DoD Identifies Marine Casualties
May 05, 2006

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Capt. Brian S. Letendre, 27, of Woodbridge, Va.

Cpl. Stephen R. Bixler, 20, of Suffield, Conn.

Letendre died May 3 while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the Marine Forces Reserve’s Inspector and Instructor Staff, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Plainville, Conn.

Bixler died May 4 while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Media with questions about Letendre can call Marine Forces Reserve Public Affairs at (504) 678-6539. Media with questions about Bixler can call the 2nd Marine Division Public Affairs Office at (910) 451-9033.