Lebanon soldier killed in Iraq

August 16, 2005
A 35-year-old father of two has become Wilson County's second casualty of the war in Iraq, one of three area National Guardsmen killed Sunday by what military officials called "hostile fire."
Staff Sgt. Asbury F. Hawn II, 35, serving with Troop E, 2/278th Regimental Combat Team, was among three Guardsmen killed early Sunday, according to a statement from the Tennessee National Guard.
The statement revealing the deaths said all three were "killed by hostile fire in Iraq" in an incident which occurred "in the early morning hours" of Sunday "near Forward Operating Base Bernstein in Northeastern Iraq."
Hawn's father, when contacted at the family's Flat Rock Road home, said the fallen soldier leaves behind two children, ages 4 and 12, as well as a 32-year-old wife, Angie Hawn, who is a native of Ohio.
He said the soldier's family was notified by military officials during a personal visit early Sunday.
"It was yesterday morning. They came to the door," Asbury Hawn said.
He said the soldier was born in Miami with the family later moving to Rutherford County before relocating in Wilson County about nine years ago.
"He's been in the military ever since we've been here," his father said, declining to discuss his son's death in detail.
"Not today. We don't know that much about it. We don't have any details," Hawn said.
Guard spokesman Sgt. Randy Harris said Hawn was attached to the 3rd Squadron headquartered in McMinnville, which is serving with the 278th RCT.
He said Guard officials have received few details about the soldier's death.
"We don't have anything else," Harris said. "I'm sure there will be a statement if more information becomes available."
The other two casualties reported on Sunday were also serving with Troop E of the 278th Regimental Combat Team, which is headquartered in Knoxville, Harris said.
They were identified as Shannon D. Taylor, 30, of Smithville and Sgt. Gary L. Reese, 22, of Ashland City.
The statement announcing the deaths, issued by Tennessee Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Gus Hargett, said additional information about the casualties "will be provided as it becomes available."
Hawn becomes Wilson County's second casualty of the war in Iraq. In September U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Steven Charles "Tyler" Cates, 22, was killed in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, by "enemy action," according to a statement from the Department of Defense.
Senior Staff Writer Brooks Franklin can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 14 or by e-mail at brooks.franklin@lebanondemocrat.com.