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Racine soldier dies in Iraq

SUSSEX, Wis. (AP) — A Racine soldier on active duty in Iraq has died from injuries he received in a noncombat-related incident, the Department of Defense announced Sunday.

Sgt. 1st Class Brian Naseman died Friday in Taji, Defense officials said in a statement. Naseman is a native of New Bremen, Ohio, and lived in Racine with his wife and children, officials said.

The Department of Defense said the circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated.

Naseman was assigned to the 108th Forward Support Company, attached to the 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team out of Sussex.

Naseman's family requested privacy.

"At this time they want to grieve with each other," said Wisconsin National Guard spokeswoman Maj. Jackie Guthrie.

Naseman had previously deployed to Kuwait from November 2005 to November 2006 with 2nd Battalion, 128th Infantry, the National Guard said in a statement. Prior to his recent mobilization with the 32nd Brigade, he was a full-time National Guard soldier.

"I salute his service to his community, state and nation; and I pray for the protection and safe return of all the soldiers and airmen of the Wisconsin National Guard now serving overseas in harm's way," National Guard Brig. Gen. Donald P. Dunbar said in a statement.

Dunbar said flags at all National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities would be lowered to half-staff on Tuesday and remain lowered until sunset on the day of Naseman's funeral services.