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Army Pfc. Michael R. Hayes
29, of Morgantown, Ky.; assigned to the 617th Military Police Company, Kentucky Army National Guard, Richmond, Ky.; killed June 14 when a rocket-propelled grenade hit his Humvee while he was providing security cordon for an improvised explosive device found earlier in Baghdad.
Kentucky Guardsman killed in Iraq attack
By Joe Biesk
Associated Press
FRANKFORT, Ky. — A Kentucky Guardsman was killed in Iraq this week during a rocket-propelled grenade attack, the National Guard said Thursday.
Spc. Michael Ray Hayes, 29, of Morgantown, was with a group of Guardsmen providing security around a possible improvised explosive device near Baghdad on Tuesday when they were attacked, Brig. Gen. Norman Arflack said. Four other soldiers were injured in the blast but were treated and returned to duty. The exact location of the attack was uncertain, said Arflack, Kentucky’s deputy adjutant general.
“The loss of Specialist Hayes reminds us that we’re involved in a serious business,” Arflack told reporters at a morning news conference. “It inspires us to do our best to support our troops and their families.”
Hayes’ death marks the sixth member of the Kentucky National Guard to be killed in Iraq since the start of the war. Hayes, his brother and his sister were part of the 617th Military Police Company based in Richmond.
Earlier this year, the unit was involved in a brutal 30-minute firefight in which 10 Guardsmen fought off dozens of Iraqi insurgents, killing 26 guerrillas, wounding others and capturing one.
Currently, there are about 175 soldiers from the 617th, and 1,127 Kentucky National Guard soldiers overall, in Iraq. The unit was deployed there last November and is expected to stay a year. Among other things, it is responsible for providing convoy security escorts.
“These soldiers, every one of them, are in the fight every day,” Arflack said. “They do not stand down as a result of this.”
Hayes’ family did not wish to speak publicly about his death and were not planning to release a statement, according to a Kentucky National Guard statement.
Spc. Melissa Stewart, his sister, and Spc. James Hayes, his brother, were not with him at the time of the attack, Arflack said. However, they are expected to accompany his body home for the funeral.
Hayes was traveling in a factory-equipped up-armored Humvee — complete with ballistic glass and full armor — at the time of the attack, Arflack said. However, it was uncertain whether Hayes was inside the vehicle when the blast hit, Arflack said.
While Hayes’ death was tragic, it could have “an energizing effect” on his comrades, Arflack said.
“Even though they’re saddened, they’ll move forward,” Hayes said. “They’re going to do what they need to do to right this perceived wrong. So they’re going to continue the fight.”
Maj. Gen. Donald Storm, Kentucky’s adjutant general, was in Iraq at the time of the incident. Storm left for Iraq on Sunday and was expected back soon, Arflack said. Storm has met with soldiers since the attack, he said.
Hayes, a coach for the girls soccer team at Butler County High School, joined the Kentucky National Guard in December 2002. The Bowling Green native attended Western Kentucky University and wanted to be a college soccer coach one day, according to the Guard statement.
David Hocker, a friend of Hayes and booster of the soccer program, told the Daily News of Bowling Green that Hayes was able to come home for a visit two weeks ago and took the soccer team out to dinner and a movie.
“I have never in my life met anyone who loved soccer more than that man,” Hocker said. “If a girl wanted to work extra, he’d come in early or stay late. He spent his own money, buying food for the team or taking them someplace for team-building.”
Capt. Todd Lindner, commander of the 617th, described Hayes as “the consummate soldier” who completed more than 135 missions.
“Michael did the right things for the right reasons,” Lindner said.
Gov. Ernie Fletcher ordered flags at half-staff throughout the state until sunset on the day of Hayes’ funeral.
“Once again, Kentuckians are reminded by the loss of one of their own that freedom is not free,” Fletcher said in a statement.
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Condolences :
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Prayers & Condolences For:
Michael R. Hayes
BY acidburnny on Jun 25, 2005 | |  | Rest in Peace brave soldier. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
my condolences to your family and friends.
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