By James Kewish
A Utah National Guardsman was wounded by shrapnel from a roadside bomb Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2004 in Iraq.
Twenty-seven year old Jeremy Evans, a resident of Eagle Mountain and sergeant in the National Guard, was hit in the leg by shrapnel from a roadside bomb. According to Public Affairs Officer Maj. Lorraine Januzelli, it is unknown who placed the bomb in the road.
While riding in a convoy, the bomb, also known as an improvised explosive device, or I.E.D., exploded in front of Evans” transport vehicle, shattering the windows and sending a piece of shrapnel through the door, wounding him in the leg. The wound was superficial and Evans was sent to an Army hospital for treatment.
According to U.S. military officials in Baghdad, roadside bombs have killed 116 coalition soldiers and wounded another 1,179.
“I.E.D.s are dangerous,” Januzelli said. “They”re probably the most dangerous thing out there.”
Evans has returned to his unit, the 1,457th Engineer Battalion, at the Baghdad Airport, but has not been placed back on duty.
“He”s on rest and recuperation for a few days and then he”ll be back at duty,” said Januzelli. “We feel like he”s a very fortunate person.”
Those who know Evans personally and have served with him say they”ve had very positive experiences. Lt. David Jones served with Evans for a year and a half in the 1,457th Battalion that is currently deployed in Iraq. While Jones served as a chaplain”s assistant, Evans served as a supply specialist. They enjoyed the camaraderie and experience of serving together, Jones said.
“He”s very friendly,” Jones said. “One of the best guys we had there.”
According to Jones, the soldiers in the 1,457th Battalion were more than ready when they were deployed to help in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“From personal experience in that unit, I know that they are very prepared,” Jones said. “Both personally and collectively they are prepared for any missions that they have to do.”
According to Januzelli, preparation is key to survival for any soldier in Iraq and the fact that this particular unit is so well prepared, helped in this situation.
“We feel like the Utah National Guard has been fortunate,” Januzelli said. “They”ve worked in these really dangerous areas and we really haven”t had very many incidents.”
Evans, a former employee of Okland Construction Co., was granted new-parent leave time in October to spend time with his son, Tanner John Evans, who was born on Sep. 12, 2003. Okland threw a party for the former employee and presented Evans” wife, Emma, with a computer so she could keep in touch with her husband after he returned to Iraq.
Families are making great sacrifices,” Evans” former boss Randy Okland said. “As a country, it”s gratifying to know there are people like the Evanses.”
