Crapo Expresses Condolences

Washington, DC â?? A second Idahoan became a casualty in Operation Iraqi Freedom last week. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo expressed his sorrow over the loss of ArmyCpl. Richard P. Carl, 26, of Glenns Ferry, Idaho, in a helicopter crash in Iraq last week. "My condolences and prayers go out to Corporal Carl's wife, his children, and family on their tragic loss this past week," Crapo said. "He joins a long list of Idhaoans who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country.""Corporal Carl is a tremendous example of our military's commitment to risk life and limb to help the innocent Iraqi civilians wounded in the war. He went to the Middle East to fight for our freedom with valor and courage in this time of national crisis and died in defense of his country. There are no words for such an incredible loss, but we are a greater nation because of brave men and women like Corporal Carl."Carl, a member of the 571st Medical Company based at Fort Carson, Colorado, died when the UH-60 helicopter in which he was a passenger crashed. The helicopter was one of two involved in the May 9th rescue of an injured Iraqi child who was being flown out for emergency medical treatment. The first helicopter, with the child, successfully lifted off, but the second, carrying Corporal Carl and others became entangled in a wire and flipped over into the Tigris River. Two other soldiers were also killed, and one was able to swim to safety.# # #