The face of my student who was killed in Balad, Iraq due to IED

[Hissyspit]

I'm am posting more about Joshua Deese, a student of mine who I found out today was killed in Iraq, now that I have found a photo of him and more information. Here is my previous post from earlier today: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x2424226



Josh did well in my Art Appreciation class two years ago as he prepared to graduate, become a father, and become a commissioned officer. As part of the Lumbee native American tribe, he became member of Phi Sigma Nu - "On February 3, 1997, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke recognized Phi Sigma Nu as a Greek organization, making it the first American Indian Fraternity established and recognized by an institution of higher learning in the world."

Military Report:

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Oct. 15 of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle in Kirkuk, Iraq, during combat operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

Killed were:

1st Lt. Joshua Deese, 25, of North Carolina. He died in Balad, Iraq, following the incident.

Sgt. Jonathan E. Lootens, 25, of Lyons, N.Y.

For further information related to this release the media can contact the 25th Infantry Division public affairs office at [phone] or [phone].

An article from the Lumberton, NC newspaper:

http://www.robesonian.com/articles/2006/10/18/news/news/story02.txt

Rowland man killed in Iraq

By Matt Elofson - Staff writer

KIRKUK, Iraq - As an executive officer, Rowland native Joshua Deese didn't have to be on the patrol that that was hit by a roadside bomb Sunday near Kirkuk.

But the family of the slain first lieutenant said Deese would not have asked others to do something he was unwilling to take on himself.

The 25-year-old Deese was among 11 U.S. soldiers killed in recent fighting in Iraq.

Dexter Clark, Deese's uncle, called his nephew a “natural leader.” Deese served as a platoon leader in the infantry and recently became an executive officer of his unit.

“From what I understand, he didn't have to go out on missions because he ... was behind some of the planning but he went with his men anyway,” said Clark, a retired Army veteran. “There's a certain amount of respect about a leader who will get down in the mud with you.”

- snip -

Deese was deployed to Iraq in August after serving in Afghanistan.

MORE

I plan to attend the funeral if it open to the public, but arrangements apparently have not been made as of yet.

"She walks in beauty in two worlds." ~ Lumbee Proverb

[TomInTib]

1. There have been two posts today from teachers who have lost

former students.

This thing is starting to reach really deep.

God damn every single one of the crazy bastards who thought this was a good idea.

[Old and In the Way]

2. Sorry to read this....just too damn sad that such a young life is wasted

on a delusion by someone who is not fit to shine Mr. Deese's boots. I hate this war...I hate this pResident.

[spacelady]

3. He was already on the cutting edge of history with his fraternity.

What a tragedy that potential was cut short, he was an upstanding young man and a very brave leader.

I salute you, Joshua Deese.

[mnhtnbb]

4. It's so sad. Such a waste. My husband's great-nephew is serving in Iraq

[SaveAmerica]

5. Rest in Peace, Josh, I humbly thank you for your service.

Thanks for sharing, Hissyspit. Our soldiers don't stand alone, their deaths become tremors that affect so many.

[SoCalDemGrrl]

6. A pathetic waste of a fine human being..Very sad

Looking at his photo hurts my heart, but thank you for posting
such a fine tribute.

[midnight]

7. What a sweet face. So sorry to hear about this.

Peace for his family and friends. Another reason to bring our troops home.

[Hissyspit]

8. .

[Binka]

9. So Sorry Hissy

RIP baby your work here is all done.

[Hissyspit]

17. That means a lot coming from you, Binka. Thank you.

[Bucky]

10. He served his country, and his country betrayed him. I'm so sorry

I've seen several of my students join the service. I'm proud of them--of their commitment and their service and their willingness to sacrifice everything to keep this country safe. We're not holding up our end of that bargain, tho. I dread the day I hear this news too, because I know that behind this war is a betrayal of the value of their lives. I worry if we'll ever fully recover as a nation from the deep scars Bush is carving into us.

[Cooley Hurd]

11. K&R

I'm so sorry, hissyspit.:cry:

[Alamom]

12. I'm so sorry, Hissy.

[JNelson6563]

13. Very sad.

My condolences to his family, friends and all those who knew and cared about him, especially the good teachers he was fortunate to have had before his life was wasted on this nightmare in Iraq.

My thanks to you for being such a caring teacher and friend to your kids.

Julie

[DemonFighterLives]

14. It's just so sad

and the shameful bushites bring them back in the dark of night. Until the nation gets a peek at all the death, we are destined to repeat again and again.
:dem:

[Hissyspit]

15. .

[Freedomofspeech]

16. That beautiful young face....

I have two students missing legs, and one of them totally blind. Of course, tomorrow I am going to the funeral home to honor my fallen student. I think of how I was touched by these young men, and how they have suffered for nothing.

[PA Democrat]

18. It must be heartbreaking.

I can't imagine how sad it is for teachers who put so much of their energy and passion into preparing our kids for their futures to see their efforts wasted when these kids are sent off to die.

I saw a similar post from another teacher just yesterday. I am so angry about the waste of these kids' lives.

[graywarrior]

19. Hurts even more when you see a face.

So sorry Hissy.

[Hissyspit]

20. .