Fort Riley Soldier Killed in Iraq
Fort Riley Soldier Killed in Iraq Save Email Print
Posted: 2:12 PM Jan 5, 2009
Last Updated: 3:31 PM Jan 5, 2009
Reporter: 13 News

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Fort Riley Monday announced the death of another soldier in Iraq.

22-year old Private Benjamin Tollefson of Concord, California died
Dec. 31 in Balad, Iraq. Fort Riley says he died of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with indirect fire in Ghazaliya.

Tollefson was an infantryman. He was assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. This
was his first deployment in support of the war on terror.

Tollefson enlisted in the Army in August 2007. He arrived at Fort Riley in March 2008.

To date, 159 Fort Riley servicemembers have died while serving in
support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

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Posted by: Clinger Location: USA on Jan 9, 2009 at 10:13 PM
God speed Private Benjamin Tollefson. We morn your death but give thanks that such individuals live to set the example for the rest of us.

Posted by: prairiedog Location: San Francisco on Jan 8, 2009 at 08:01 AM
If you join the military you are not fighting for America, you are fighting for a group of lying scum-bags in Washington who are killing for profit. How many more you men and woman will be killed before the country wakes up.

Posted by: janice on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:25 AM
My sincere sympathy to the family of Private Benjamin. I thank him for my freedom, I pray for his beloved family.

Posted by: Deb Location: KS on Jan 6, 2009 at 02:32 AM
Cyndi has a lot of nerve!Using the word "Stupidity" is pure ignorance!I just returned from serving in Iraq am I'm here to tell you that it's not time to bring our troops all home yet.My heart breaks when I hear of the death of a soldier,but we all volunteered to join the military well-knowing that we have a good chance of deploying.We are ready and willing to give our lives for our country and are proud to do it!!!!Don't ever call it stupidity!To say that this is all about politics is another ignorant comment.When you have served and understand what's going on over there, then you can comment on this. You might think of having a little heart and sympathy for this soldier and his family instead of attacking the government of this great country we live in.We are all so blessed to live here.All I hear is complaints though. Try being grateful for where you live and being grateful for all the willing soldiers who volunteer to serve their country and sacrifice for your freedom.

Posted by: deb Location: topeka on Jan 5, 2009 at 06:45 PM
I want to THANK our service men and women for their service to out country. This young man paid the ultimate price for our country and I pray for those who knew and loved him.

Posted by: Faith Location: KS on Jan 5, 2009 at 03:47 PM
God Bless this family of this soldier. May they find peace and comfort in JESUS.

Posted by: Cyndi Location: Junction City on Jan 5, 2009 at 03:23 PM
Why haven't our service members been brought home when it was plain that those idiots just want to keep on fighting like they have for centuries. Granted it is to our advantage as far as trade goes, but when our people like this young guy have to pay the price for politics, that is sheer stupidity! BRING OUR PEOPLE HOME!!!

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