From
CNN:
Cpl. Phillip E. Baucus, 28, died Saturday during combat operations in Anbar province, the Department of Defense said. It did not immediately release further information.
Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) issued a statement quoted
here:
"Phillip was an incredible person, a dedicated Marine, a loving son and husband, and a proud Montanan and American," the senator said. "He heroically served the country he loved and he gave it his all."
CBS News reports:
Speaking on the Senate floor, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid said that he received a "troubling" call from Sen. Baucus this morning, who indicated "that he wouldn't be here this week."
Reid emphasized that Sen. Baucus "comes from a very, very close-knit family" and his "nephew, a boy by the name of Phillip, is like a son to [him]."
Later on Tuesday, Reid interrupted debate on the Senate floor over the defense spending bill to notify Senators and staffers.
"On behalf of the entire Senate, the entire Senate family, I express through the chair to our dear friend Max Baucus, our sympathy [and] condolences."
The
Great Falls Tribune has more:
Cpl. Baucus was assigned to the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Division of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, based in Twentynine Palms, Calif.
He was on his second tour in Iraq, which began in April 2005. A scout and team leader in the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Division, Cpl. Baucus was awarded numerous decorations including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Action ribbon.
Cpl. Baucus enlisted in the Marine Corps on Sept. 13, 2002 in Lewis and Clark County.
My condolences to his wife and family, friends and loved ones, and to those of all our other lost soldiers.
If you'd like to send a message of condolence or thanks for Phillp's service, Senator Baucus' email contact form is
here.
If you'd prefer to write a letter, use this address:
The Honorable Max Baucus
United States Senator
Washington D.C.
511 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone contact info (Please do not abuse these numbers. Be brief and courteous.)
(202) 224-2651
(202) 224-0515 (Fax)
(800) 332-6106 (from MT)
(202) 224-1998 (TDD)