Tragic. I hope PTSD wasn’t a factor, and that there was some mistake at a post or whatever. I guess there could be a crime of passion thing going on too? Maybe Ms Sparky will post in the near future and give us what she knows? Who knows, and eventually the investigators will lay down the real story.
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Lucas. -Matt
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KBR Employee Lucas Vinson Shot Dead at Camp Speicher
09/13/2009
BAGHDAD — A civilian contractor was shot and killed Sunday on an American military base in the Iraqi city of Tikrit and a U.S. soldier has been detained in connection with the incident, the military said.
The contractor was shot at 8:30 a.m. at Camp Speicher, the military said in a statement.
Houston-based KBR confirmed the man killed was one of its employees, 27-year-old Lucas Vinson from Louisiana.
“As the Army is leading the investigation of the incident, KBR is not providing further comment at this time,” spokeswoman Heather Browne said in an e-mailed statement. “We are of course fully cooperating with the Army on its continued investigation.”
Maj. Derrick Cheng, a public affairs officer, said a soldier had been detained in connection with the incident, but that he could not divulge any more information while the investigation is ongoing.
“We offer our sincere condolences to the family of the individual,” he said.
A statement by the family e-mailed to The Associated Press by Vinson’s brother, Wesley Vinson, said that Lucas Vinson was from Leesville, Louisiana.
“He was a friend to everyone who knew him, a peace-maker, a great big brother with a heart of gold,” said the statement. The family said he loved to travel and wanted to visit as many countries as he could.
Wesley Vinson declined to comment beyond what was in the statement.
The U.S. military makes wide use of contractors in Iraq for security, technical support and supply functions.
KBR is the primary support contractor in Iraq, providing troops with essential services, including housing, meals, mail delivery and laundry.
As of June 30, 1,395 civilian employees of U.S. government contractors had been killed in Iraq, according to an AP count.
Story here.
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Check out the comments section here at MS Sparky’s blog in regards to this story.
Matt-was a nice respectful post. Some of the people out there have gotten way off track. I know the investigation is ongoing but just to clarify…here is what I know it's NOT.
1. It's not a crime of passion.
2. He didn't kill a KBR employee because he hated KBR
3. It has nothing to do with KBR
Yes there is more to this tragic story. My prayers go out to the soldier and his family and friends as well as Lucas's family and friends.
Thanks for keeping it honest.
Ms Sparky
http://mssparky.com/
Comment by Ms Sparky — Monday, September 14, 2009 @ 1:34 AM
Thanks for the update and I appreciate all the hard work you have been doing on your blog. Take care. -Matt
Comment by headjundi — Monday, September 14, 2009 @ 11:57 AM
I knew Lucas, he was my high school buddy. I am truly shocked! I hope this all get rectified.
Comment by Rosa — Thursday, September 17, 2009 @ 1:45 AM
Rosa,
Sorry for the loss of your friend. I too hope this all gets rectified. -matt
Comment by headjundi — Thursday, September 17, 2009 @ 1:49 AM
People have no idea how much stress it is for all these employees and servicemen.
Comment by kbr wife — Monday, September 21, 2009 @ 12:32 PM
Absolutely kbr wife, and incidents like this are a tragedy all the way around.
Comment by headjundi — Monday, September 21, 2009 @ 2:16 PM
latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-iraq-killing23-2009sep23,0,7264316.story
latimes.com
U.S. soldier charged with murder in contractor slaying in Iraq
Army Spc. Beyshee Velez, who was already in custody, is charged with murder in the Sept. 13 shooting of a KBR employee at a U.S. base near Tikrit.
From A Times Staff Writer
September 23, 2009
The U.S. military announced Tuesday that a soldier had been formally charged with murder in the slaying of a civilian contractor who was shot this month on a base in northern Iraq.
Army Spc. Beyshee Velez, who was already in custody, was charged Monday in the killing of an employee of Houston-based KBR on Sept. 13 at the U.S. base Camp Speicher near Tikrit.
The 31-year-old soldier, who is being held in Hawaii, faces two counts of murder, three counts of assault and one count of fleeing apprehension in the death of contractor Lucas Vinson, 27, the military said in a statement.
The soldier could face dishonorable discharge and life in prison if convicted in the slaying.
Velez was with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division.
The military said it had no further information on the case. KBR provides U.S. military bases in Iraq with housing, catering and other services.
Comment by headjundi — Tuesday, September 22, 2009 @ 9:07 PM