Remembering Michigan's Casualties of the Iraq War
160 Michiganders and 4,802 Americans and allies have been lost in the war.
Canton, MI
On Sept. 11, 2001 Terry and Jan Blumberg of Canton were already parents of a soldier -- Sgt. Trevor Blumberg. He'd been to Korea and would head in 2003 to Fallujah, Iraq. Just before his deployment, he asked his parents for two big favors: take care of his dog, Scrappy, and if anything should happen to him, take care of the guys in his unit. Less than three weeks later, the worst happened. On Sept. 14, 2003, Sgt. Blumberg, 22, was killed when two roadside bombs destroyed his patrol vehicle. Today, countless people remember the well-loved paratrooper nicknamed "Blum" and "B-berg." Since Blum's death, his parents have invested more than $300,000 of their own money, plus donations, to buy 12 acres of land in northern Lower Michigan and build a bed-and-breakfast-style retreat for wounded soldiers and their families. Blum's Landing is still under construction. About $250,000 is needed to finish the project, which will cost an estimate $60,000 a year to operate, said Terry Blumberg. Pictured is a detail of a quilt given to Blumberg's parents. It hangs in their bedroom, along with a Gold Star in the window and other memorabilia.
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The 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq began 10 years ago this week—on March 19, 2003.
Although the war in Iraq is officially over, we continue to mourn those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the past 10 years.
View CNN's map of all casualties in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.
More than 4,800 Americans and allies have died in the war, according to the Iraq Coalition Casualty Count, including 160 Michiganders.
Among the Michigan soldiers who gave their lives are the following from Metro Detroit:
- Sgt. Trevor A. Blumberg of Canton
- Spc. Andrew P. Daul of Brighton
- Lance Cpl. Clifford R. Collinsworth of Chelsea
- Lance Cpl. Allan Klein of Clinton Township
- Staff Sgt. Raymond J. Plouhar of Lake Orion
- Sgt. Peter C. Neesley of Grosse Pointe Farms
- Maj. Joseph Trane McCloud of Grosse Pointe Park
- Sgt. Duane J. Dreasky of Novi
- Cpl. Walter B. Howard II of Rochester
- 1st Lt. Adam Malson of Rochester Hills
- Sgt. James S. Collins Jr. of Rochester Hills
- Pfc. Tarryl B. Hill of Shelby Township
- Pfc. Mark A. Barbret of Shelby Township
- Staff Sgt. Donald L. Munn II of St. Clair Shores
- Spc. Stephen M. Okray of St. Clair Shores
- Cpl. Alexander J. Kolasa of White Lake
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Dr Sharafat (Shaz) & Mary Khan
6:31 pm on Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Sgt Trevor Blumberg: Today we salute you for your honor, bravery, heroism and above all your supreme sacrifice, giving your life for beloved country. We cannot thank you and your family enough for all the sacrifices you endured. You sacrificed so that the rest of us can have a secure life. At a time when there is much strife in the world, we as Americans continue to provide hope for people all over the world.
Last week my wife and I were fortunate enough to attend the annual fund raiser in Novi, for "Wounded and Fallen Soldiers". Tears were flowing as the determination and heroism of our troops were described. Heroism of our soldiers know no social or economic status: it makes us proud to be living in a nation that provides us all. Wishing Sgt Blumberg and his family every best wish possible. God bless....Dr Sharafat (Shaz) & Mary Khan