IED kills Soldier in Iraq

An Army Soldier was killed May 25, as a result of an improvised explosive device while conducting resupply operations near Diwaniyah, Iraq.

Sgt. Frank Joseph Gasper, 25, was fatally wounded when his vehicle was struck by the IED. He was a Radio Operator assigned to the Headquarters Support Company, 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, Colorado.

Gasper, a native of Merced, California, enlisted in the Army in October 2002. After completion of his basic and advanced individual training, he was assigned to 10th SFG(A) April 2003.

Sgt, 1st Class Lawrence David Ezell was born June 10, 1977. He enlisted in the United States Army October 31, 1994 and attended Basic Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Advances Individual Training at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Upon completion of his training, Ezell was awarded the 55B MOS, Ammunition Specialist, as assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado. On March 18, 2000 Ezell attended Explosive Ordnance Disposal School at Eglin Air Force Base and was awarded the 89D MOS. In March of 2007, he was assigned to 62nd OD CO (EOD) at Fort Carson, Colorado where he served as a Platoon Sergeant.

Ezell's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), the Afghanistan Campaign

James Egbert: Sgt. 1st Class Ezell is survived by his wife Christy and 2y/o son Tristan, who reside in Fountain.

Beloved wife and mother, Jutta M. Boone left this earth to journey to heaven on May 31, 2008. Jutta was born on September 24, 1943 in Germany. She has been a resident of Security since 1980. She is survived by her loving husband, Edward J. Boone; daughter, Diana M. Johnson; sons, Edward J. Boone, Jr. and Patrick Boone; grandchildren, Aurora Boone, Wyatt Boone, Echo Johnson, Codi Johnson, Corey Johnson and Chad Williamson. Jutta will be deeply missed by all her family and friends. Memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 5th, 10am at Dove-Witt Fountain Valley Chapel, 6630 S. Hwy. 85/87, Fountain.