Remembering the fallen

By Patrick Loch

If you were on any of Metropolitan State University’s campuses or near any state buildings on July 28, you may have noticed the flag being flown at half-staff. Governor Tim Pawlenty ordered it so in honor of soldiers that died in service of our country earlier that month.

On July 16, a missile strike killed three members of the Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Red Bull Infantry Division:
Specialist James Wertish, 20, from Olivia;
Specialist Dan Drevnick, 22, from Woodbury;
Specialist Carlos Wilcox, 27, from Cottage Grove.

Of the three, Wilcox graduated from Metropolitan State University in 2008 with a biology degree and aspirations to attend medical school. Family described him as, “a man of God” and, “one who loved his family.” Friends described him as “the nicest guy,” and very calm and laid-back. Please take a moment to remember Metropolitan State alum Carlos Wilcox and pay thanks to him and thousands of others that sacrifice every day to serve and protect our country.