Michael R. Hullender dies of injuries from I.E.D.

A paratrooper from Little Falls has been killed in Iraq, an Army spokesman said late yesterday.

Sgt. Michael R. Hullender, 29, was killed by a roadside bomb while on foot patrol Saturday in Iskandariyah, about 20 miles south of Baghdad, Capt. Richard C. Hyde said.

The Army said two other paratroopers were injured in the attack. One was listed as seriously injured, while the other was considered not seriously injured. Both were taken to the 28th Combat Support Hospital in Iraq, Hyde said.

Hullender is believed to be the 70th service member with ties to New Jersey to have been killed in Iraq.

A medic who joined the Army in September 1998, Hullender listed his home of record as Little Falls, making it likely he joined the Army while living in the Passaic County township, Hyde said.

Hullender's parents reside in Georgia, according to the captain. Army records indicated Hullender was not married and had no children.

After joining the Army, Hullender was assigned to Fort Richardson, Alaska, in May 2005, according to Army officials. He also had been stationed at Fort Benning, Ga., and Fort Bragg, N.C.

Hullender was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division.

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