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Area native dies after 'a non-combat related incident' in Iraq

This undated photo provided by the Wisconsin National Guard shows Sgt. 1st Class Brian Naseman.

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An Army Corps carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Brian Naseman , 36, of Bremen, Ohio, at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Sunday, May 24, 2009. According to the Department of Defense, Naseman died May 22 in Taji, Iraq of a non-combat related incident.

AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez An Army Corps carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Brian Naseman , 36, of Bremen, Ohio, at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Sunday, May 24, 2009. According to the Department of Defense, Naseman died May 22 in Taji, Iraq of a non-combat related incident.

By Steve Bennish, Staff Writer Updated 3:14 AM Tuesday, May 26, 2009

A New Bremen native died in Iraq on Friday, May 22, from injuries received in “a non-combat related incident” that is under investigation, the Wisconsin Army National Guard said Sunday, May 24.

Sgt. 1st Class Brian Naseman, 36, and a resident of Racine, Wis., was a member of the 108th Forward Support Company, which was attached to the 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry.

The death occurred in Taji, Iraq, in a rural region 20 miles north of Baghdad where he was stationed with the Wisconsin Army National Guard. No further details were disclosed.

According to The Journal Times in Racine, Naseman lived in that city with his wife of 10 years, Peggy, and sons Carter, 7, and Cole, 9.

The boys idolized their dad. They wanted to be just like him.

“They wanted to be career military just like their dad,” Peggy said. “They knew that what he was doing was a good cause.”

Now they’re angry, sad and confused, she said.

The last time their dad was deployed to Kuwait for a year, he returned home safely. The boys don’t understand why he won’t be coming home this time, why he won’t be back to coach little league.

Peggy said if there is anything the community might learn from her grief, it’s this: “Never take for granted the things that you have (and) every time you see a soldier, thank them for what they do, because they provide the freedom in your everyday world.”

His mother and father reside in New Bremen.

Sgt. Naseman arrived in the Central Command Area of Operations in April as part of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the Wisconsin Army National Guard said.

He had previously deployed to Kuwait from November 2005 to November 2006 with the 2nd Battalion, 128th Infantry, the National Guard said.

“The entire Wisconsin National Guard family joins me in mourning the loss of Sergeant 1st Class Brian Naseman,” Brig. Gen. Donald P. Dunbar said.

“While no words can soothe the pain of their loss, I pledge to the Naseman family the full support of the Wisconsin National Guard during the difficult days and weeks ahead,” Dunbar said.

Before his mobilization with the 32nd Brigade, Sgt. 1st Class Naseman was a full-time National Guardsman in Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 257th Brigade Support Battalion, 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.

In honor of the sergeant, Brig. Gen. Dunbar ordered flags at all Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities lowered to half-staff beginning today, May 26, and continuing until sunset on the day of the funeral for the soldier from Auglaize County.

Peggy still doesn’t know when she can plan a funeral. She said she’s been told that his body might be returned home as soon as this week. Right now, it’s hard to think about the future.

She is planning to set up a trust fund at Johnson Bank (in Racine) for the boys.

Information for this story also came from Paul Sloth, a staff writer for The Journal Times.

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With a heavy heart I send my most sincere sympathy to Brian's family, friends and fellow soldiers. The cost of war and hatred in this world has no boundaries. Brian and his family paid the ultimate price. May the peace of God that is able to surpass all the confusion, anger and loss of this world keep us all united regardless of which side of heaven we reside.

Rev. Carol Christianson, proud sister of my brother and nephew who serve the Wisconsin Army National Guard!

Carol Christianson
11:03 AM, 5/27/2009

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SFC Naseman was my platoon sgt for a short period of time since I had to go home from Ft. Bliss Texas due to a medical issue. However he was a wonderful soldier, leader and friend. He will be forever missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your boys. May God help you through this difficult time.

Kim
6:40 PM, 5/26/2009

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I was a Platoon Sergeant serving with Brian. He was a fine human being and a great person to work with. He will be sorely missed for a multitude of reasons.

SFC Ron Poniatowski (Retired)
12:21 PM, 5/26/2009

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I was previously deployed with brian and know him very well. My love and sympathy goes to his family, I am with them in heart in their difficult months ahead. Brian was one of the most headstrong men i have ever met in my military career and it is very difficult to understand these things. I only wish that he finds peace in heaven.

TS
9:11 AM, 5/26/2009

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I knew Brian through high school. Very nice guy and always gave his best. My sympathies to the famiy. Rest in peace SFC Naseman. God bless the family and be with them in these very difficult times.

nb4life
7:21 AM, 5/26/2009

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