8/15/05

From staff reports

A Lebanon man was one of three soldiers with Tennessee's largest Army National Guard unit killed in Iraq, the Tennessee Military Department confirmed Monday.

Staff Sgt. Asbury F. Hawn II, 35, of Lebanon; Sgt. Shannon D. Taylor, 30, of Smithville; and Sgt. Gary L. Reese, 22, of Ashland City were all members of the 3rd Squadron, 278 Regimental Combat Team, headquartered in Ashland City.

The men were killed early Sunday by hostile fire near Forward Operating Base Bernstein in northeastern Iraq. Reports indicate the Guardsmen were part of a patrol investigation when a rocket-propelled grenade hit their vehicle. Their deaths were confirmed by Maj. Gen. Gus Hargett, Tennessee Adjutant General.

Hawn, a 1988 graduate of LaVergne High School, was known as "Freddie" to family and friends. He is survived by wife Angie and two sons ages 12 and four.

There were no other details available. A spokesperson for the Tennessee National Guard said additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Story Copyright to The Wilson World - Lebanon TN