Teaholic not quite anonymous

I found out this evening that my good friend from grade school died in Iraq today. His sister let me know. Please keep his three little girls and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

I'm but a stranger here,
Heav'n is my home;
Earth is a desert dread,
Heav'n is my home.
Danger and sorrow stand
Round me on every hand;
Heav'n is my fatherland,
Heav'n is my home.

Monday, January 7, 2008 6:46 PM CST

MILWAUKEE - A 30-year-old soldier from West Allis was killed in Iraq by an improvised explosive device, the Department of Defense said Monday.

Pfc. 1st Class Jason F. Lemke was the 82nd Wisconsin resident to have died as a result of service in the Iraq war.

The Department of Defense said he died Saturday from wounds suffered when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device in Ibrahim Al Adham.

Lemke was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, out of Fort Lewis, Wash.

According to Fort Lewis, Lemke enlisted in December 2004 in Milwaukee and underwent training in Fort Benning, Ga. He transferred to Fort Lewis in May 2005 and his brigade deployed to Iraq in April.

He graduated from high school in 1996, though Fort Lewis records do not provide specifics.

Fort Lewis spokeswoman Catherine Caruso said the family had not yet given the military a statement for release. A message left by The Associated Press at the home of his family in West Allis was not immediately returned Monday evening.

Lemke's awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)