Priorities...

Michael Jackson died suddenly on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50. Since then, it has been Michael Jackson all the time.

Granted, he was a great performer even though he was eccentric (and I use that word loosely).

Yesterday was his memorial service, which has also dominated the television and news websites.

Sadly, through all the Michael Jackson madness and sadness, no one mentioned any one of the following nine American soldiers who lost their lives the same day as Michael Jackson and the days subsequent to his death.

If I am going to be subject to inhaling the excess carbon dioxide exhaled into the atmosphere by all the television talking heads extolling the virtues and contributions of an entertainer, some of it could have been used to remember and honor these soldiers and embrace their families in their time of loss. ABC, CBS, CNN, Headline News, NBC, MSNBC, FOX, et. al. should be ashamed.

So, I am listing the soldiers names. Thank you for your service and sacrifice to our country. To your families I extend my sincerest condolences. I am deeply sorry for your tragic loss.

Spec. Joshua L. Hazlewood
Died: June 25, 2009 in Operation Iraqi Freedom, of injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident in Arifjan, Kuwait
Hometown: Manvel, Texas
Age: 22 years old
Unit: Army, 614th Automated Cargo Documentation Detachment

1st Lt. Brian N. Bradshaw
Died: June 25, 2009 in Operation Enduring Freedom, when a makeshift bomb detonated near his vehicle
Hometown: Steilacoom, Washington
Age: 24 years old
Unit: Army, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska

Pfc. Peter K. Cross
Died: June 26, 2009 in Operation Enduring Freedom, from injuries sustained during a vehicle roll-over
Hometown: Saginaw, Texas
Age: 20 years old
Unit: Army, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Pvt. Steven T. Drees
Died: June 28, 2009 in Operation Enduring Freedom, of injuries sustained in Konar Province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire and a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher
Hometown: Peshtigo, Wisconsin
Age: 19 years old
Unit: Army, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Sgt. Timothy A. David
Died: June 28, 2009 in Sadr City, Iraq, of wounds suffered earlier in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle
Age: 28 years old
Hometown: Gladwin, MI
Unit: Army, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry, Fort Hood, Texas

Sgt. Roger L. Adams
Died: June 29, 2009 in Operation Iraqi Freedom, from wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq
Age: 36 years old
Hometown: Jacksonville
Unit: Army, 120th Combined Arms Battalion, Wilmington, N.C.

Sgt. Juan C. Baldeosingh
Died: June 29, 2009 in in Operation Iraqi Freedom, from wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle Baghdad, Iraq
Age: 30 years old
Hometown: Newport, N.C.
Unit: Army, 120th Combined Arms Battalion, Wilmington, N.C.

Spc. Robert L. Bittiker
Died: June 29, 2009 in Operation Iraqi Freedom, from wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle Baghdad, Iraq
Age: 39 years old
Hometown: Jacksonville
Unit: Army, 120th Combined Arms Battalion, Wilmington, N.C.

Sgt. 1st Class Edward C. Kramer
Died: June 29, 2009 in Operation Iraqi Freedom, from wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle Baghdad, Iraq
Age: 39 years old
Hometown: Wilmington, N.C.
Unit: Army, 120th Combined Arms Battalion, Wilmington, N.C.

May you all Rest In Peace...