Emporian reported killed in Iraq
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Originally published 10:02 p.m., November 14, 2007
Updated 01:07 p.m., November 15, 2007
The Department of Defense announced Wednesday the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Christopher R. Kruse of Emporia and Spc. Peter W. Schmidt of Eureka, Calif., died Tuesday in Mukhisa, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during dismounted combat operations.
Both were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.
The Patriot Guard Riders Web site announced plans to participate in Kruse’s service at Fort Dodge outside Dodge City. No date has been released yet.
The deaths bring to 3,864 the number of U.S. military who have died since the beginning of the war in Iraq in March 2003, according to an Associated Pres count.
hottopics (anonymous) says...
Thoughts, prayers and many thanks to these men and to their families who supported their sons to give themselves for all of us.
God bless
November 14, 2007 at 10:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
vkhannan (anonymous) says...
My deepest sympathy to the families of these brave soldiers. I can't imagine the pain. My son was with them when this happened. He was injured badley but he will recover.
God Bless these fine men
November 15, 2007 at 8:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandyestabrook (anonymous) says...
I knew Chris well. He was a very nice young man who is leaving a wife and two small boys. My son and Chris were in school together in Dodge City and remained friends since. Chris's sister Danielle Layman lived here with her husband Ryan and worked at the east Dillons. They no longer live at Emporia. Chris attended Flinthills Technical School and then joined the Army. Three years ago Chris and another soldier and friend of my son's who was in the same unit came down to visit and we all went out to dinner. I can't believe he is gone now. He was very proud of being in the Army. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Please keep this family in your prayers.
November 15, 2007 at 11:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
proverbs18_21 (anonymous) says...
My heartfelt thanks to these young men for their sacrifice on my behalf - and my sincere condolences to their loved ones left behind.
November 15, 2007 at 3:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bmihde (anonymous) says...
My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family and friends. I also give my utmost thanks and respect for serving our country so freely. All of this comes from the bottom of my heart. Thank you and God Bless you.
November 15, 2007 at 4:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I would like to echo everything said so far.
vkhannan, best wishes and prayers for your son's speedy recovery.
November 15, 2007 at 4:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UsayULoveGod (anonymous) says...
Many prayers for your family, May God watch over him in Heaven !!
November 15, 2007 at 5:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandyestabrook (anonymous) says...
I wish to correct the information that Chris attended Flinthills Technical School and also suggest that the paper should check sources before printing something in the paper that they take off the blog. Chris attended Dodge City Community College and I apologize for the misinformation. It is not my place to discuss specifics but rather his families so to the news media who have called and left messages on my phone-------don't expect an answer from me. I was only trying to express personal feelings and the relationship my family had with him. But everyone out there, this should be a wake up call that many other news media are checking our blogs. Thanks everyone for the prayers for Chris's family.
vkhannan, I wish your son a quick return to good health and a big thank you for serving his country.
November 15, 2007 at 5:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporialifer (anonymous) says...
God Bless our troops for having the courage to serve our country. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and also for our wounded troops.
November 15, 2007 at 6:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reservist (anonymous) says...
God Bless the troops and their families.
November 15, 2007 at 6:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Brooke (anonymous) says...
My sympathies to the family of this young man. (I have two in the Navy.) Please accept my gratitude that he helped to keep us safe.
November 15, 2007 at 7:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
God bless the families of these two brave young soldiers. My sympathy to both families and much gratitude for their service to our country. Prayers for our wounded.
November 15, 2007 at 10:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LilJHawkFan (anonymous) says...
Many blessings to the families of these young men. I am forever grateful for their work done overseas.
November 16, 2007 at 1:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )