Essential Estrogen

Family members and friends have announced a soldier who lost his life in Iraq over the weekend is David Behrle, 20, a senior class president and 2005 graduate of Tipton Community High School.

Fr. David Hitch of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Tipton (where the family attended) made the announcement during Sunday Mass that the soldier's mother was informed by officers Saturday evening. Further details were not available and would be delivered by other officers as soon as possible. While the military has not released official information concerning his death, it is believed Behrle was one of six soldiers killed in a roadside bombing in Baghdad on Saturday. A part of the U.S. Army, Behrle joined the military right after high school.

It was only six weeks ago, according to school officials, that he visited the school while home on leave. Friends and loved ones have been offering their remembrances on Behrle's MySpace page.

His death follows that of fellow Tipton graduate Aaron Sissel, 22, by three and a half years. Sissel was serving in Iraq on Nov. 29, 2003 when his truck was hit by enemy fire. He had been assigned to the 2133rd Transportation Company, Army National Guard, based in Muscatine.

Behrle's death is the second in Iraq for the community of Tipton, population roughly 3,200. Funeral arrangements are pending.

As always, we send the family our deepest condolences and heartfelt thanks.