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Sammy Linebaugh reportingA violent weekend in Iraq has claimed the life of another Utah soldier. His death comes during what is being described as a major offensive by extremists to take back Iraq.
More than 100 people were killed over the weekend in Iraq in 15 separate bombings.
One was Staff Sergeant Ronald T. Wood of Cedar City, who died when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb outside the city of Kirkuk.
Wood, who is the 13th Utahn killed in the Iraq War since it started, was part of the 148th Field Artillery Battalion, which was mobilized in June of last year.
Maj. Hank McIntire, Utah National Guard: "He was not only a member of his real family, but he was a member of the Guard family. It's just a terrible loss for his family, and for us in the Guard."
Two other Utah soldiers were injured in the attack-- Sergeant Christopher Olsen of Logan and Specialist Eric J. Lund of Providence.
Specialist Lund received shrapnel wounds to the back of his head, his back, and legs. His leg was broken in three places.
According to his wife he underwent surgery and is in good spirits.
Segeant Olsen sustained cuts, bruises, and received shrapnel wounds in his left leg. His wife says he too is doing well.
All three soldiers were wearing their prescribed protective gear.
Wood's death puts the total number of soldiers lost since the Iraq war started in March 2003 at 1766.
