Two Queens soldiers die last week in Iraq

Two more Queens soldiers have paid the ultimate price.
Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on state government buildings across New York be flown at half-staff on Friday, September 5, in honor of Queens-based Army Reserve Specialist Michael Luis Gonzalez, who died on August 28 in Baghdad, Iraq, and Queens Village resident Specialist Jorge L. Feliz Nieves, who died on August 28 in Mosul, Iraq.
Gonzalez, a member of the United States Army Reserve’s 340th Military Police Company, headquartered at Fort Totten, died when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). Gonzalez was a resident of Spotswood, New Jersey.
Nieves, 26, was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Fort Hood, TX.
Nieves, a native of the Dominican Republic, reportedly enlisted to help his family after his father was murdered back home.
His family is reportedly demanding information as to how Nieves died while Army officials have launched an investigation.
Nieves is survived by his mother, Damaris, and a wife, both of whom live in the Dominican Republic, where he will be buried.
“On behalf of the people of New York, I wish to extend our condolences to the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Specialist Gonzalez and Specialist Nieves,” said Governor David Paterson. “Their brave service and heroic sacrifice to our nation will never be forgotten.”