Georgia National Guard Soldier Dies in Iraq

Strategic Insights -

A 41-year-old Georgia National Guard soldier, Sgt. 1st Class Amos C. Edwards Jr., has died from an apparent heart attack while stationed in Iraq. The death is under investigation, and Edwards was part of the 48th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment. This brings the total number of casualties within the 48th Brigade to 26, with 16 combat-related deaths and 10 non-hostile incidents.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sgt. 1st Class Amos C. Edwards Jr., 41, died from an apparent heart attack while stationed in Iraq.
  • Edwards was part of the 48th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment.
  • The death brings the total number of casualties within the 48th Brigade to 26.
  • 16 of the 26 casualties were due to combat-related incidents.
  • 10 of the 26 casualties were due to non-hostile incidents, including vehicle accidents.
  • Edwards' unit was providing security for supply convoys from Jordan to western Iraq.
  • Edwards and two other soldiers spearheaded a drive to raise money for Hurricane Katrina victims while stationed at Camp Taji, north of Baghdad.
  • The 48th Brigade has more than 2,500 Georgians and nearly 2,000 soldiers from other states serving in Iraq.

Statistics:

  • The 48th Brigade has suffered 26 casualties, with 16 combat-related deaths and 10 non-hostile incidents.
  • 41 is the age of Sgt. 1st Class Amos C. Edwards Jr. at the time of his death.
  • The 48th Brigade has over 4,500 soldiers serving in Iraq.

Sources:

  • The Pentagon
  • First Lt. Selena Owens, 48th Brigade Combat Team spokeswoman
  • Staff writer Jeremy Redmon in Iraq