The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of eight soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.  The soldiers were on board a CH-47 Chinook Helicopter when it went down on November 2 in Al Fallujah, Iraq.

Killed were:

• Sgt. Ernest G. Bucklew, 33, of Enon Valley (PA). Bucklew was assigned to Support Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson (CO).
• Pfc. Anthony D. Dagostino, 20, of Waterbury (CT). Dagostino was assigned to the 16th Signal Battalion, Fort Hood (TX).
• Pfc. Karina S. Lau, (female) 20, of Livingston, Calif. Lau was assigned to the 16th Signal Battalion, Fort Hood (TX).
• Sgt. Keelan L. Moss, 23, of Houston (TX). Moss was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Sill (OK).
• Sgt. Ross A. Pennanen, 36, of Oklahoma. Pennanen was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Sill (OK).
• 1st Lt. Brian D. Slavenas, 30, of Genoa (IL). Slavenas was assigned to F Company, 106th Aviation Battalion, Army National Guard, Peoria (IL).
• Spc. Frances M. Vega (female), 20, of Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. Vega was assigned to the 151st Adjutant General Postal Detachment 3, Fort Hood (TX).
• Staff Sgt. Joe N. Wilson, 30, of Mississippi. Wilson was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Sill (OK).

[There were sixteen killed in the crash, which has been reported as a shootdown, probably by a missile. The above have been properly identified and officially released --EIC]

The cause of the incident is unknown and an investigation is underway.

FMI: www.dod.mil