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thedrifter
04-10-07, 05:00 AM
Lawmakers honor GIs killed in Iraq, Afghan wars

By Alan Gathright, Rocky Mountain News
April 10, 2007

Sgt. Clinton W. Ahlquist, of Creede . . . Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Gould, of Longmont . . . Staff Sgt. Joshua R. Hager, of Broomfield. . .

As the names of 48 Colorado soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors killed in Iraq and Afghanistan were read aloud Monday, state lawmakers and loved ones of the fallen stood with heads bowed.

"We owe them all a great debt for their service, and we will always hold a special place of honor for the soldiers and families who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country," said House sponsor Rep. Stella Garza Hicks, R-Colorado Springs.

Senate Joint Resolution 32, sponsored by Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, D-Coal Creek Canyon, and Garza Hicks, named the 48 Colorado soldiers who gave their lives.

It also honors the state military personnel who have served or are currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

After each fallen service member's name was read aloud, lawmakers from both parties marched to the podium to praise Colorado's armed forces members and their families.

Among those attending was Cindy Dietz, whose son, Danny, a Navy SEAL, was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for fighting to the death in Afghanistan, outnumbered by al-Qaida and Taliban forces, so one of his comrades could escape.

gathrighta@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5486

Ellie