The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Joel A. Dahl, 21, of Los Lunas, N.M., died June 23 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow soldiers during this difficult time. Please check this entry for any related articles we find.
Update: To make matters worse, the car belonging to Dahl's pregnant widow, Alia, was just stolen. In the car were personal mementos from Joel, as well as baby supplies. The Bernalillo County Sheriff's office is accepting donations to buy her a new car. You can donate by calling (505) 768-4100.
Update 6/29: Apparently the car as been recovered, but the contents are still missing. A local dealership has offered her a new car, and the sheriff's office has raised $15,000 so far. Finally, Alia gave birth to their child last night (Kaiden).
Fort Lewis soldier killed by enemy fire in Iraq - KOMO 4 News
Soldier who died just days from fatherhood - The News Tribune
Los Lunas soldier's dreams had all been coming true - News-Bulletin
Car stolen from soldier’s pregnant widow - The Associated Press
Slain soldier was coming home for birth of first child - Seattle P-I
Police find widow's car - KRQE News
Baby boy born five days after father's death in Iraq - The Seattle P-I
War widow welcomes baby Dahl - KRQE News
Dahl's wife gives birth to baby son - The News-Bulletin
After a week of death and sorrow -- life - Scripps Howard News Service
Army Cpl. Joel Dahl died a war hero, but he lived and fought for family's peace - The Albuquerque Tribune
Flags at half-staff for fallen soldier - The Albuquerque Tribune
2 Stryker soldiers remembered at Fort Lewis (includes video) - KOMO 4 News
‘15 NATIONAL TREASURES’ NOW Latest brigade losses honored - The News Tribune