SPC Jeremy L. Ridlen, 23, Illinois Army National Guard, born in Illinois August 29,
1980, was killed in action on May 23, 2004. Ridlen served with 1544th
Transportation Company, 34th Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, and
deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While on patrol near Fallujah, an
IED struck his vehicle. Insurgents, lying in wait, then attacked his unit, and Ridlen
was hit by small arms fire. For his service, he earned a Purple Heart, the Bronze
Star, and has a post office named in his honor. Rest easy, Hero! Til Valhalla,
Brother!