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Local Guardsman dies in Iraq
On the telephone pole on American Legion Boulevaard, where the wooden yellow ribbon for Sgt. Virgil Case can be found, a small memorial of ribbons and flowers began appearing last week as news of the death of the local Idaho National Guardsman deployed to Iraq began to filter through the community.
Case, 37, of Mountain Home, died June 1 near Kirkuk, in northern Iraq, from what were officially described as " non-combat related injuries." Lt. Col. Tim Marsono, public affairs officer for the Idaho National Guard, said no details concerning the cause of his death were being relased pending an investigation that is normally held in such cases.
Case was assigned to the Army National Guard's 145th Support Battalion, a detachment of which is stationed at the Mountain Home Armory, part of the Idaho National Guard's 116th Brigade Combat Team, which deployed to Iraq just after Christmas last year. He was a full-time member of the Guard, stationed at the armory, and had 18 years of service in the military.
He was the first local member of the Idaho National Guard to die in Iraq, and the fourth area resident to fall in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He is survived by his wife, Claudia, and four children, Stevie Bitah, 18, Randy Bitah, 16, Danielle Case, 13, and Harlee Case, 11, all of Mountain Home.
The family requested their privacy as they dealt with their grief in seclusion, surrounded by family and friends. They released a statement last Thursday, noting, "There was never a man loved by his family as much as Virgil Case was.
"He was a loving father and husband who lived for his family.
"There are no words that can express how much he will be missed. He will never be forgotten. He proudly served in the Army National Guard."
His wife and family also said they "would like to profoundly express their thanks to everyone in the community for their love and support during this difficult time."
Accompanied by a local fellow Guardsman who had served with him in Iraq, Case's body was flown back to the United States last Friday. He was expected to be buried in Shiprock, N.M., his native state.
A local memorial service will be held at Summers Funeral Homes, McMurtrey Chapel, at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 9. In addition, the state is expected to hold a memorial service at Gowen Field, but the details of that ceremony had not been announced by press time.
A memorial service also was held for him at the unit's base camp just outside of Kirkuk last Friday. The soldier's hall there was packed as Sgt. Geoff Schroeder of Mountain Home delivered the eulogy there.
On Monday, Mayor Joe McNeal ordered the flags in Mountain Home to be flown at half-staff for the rest of the week in honor of Case, and last week the fire department displayed their huge American Flag at the memorial site on American Legion Boulevard.
The news of his death spread quickly and devastated the Idaho National Guard "family" in Mountain Home, and around the state, who have bonded closely together as they worry about their loved ones deployed to the fighting in Iraq.
"We are saddened at the loss of Staff Sgt. Virgil Case," said Maj. Gen. Larry Lafrenz, Idaho National Guard adjutant general.
"His valiant and dedicated service to our state and nation will long be remembered.
"Sergeant Case was a true professional who lost his life while defending the rights and freedoms that have been the hallmark of our country for over 229 years.
"All Idaho National Guard soldiers and airmen grieve his loss and extend to his family our heartfelt prayers and condolences," he said.
Sen. Mike Crapo, who had just returned from visiting troops in Iraq, also commended Case's service to his country and sent his condolences to Case's family.
"The loss of a husband, father and son is always difficult, and having this happen so far away from home undoubtably makes it even more so. He was a dedicated soldier and family man and this loss will be felt by all those who loved and respected him."Sgt. Case's family will remain in my thoughts and prayers."