The war comes to Kansas again. And the Castle.

First - two more casualties with the 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley.

FORT RILEY SOLDIERS KILLED IN IRAQ

Private First Class Cameron K. Payne, 22, was killed when the vehicle he was traveling in struck an improvised explosive device June 11 in Baghdad, Iraq.

Payne was an infantryman assigned to 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. His home of record is Corona, Calif.

He entered the Army in November 2005 and began serving with the 1st Infantry Division in March 2006. This was his first deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

Private. William C. Johnson, 22, died of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device June 12 in Baghdad, Iraq.

Johnson was a cavalry scout assigned to 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. His home of record is Oxford, N.C.

He entered the Army in September 2005 and began serving with the 1st Infantry Division in February 2006. This was his first deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

To date, 106 Fort Riley Soldiers have been killed while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Requiescat in Pace. Others will bear the torch. Go have a cold one with your comrades at the Green.

Last, Dusty loses a classmate. From the Association of Graduates, United States Air Force Academy:

Gone But Not Forgotten The AOG has recently learned of the death of Col. (Ret.) Michael W. Butler, CS-40, Class of 1976. Col. Butler was killed near Tikrit, Iraq, on 12 June 2007. Col. Butler was working as a civilian contractor with the Civilian Police Advisory Training Team.

Didn't know Mike, but my class is still givin' blood. I hope it isn't in vain but it would appear the American peoples' representatives lost the stomach for the fight. Me? Fuck 'em (the enemy, that is)...I will personally engage any time, anywhere, because sooner or later America won't have the luxury of bugging out. Stand now, or run forever. I'm 53 and I figure I have at least another 20 years' capability for puttin' the hurt on one or two of the insects who would deny my child the dignity God granted every Soul.

In the meantime, I'm sure Mike is in his cups with family, friends and comrades in that Big Fighter Bar in the Sky. God bless him and God bless and keep his loved ones.

Instapilot Sends
P.S. "CS-40" means Cadet Squadron 40 (back in my day we had that many).