U.S. Casualties in Iraq & Afghanistan reported 9/6/06

Sgt. 1st Class Richard J. Henkes II, 32, of Portland Ore., died on Sept. 3 of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. Henkes was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.

Staff Sgt. Angel D. Mercado-Velazquez, 24, died in Yusifiyah, Iraq, on Sept. 1 of injuries suffered from mortar fire during dismounted combat operations. Mercado-Velazquez was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Sgt. Ralph N. Porras, 36, of Merrill, Mich. & Pfc. Justin W. Dreese, 21, of Northumberland, Pa. died in Yusifiyah, Iraq, on Sept. 2 of injuries suffered from mortar fire during dismounted combat operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.