FORT BRAGG (AP) -- A private memorial service is scheduled for May eighth for paratroopers from the Third Brigade Combat Team killed in Iraq. That includes the nine soldiers who died in a truck bombing this week.
The 3,500-member brigade, one of four infantry brigades in the 82nd Airborne Division, deployed in August to Iraq and has lost 37 soldiers. Hardest hit has been the brigade's 73rd Cavalry Regiment, a reconnaissance and scout unit that has lost 20 paratroopers.
Division spokesman Major Tom Earnhardt says the memorial service will be open to members of the 82nd Airborne still at Fort Bragg and families. He says it's an effort to add some closure for the families and personnel back at home.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
