.Local Paper Uncovers Another Mysterious U.S. Death in Iraq
NEW YORK Although the U.S. death toll is down in Iraq, many troops continue to perish in what the military officially announces as "noncombat" or "nonhostile" incidents. An investigation is launched but the press rarely learns the result.
However, local papers often obtain information directly from family members, exposing death by vehicle accident, friendly fire, illness or suicide.
It happened again this weekend, thanks to reporter Matthew Stolle of the Post-Bulletin in Rochester, Minn.
He revealed that details about how Sgt. 1st Class John J. Tobiason died last week remained sketchy, but his sister, Nancy Mitchell of Mantorville, said that The was in a "safe zone" when the incident happened. "He reportedly stepped outside of a tent when shots were fired," Stolle reported.
That would leave open friendly fire, murder, accidental weapon discharge, or suicide.
The story closed: "The news of his death cast a pall over this community of 1,400. Many heard the news for the first time during a gathering of bingo at the legion hall, all but destroying the sense of festivity. At Uncle Mony's Restaurant, waitress Kathy DeMaria remembered Tobiason as the 'one of the nicest, friendliest kids I've ever known.' The last time she saw him, Tobiason was about to return to Iraq after a 30-day leave. 'When he came in and gave me a hug and (said) goodbye. I said, Now, you come back. And he said, I hope so,' DeMaria said."
E&P
Sounds like the Tillman effect all over again.
However, local papers often obtain information directly from family members, exposing death by vehicle accident, friendly fire, illness or suicide.
It happened again this weekend, thanks to reporter Matthew Stolle of the Post-Bulletin in Rochester, Minn.
He revealed that details about how Sgt. 1st Class John J. Tobiason died last week remained sketchy, but his sister, Nancy Mitchell of Mantorville, said that The was in a "safe zone" when the incident happened. "He reportedly stepped outside of a tent when shots were fired," Stolle reported.
That would leave open friendly fire, murder, accidental weapon discharge, or suicide.
The story closed: "The news of his death cast a pall over this community of 1,400. Many heard the news for the first time during a gathering of bingo at the legion hall, all but destroying the sense of festivity. At Uncle Mony's Restaurant, waitress Kathy DeMaria remembered Tobiason as the 'one of the nicest, friendliest kids I've ever known.' The last time she saw him, Tobiason was about to return to Iraq after a 30-day leave. 'When he came in and gave me a hug and (said) goodbye. I said, Now, you come back. And he said, I hope so,' DeMaria said."
E&P
Sounds like the Tillman effect all over again.
posted by madtom at 1:15 AM
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