The Iraq War: 10 Years of Casualties, With 1 From Mount Pleasant

The 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq began 10 years ago this week — on March 19, 2003 — and although officially "over," fighting continues.

By one count, the war is directly responsible for 189,000 deaths, not including those who died from hardship caused by the fighting.

CNN has a stunning map of all casualties in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

In all, 4,802 Americans and allies have died in the war, according to the Iraq Coalition Casualty Count, including 89 from Wisconsin.

Among them was one person from Mount Pleasant. From the CNN war casualties web site:

• Richard Nelson, formerly of Mount Pleasant, died by a roadside bomb in April 2008. According to a story by the AP: Nelson’s mother, Susan Nelson, said she was informed that her son was killed by an improvised bomb in Anbar province, and military officials offered no other details.
• Daniel Wyatt, of Caledonia, died in 2004 when he was killed while serving in Iraq as a Marine Corps Reservist. In July 2011, a memorial to Daniel was dedicated at the base of the flag pole at Crawford Park.
• Evan Bixler, of Racine, died in 2006. According to Evan's obituary: "He always wanted to serve his country, just like his grandfather did. As a child, he talked about jumping out of helicopters and flying airplanes."
• Eric Poelman, Racine, died in 2006. According to the AP, Eric's father Matt said, “He had experienced the atrocities of war, just difficult things. We had pretty good confirmation from him that he was ready for the Lord and he knew where he was going if he were to pass on. That is some great comfort to his mother and I.”
• Brian K. Naseman, Racine, died in 2009 in Iraq. He served with the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 108th Forward Support Company, attached to the 2nd Battalion in Iraq.