Alaska Governor Palin Mourns Loss of Fort Richardson Soldiers

August 7, 2007, Juneau, Alaska – Alaska Governor Sarah Palin today expressed her condolences to the family and friends of three Fort Richardson-based soldiers who died in Iraq over the weekend.

Sergeant Dustin S. Wakeman, Specialist Jaron D. Holliday and Corporal Jason K. Lafleur were killed Saturday, August 4, 2007, from wounds suffered when a roadside bomb detonated near their vehicle while they were on patrol near Hawr Rajab, Iraq.

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Sergeant Wakeman, 25, of Fort Worth, Texas, was a health-care specialist who joined the Army in September 2004 and was assigned to Fort Richardson in May 2005.

Specialist Holliday, 21, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a cavalry scout who joined the Army in March 2005 and was assigned to Fort Richardson in September 2005.

Corporal Lafleur, 28, of Ignacio, Colorado, was a cavalry scout who joined the Army in May 2005 and was assigned to Fort Richardson in November 2005.

“Todd and I join Alaskans in offering our prayers and condolences to the families and friends of these fine young men,” Governor Palin said. “We are thankful for their service, and the service of all who serve.”

Sergeant Wakeman was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Holliday and Corporal Lafleur were assigned to Bravo Troop, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division.

Governor Palin will fly state flags over the Capitol in honor of Wakeman, Holliday and Lafleur and send them, along with letters of condolence, to their families.

Source: Alaska Governor