John Edward Wood killed by improvised explosive device

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - An improvised explosive device that detonated near a military convoy in Iraq last weekend killed National Guardsmen from Kansas and Missouri, military officials announced Wednesday.

Spc. John Edward Wood, a member of the 891st Engineer Battalion of the Kansas National Guard, was killed on Oct. 7 while clearing explosive devices from along Iraqi roadways, the Kansas Adjutant General's Department said. Also killed in the explosion was Sgt. Lawrence Lee Roy Parrish, a member of the 110th Engineer Battalion of the Missouri National Guard.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these two fine soldiers," Major Gen. Todd Bunting, the Kansas adjutant general, said in a written statement. "Their service to their states and the nation will always be remembered."

Wood, 37, of Humboldt, Kan., enlisted in October 1988 and was deployed in September 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He extended his deployment in December and was attached to the 110th Engineer Battalion of the Missouri National Guard.

From the Kansas City Star