It's been reported in the local news a lot, but it's well worth noting again that two of the twelve soldiers who died in the Black Hawk helicopter crash near Baghdad this past weekend were Virginia Guardsmen: Va. copter-crash victims recalled.

"Col. Paul M. Kelly, 45, of Stafford was an exemplary soldier, and Staff Sgt. Darryl D. Booker, 37, of Midlothian was wedded to his military duty, they said."

These appear to be the first fatalities from Virginia in 2007, according to Iraq Coalition Casualties. I'm sure it's little comfort, but allow me to extend my thanks and condolences to the families of these men. Fallen soldiers should always be honored.

P.S. No, I don't consider Iraqi insurgents, terrorists, or members of death squads to be honorable soldiers.

Thomas Krehbiel writes The Krehbiel Strikes Back, a generally centrist commentary on news, media, politics, and culture.