100 U.S. female service members have died in Iraq

[RamboLiberal]

Source: CNN

The death of an Air Force technical sergeant in Iraq last week quietly ushered in a somber milestone: 100 American female service members now have died in Iraq, according to a CNN count of Pentagon figures.

The latest death was Tech. Sgt. Jackie L. Larsen, 37, of Tacoma, Washington, who died of natural causes July 17 at Balad Air Base, Iraq. She was assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Beale Air Force Base, California, according to the Pentagon.

The death comes during what is on pace to be the lowest monthly toll in the war. Pentagon records show that at least 10 U.S. troops have died in July. The lowest number in the war was in May, with 19. The total of U.S. service member deaths in the Iraq war now stands at 4,125.

Of the 100 female service members who died:

97 were troops and three were military civilian employees.

61 of them have been classified as hostile -- occurring during combat or enemy attacks -- and 39 have been non-hostile.

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/07/24/iraq.main/index.html

[Virginia Dare]

1. I remember this was one of the right wing talking points..

back in the 70's and 80's against the E.R.A. We'd have women coming home in body bags. Well, guess what? The right wingers have sent women home in body bags without the E.R.A. My irony meter explodes once again.

[question everything]

2. How can you die of natural causes at 37?

If she suffered from a congenital disease, why was she drafted?

Not trying to pry, but this comment stands out.

And, yes, this is a sad milestone (one more).

[RamboLiberal]

3. There have been a number of "young" natural causes deaths

in Iraq both male and female. I suppose there are some. But some are mysterious.

[bdab1973]

4. I knew someone who died of natural causes in Iraq

He was a good guy, and a good flight engineer. He contracted a bad infection. It was terrible, but it's very possible. This happens in every conflict.