just days before the nation celebrated a drawdown of troops in their cities.

The soldiers were part of North Carolina's 30th Heavy Brigade Combat team, assisting security forces in preparation for handover. Then on Monday, the last day of regular combat patrols for US troops in Iraqi cities, the soldiers were riding down a Baghdad street when their humvee was attacked.

North Carolina National Guard's Major Matt Handley says the guard is hurting.

"It is very difficult when it's this many in one incident but we're gonna pull together, focus on what needs to be done and pray for our families so we call all get through this together."

Two of the soldiers were from Jacksonville, one from Wilmington and another from Newport. Fifteen National Guard soldiers have died in combat since September 11th.

Sgt 1st Class Edward C. Kramer of Wilmington was one of the four killed in Iraq. He was a Wilmington firefighter, former Marine and father of two.

Remembering Edward Kramer
A memorial walk is planned for Sunday at 6:00pm. It will start at the Wilmington Fire Department Headquarters on Marketstreet in downtown Wilmington and end at the National Guard Armory.

Do you have insight or expertise on this topic? Please email us, we'd like to hear from you. news@whqr.org.