DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.  They died in Baghdad, Iraq on May 5, 2006, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during combat operations.

Killed were:
First Sergeant Carlos N. Saenz, 46, of Las Vegas, Nevada
Specialist Teodoro Torres, 29, of  Las Vegas, Nevada
Sergeant Nathan J. Vacho, 29, of Janesville, Wisconsin

Saenz and Torres were assigned to the Army Reserve's 490th Civil Affairs Battalion, Abilene, Texas.  Vacho was assigned to the Army Reserve's 489th Civil Affairs Battalion, Knoxville, Tenn.  During Operation Iraqi Freedom, all three were attached to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.

Kids in Sergeant Saen'z neighborhood were very impressed and proud to have a soldier living in their neighborhood. So much so that some have decided to follow in his footsteps. Others in the neighborhood are also honoring him by displaying American flags in front of their homes, all for a man they now call a hero

Both Sergeant Saenz and Specialist Torres were assigned to the U.S. Army Reserve's 490th Civil Affairs Battalion in Abilene, Texas. Sergeant Saenz leaves behind a wife and teenage son. His wife tells us that per his wishes he will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery sometime next week.

Torres recently moved to Las Vegas. He is originally from the Rochester, New York area. Before he was deployed, Torres was working for a helicopter company in Las Vegas.

A military honor guard carries the casket of Army First Sergeant Carlos Noe Saenz of Las Vegas 
during funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery  Wednesday, May 17, 2006. Saenz was killed when 
an improvised explosive device detonated near their Humvee during combat operations in Baghdad

Nanette Saenz, widow of Army First Sergeant Carlos Noe Saenz of Las Vegas, 
is presented an American flag by Brigadier General Sanford Holman during funeral 
services at Arlington National Cemetery Wednesday, May 17, 2006. At center is his son Juan Saenz 
and mother Joachina Chores. Woman far right unidentified.

Photo Courtesy of Holly, 21 May 2006