Dod Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
1st Lt. Jonathan W. Edds, 24, of White Pigeon, Mich., died Aug. 17 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
Michigan Soldier and West Point Grad killed in Iraq
The small town of White Pigeon, Michigan is mourning the loss of one of its "best and brightest" students. West Pigeon High School Principal Pat West sadly recalled the loss of Jonathan Edds:
"He was just a really, really good kid," West said of Edds, a 2001 White Pigeon graduate, who was killed by an improvised exploding device in Baghdad. "... He's one of our best and brightest."
Jonathan Edds was active in school sports, student council, the Michigan Youth in Government program, his church and the community. After graduating from high school, he went to the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 2005. His older brother, Joel Edds, also graduated from West Point, and his younger brother, Josh Edds, is a cadet at West Point now.
More from the South Bend Tribune:
His death sent shockwaves through the small community where Edds, the middle son of Julie and Barry Edds, who pastors White Pigeon Church of Christ, grew up. West said a steady stream of visitors has been going by the Edds' house offering condolences and support.
He described the Edds as an "outstanding family."
"It's a tribute to the parents that these young men have turned out to serve their community and their country," West said.
From msnbc:
Joel Edds, who recently returned from a 16-month tour in Afghanistan, said it was his brother, who went by the nickname John, who first came up with the idea of going to West Point. Joel entered in 2000 and John followed a year later, while Josh, the youngest brother, is starting his senior year at the academy.
Joel Edds said Jonathan Edds went to the Mideast last winter and recently was selected to be a scout platoon leader, in charge of about 40 soldiers whom he led on reconnaissance missions. He was killed during the first week in his new position.
"John loved what he did," said his older brother. "John loved his solders. He loved his country and he believed in the mission."
Johnathan Edds was based at Fort Benning, Georgia. He is survived by his wife, Laura, his parents Julie and Barry Edds, and his brothers, Joel and Josh. My heart goes out to the small community of White Pigeon, Michigan where he was so dearly loved.
Peace.
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