Three MN National Guardsmen Killed In Iraq

Stillwater, Minn - Three Minnesota National Guardmen died Thursday in Iraq, in one of the deadliest days for Minnesota Troops since 2005.

SPC Daniel P. Drevnick, Age 22, of Woodbury, SPC James Wertish, Age 20, of Olivia and SPC Carlos E. Wilcox IV, Age 27, of Cottage Grove were killed.

All three were members of the 34th Infantry Division, Minnesota Army National Guard based in Stillwater.

The Department of Defense said the Soldiers were killed by an indirect fire attack at 9:15 p.m. Thursday, July 16 ( Iraq time) on Contingency Operating Base Basra.

"We mourn the loss of these three Soldiers; they were truly part of our National Guard family," said Maj. Gen. Larry Shellito, the Adjutant General of Minnesota, "Please take a moment to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by these three brave men. We will never forget the dedication, loyalty and bravery shown by these Soldiers for the United States of America and the state of Minnesota. I ask that you keep these Soldiers, their families and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers now and forever."

“I am deeply saddened that we have lost three brave Minnesota National Guard soldiers,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar. “They made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, and for that we are forever grateful. Minnesota is a state where we wrap our arms around our brave men and women who make tremendous sacrifices to keep our nation strong and free. As we mourn their loss, let us also pay tribute to all of our soldiers who carry out their duties in the face of danger on a daily basis. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of these fallen heroes and with the entire Minnesota National Guard Community, at home and overseas.”

The Yellow Ribbon Network of Washington County planning a vigil for Sunday, July 19th at 6pm to honor these fallen soliders at the Stillwater Veterans Memorial.

The Stillwater Veterans Memorial is located at Third and Pine Streets next to the Historic Courthouse in downtown Stillwater.

A Pancake Breakfast to benefit the soliders' families is also planned for Sunday at the Legion Hall in Stillwater from 7 a.m. to noon.

Cost is $6 per person, with proceeds going to soldiers' families.

The event was planned before the attack