Update: Both missing soldiers have now been identified. Keep them in your thoughts.
The Defense Department identified the missing men as Pfc. Kristian Menchaca, 23, of Houston, and Pfc. Thomas L. Tucker, 25, of Madras, Ore. It said Spc. David J. Babineau, 25, Springfield, Mass., was killed in the attack. The three were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
Update II: See post below, or here for two bits of good news from Iraq.
Our thoughts and or prayers should go out to the family. story here
Army Pfc. Thomas Lowell Tucker, 25, of Madras is one of two servicemen who have been missing since Friday, when a pair of soldiers vanished during an attack south of Baghdad, said Kay Fristad, an Oregon National Guard spokeswoman.
Update II: more here
Private First Class Thomas Lowell Tucker was assigned to B Company, 1-502nd Battalion, 2-101 Brigade Combat Tam(sic) in Iraq and has been reported missing in action, said Kay Fristad, of the Oregon National Guard's public affairs office.
Update: This story paints a harsh picture of the area where the incident took place.
BAGHDAD - Two US soldiers missing in Iraq since Friday disappeared into a lawless Qaeda stronghold where residents describe being terrorized by unknown militants.
Military helicopters and divers are combing the rural Euphrates river area south of Baghdad for the troops who went missing after an attack on their checkpoint near the town of Yusufiya killed another US soldier.
Most people in the Sunni Arab region resent the presence of the US troops. But even if they wanted to help the two soldiers, doing so could be fatal.
"We live in fear. Gunmen always go to people's houses asking about who works for the Iraqi army or police or the Americans," taxi driver Abdullah Jassim told Reuters by telephone.
I hope & Pray they find these guys quick.
Posted by: Rosalee Decker | Sunday, June 18, 2006 at 11:55 PM
"Our thoughts and or prayers should go out to the family."
Yes. For once I agree with you.
Posted by: Clodell | Monday, June 19, 2006 at 02:08 PM
Funny, as most Americans pray for our soldiers safe return, I have not heard one liberal Democrat express any concern for our soldiers or even the slightest bit of outrage at the Islamo Fascists who have kidnapped them. Why is that??????
Posted by: ed stanowicz | Monday, June 19, 2006 at 09:31 PM
Ed you are correct....they are too busy going after Ann Coulter who said it all.
Posted by: Hillary Miller | Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at 12:54 PM