Connecticut just lost its 11th soldier since October 2001.

[NightTrain]

Nice going, George! Hope you're having a wonderful vacation. :grr:




A soldier who grew up in Bridgeport was killed in Iraq this week.

Army Spc. Tyanna Avery-Felder, 22, was raised in Bridgeport and was a graduate of Kolbe Cathedral High School, said Caryn Kaufman, a spokeswoman for Bridgeport Mayor John Fabrizi.

The Department of Defense had not officially listed Avery-Felder on its casualty list, and would not confirm the death. No other information was immediately available.

Gov. John G. Rowland's office ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff until her burial. No date had been set.

"Her individual bravery and willingness to serve has directly contributed to our safety and security here at home," Rowland said in a written statement. "We will be forever indebted to Spc. Felder and the selfless example she has left for each of us."

Avery-Felder is the 11th soldier from Connecticut to be killed in Iraq or Afghanistan since March 2003. Their names are listed below.

Marine Staff Sgt. Phillip Jordan, 42, March 23, 2003, Iraq
Marine Cpl. Kemaphoom Chanawongse, 22, March 23, 2003, Iraq
Army Pfc. Wilfredo Perez Jr., 24, July 26, 2003, Iraq
Army Staff Sgt. Richard S. Eaton Jr., 37, Aug. 23, 2003, Iraq
Army Sgt. David Travis Friedrich, 26, Sept. 20, 2003, Iraq
Army Pfc. Anthony D'Agostino, 20, Nov. 2, 2003, Iraq
Army Pfc. Jeffrey Braun, 19, Dec 12, 2003, Iraq
Army Capt. Eric Paliwoda, 28, Jan. 2, 2004, Iraq
Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Chapman, 36, Mar. 6, 2003, Afghanistan
Army Sgt. Maj. Philip Albert, 41, Nov. 23, 2003, Afghanistan
Army Sgt. Benjamin Gilman, 28, February 2004, Afghanistan
Army Spc. Tyanna Avery-Felder, 22, April 2004, Iraq