Photo (cc) eddiecoyote
Ted Nesi compiled the names of all the Rhode Islanders who have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, courtesy of The Washington Post’s tally:
- Spec. Michael Andrade, 28, of Bristol (2003)
- Capt. Matthew August, 28, of North Kingstown (2004)
- Sgt. Gregory Belanger, 24, of Narragansett (2003)
- Sgt. Charles Caldwell, 38, of North Providence (2003)
- Lance Cpl. Holly Charette, 21, of Cranston (2005)
- Pfc. Kyle Coutu, 20, of Providence (2010)
- 2nd Lt. Matthew Coutu, 23, of North Kingstown (2005)
- Sgt. Moises Jazmin, 25, of Providence (2006)
- Sgt. Michael Paranzino, 22, of Middletown (2010)
- Sgt. Christopher Potts, 38, of Tiverton (2004)
- Spec. Dennis Poulin, 26, of Cumberland (2011)
- Lance Cpl. Matthew Serio, 21, of North Providence (2004)
- Cpl. Brian St. Germain, 22, of Warwick (2006)
- Lt. Francis Toner IV, 26, of Narragansett (2009)
- Sgt. Michael Weidemann, 23, of Newport (2006)
Update: Nesi was alerted by the Secretary of State’s office of 8 more Rhode Island soldiers who have died since Sept. 11th, 2001:
- Staff Sgt. Joseph Camara
- Master Sgt. Richard Ferguson
- Petty Officer Ronald Gill
- Missionary John Kelly
- Sgt. 1st Class Curtis Mancini
- Sgt. 1st Class Danilo Nuenz
- Chief Warrant Officer 5 Sharon Swartworth
- Lance Cpl. John VanGyzen
Considerably fewer than I would have expected. That’s one remarkable thing about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the casualty count is very low.
Think about it, we’ve been in Afghanistan the for the longest period, a decade. Longer than WW II, Korea, and Vietnam. All of which had very high casualty rates, even here in RI.
But a loss is still a loss. Remember the ones who have given their lives for the ideal.