Family still wondering how Mainer died in Iraq

PORTLAND – Despite congressional pressure, questions about the death in Iraq of an Army reservist from Kennebunk more than a year ago remain unanswered.

The wife and family of 1st Sgt. Christopher Coffin, a member of the 352nd Civil Affairs Command, are still awaiting an official explanation of what happened on July 1, 2003, along a highway near Baghdad.

Coffin, 51, became the fifth soldier with ties to Maine to die in Iraq when the Humvee he was riding in crashed into a ditch.

A news release from Coffin’s unit said he died after the Humvee swerved to avoid a civilian vehicle. But U.S. Central Command had reported the day before that a member of Coffin’s unit was killed July 1 when his convoy was hit by an improvised explosive device. That release did not identify Coffin, but he was the only member of the unit to die that day.

Pressed by members of the Maine congressional delegation, the Army Adjutant General’s Office announced July 7, 2003, that it would conduct an official board of inquiry to investigate the death.

Delegation members this week expressed frustration that the Army has yet to complete the investigation. Maine Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins and Rep. Tom Allen all intended to renew pressure on the Army to issue a report as quickly as possible, their offices said last week.

“It’s been a very long, very exhausting process,” said Snowe spokeswoman Antonia Ferrier.

Collins’ office said she was told this week that the final report would take another three weeks to complete and that she is “deeply disappointed” after having been told for several weeks that it would be released at any time.

“While a thorough investigation takes time, it is important for Sergeant Coffin’s family to know as quickly as possible how he passed away,” said Jen Burita, spokeswoman for Collins.

It’s unknown why the investigation has dragged on longer than expected. Army public affairs officials said they could not provide any information about the case.

Betsy Coffin, Christopher Coffin’s widow, could not be reached this week, but she has spoken publicly about the pain of receiving conflicting information surrounding her husband’s death and not knowing what happened.

Delegation members say they want to provide Coffin the respect he deserves and give his family the peace of mind that comes from knowing the truth about his death. Sorting out the conflicting explanations also could determine whether he died in combat or as the result of a noncombat accident, and whether he should be awarded a Purple Heart posthumously.