Kansas Casualties.

First, a hometown soldier of the Kansas Army National Guard, Sergeant Courtney D. Finch, a non-combat loss:

...not that his loss somehow hurts less because it wasn't in combat.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Courtney D. Finch, 27, of Leavenworth, Kan., died July 24 in Qayyarah, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. He was assigned to the 714th Maintenance Company, Kansas Army National Guard, Topeka, Kan.

The incident is under investigation.

For more information related to this release, the media may contact the Kansas National Guard public affairs office at (785) 274-1192.

Second is Specialist Daniel Leckel, and Infantryman of the 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley.

FORT RILEY SOLDIER KILLED IN IRAQ

Specialist Daniel A. Leckel, 19, died of wounds suffered from enemy small arms fire July 25 in Baghdad, Iraq.

Leckel was an infantryman assigned to 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. His home of record is Medford, Ore.

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

To date, 118 Fort Riley Soldiers and one Airman have been killed while serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Two more draws down in the 'Green, please.

Now is the time at Castle Argghhh! when we dance: In Memoriam.