MISSISSIPPI MOURNS THE DEATHS OF TWO SOLDIERS

The Department of Defense has announced the deaths of two more Mississippi Soldiers who were supporting Operating Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Jason W. Vaughn, 29, of Iuka, Miss., died May 10 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Vaughn was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Washington and Staff Sgt. John T. Self, 29, of Pontotoc, Miss., died May 14 as result of enemy action near Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 314th Security Forces Squadron, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas.

The Mississippi Patriot Guard will honor both of these heroes.

My heart felt condolences to these two families during this difficult time. Thank you both for your willingness to defend our country and our freedoms and interests. We are proud of your service and dedication in that which you believed in and fought for. Your missions are complete and you both are truly American heroes and the world in which we live is a safer place because of your commitment to freedom.