LANCASTER COUNTY NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION FORT INDIANTOWN GAP (Dec. 13) -- A Pennsylvania National Guard Soldier was killed in Ramadi, Iraq, Sunday, Dec. 11, when a car bomb detonated at a vehicle checkpoint. Staff Sgt. Keith A. Bennett, 32, Holtwood, Lancaster County, was walking up to a vehicle to conduct a search when the vehicle’s occupant detonated the bomb. Bennett was a member of the 28th Military Police Company, Johnstown, part of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division (Mechanized). Pfc. John Hartranft, Gilbertsville, and Spc. Aaron Morris, Imperial, received minor injuries and were returned to duty. “Sgt. Bennett proudly represented Pennsylvania and his country and, sadly, made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Governor Edward G. Rendell. “Midge and I extend our deepest sympathies to the Bennett family during this difficult time and continue to pray for the safe return of all military personnel. I encourage all Pennsylvanians and all Americans to remember and pray for our brave military personnel during this holiday season and always.” Bennett was a 1991 graduate of Solanco High School in Quarryville and earned a technical degree in computer-aided drafting and design from York Technical Institute, where he was recognized for academic excellence. “Staff Sgt. Bennett was a tremendous warrior and military policemen,” said Col. John L. Gronski, commander for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team. “My heart and my prayers go out to his family. Sgt. Bennett died while preventing a suicide bomber from conducting an attack on his intended target, ultimately saving the lives of a large group of American Soldiers. Sgt. Bennett is a hero.” Bennett joined the National Guard in February 1997 and served in Operation Desert Spring from August 2002 to June 2003, providing a forward presence in the Persian Gulf region. “Staff Sgt. Bennett was an important leader within the military police platoon,” said the 2nd Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Horace C. Pysher. “Every day he showed his commitment to accomplishing the mission, and his concern for the welfare of his fellow Soldiers.” Twenty-two Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers have died in combat in Iraq. Bennett is survived by his parents and his sister. Memorial services have not been scheduled at this time. WEST VIEW NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIER KILLED IN ACTION   FORT INDIANTOWN GAP (Dec. 3) – A Pennsylvania National Guard Soldier was killed in Ramadi, Iraq, on Thursday, Dec. 1, when his vehicle rolled over after being hit by a rocket. Sgt. 1st Class Brent Adams, 40, of West View, Allegheny County, was the driver of a 5-ton, up-armored truck when the 6-vehicle convoy came under attack around 4:30 p.m.  Adams died a short time later at a local medical center. Adams was a member of Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, based in Washington, Pa.  He served as a motor sergeant in Iraq.  “I am deeply saddened that yet another fine Pennsylvania National Guardsmen has paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting the Global War on Terrorism,” said Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell. “Our deepest sympathies are with the Adams family during this difficult time and I ask you to keep all of our brave Soldiers in your thoughts and prayers this holiday season.” Adams was a 1983 graduate of Hempfield High School in Landisville, Pa., and a 1995 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  He joined the Pennsylvania National Guard in September 1987.  As a civilian, he was a technician with Sprint.  “Brent was a model Soldier, who was highly respected by all of his peers,” said Col. John Gronski, 2nd Brigade Combat Team commander. “The ‘Iron Soldiers’ of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team have made significant gains in neutralizing the insurgency in Ramadi and Sgt. Adams contributed greatly to this mission. The ‘Iron Soldiers’ will honor Brent’s memory by fighting against the terrorist threat in Iraq even harder.” “Sergeant First Class Adams always stepped up when called upon to accomplish the mission,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Horace C. Pysher, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. Twenty-one Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers have died in combat in Iraq.  Adams is survived by his wife, a 4-year-old son, his parents and a sister. Memorial services have not been scheduled at this time. ###