U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Insular Affairs

MARSHALL ISLANDS SOLDIER BADLY INJURED IN IRAQ

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, April 5, 2005) – The first Marshall Islander to be seriously injured in Iraq was flown at the weekend for emergency medical treatment first to Germany and then to the United States.

Paul Lejjena, a staff sergeant in the Army’s 141st Infantry Division, is reported to be in serious condition with broken arms and legs, burns, and internal injuries.

More than 100 Marshall Islanders are estimated to be serving in the U.S. Army, with about 20 of those currently in Iraq or Afghanistan.

April 6, 2005

Radio New Zealand International