Barbara Mikulski: “we have reached a milestone in Iraq. Two thousand U.S. servicemembers have been killed, including 42 Marylanders. We…”

“we have reached a milestone in Iraq. Two thousand U.S. servicemembers have been killed, including 42 Marylanders. We must not talk about this in terms of just numbers and statistics. Each individual has left behind a legacy, a unique life story. Today, I want to pause to remember five young men from Maryland who died in Iraq in the last 10 days: Army SGT Brian R. Conner, Army SPC Samuel M. Boswell, Army SPC Bernard L. Ceo, Marine LCpl Norman W. Anderson, III, and Army SPC Kendell K. Frederick. Our condolences go out to their families, as well as our gratitude and our appreciation for these brave young men. To honor those who have died, we must remember the way they lived. Let me tell you about them: SGT Brian R. Conner of Gwynn Oak, MD was just 36 years old. He was a member of the Maryland National Guard's 243rd Engineer Company, in Baltimore. Sergeant Conner was one of three Army National Guardsmen killed October 14 in an accident northwest of Baghdad. A tractor trailer struck their humvee, setting it on fire and detonating ammunition aboard. Sergeant Conner was a lieutenant in Baltimore Fire Department, having joined in 1993. He had served in the Maryland National Guard since June 1989. Sergeant Conner leaves behind three daughters, ages 10, 15, and 21, and his beloved 3-year-old grandson. He is survived by his mother Hortense Connor, his brother Paul Edwards, and sister Cherice Conner Davis.…”