Maine soldier dies on return from Iraq Unity man was member of 133rd

UNITY – A member of the Maine Army National Guard who fell ill shortly after flying back from Iraq to the United States died Thursday in a New York hospital after complications from surgery, a family member confirmed.

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Jones, 43, of Unity was a member of the 133rd Engineer Battalion’s Company A, which returned Wednesday night to Belfast from Fort Drum, N.Y.

Jones had remained behind in critical condition at a State University of New York hospital in Syracuse.

He had undergone emergency surgery for what was described as an intestinal blockage, said his sister-in-law Cindy Jones.

Doctors discovered blood clots during the surgery, and Jones was kept unconscious after undergoing additional surgery during the weekend, the sister-in-law said.

His condition failed to improve, however, and he died Thursday with members of his family with him.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Jones’ wife, Lori, and their three children, as well as his family during this difficult time,” Gov. John Baldacci said in announcing Jones’ death.

It could not be learned Thursday what caused Jones’ illness or whether doctors believe it was connected to his service with the 133rd in Mosul, Iraq. Jones had been deployed with the unit to that city for nearly a year.

Jackie Ludden, a secretary at Unity Elementary School, where the sister-in-law works, said her friend was devastated by the loss. Ludden said many members of Jones’ family were with him in New York as he battled the illness.

“I’ve known both sides of the family for some time and I know they all are very upset,” Ludden said. “It’s a very difficult time. Right now they’re still making all the arrangements.”

Jones’ unit, Company A, was joined by Company B in returning to Maine in buses on Wednesday. Most of the other soldiers from the 548-member unit were to return to Maine today and Saturday. Another 22 soldiers remain in Kuwait, tying up loose ends.

The 133rd represented the largest Maine National Guard deployment since World War II. The unit was based in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. Its mission included construction projects ranging from new roads and bridges to school renovations.

But the assignment did not come without a cost. Three members were killed during the year.

Spc. Christopher D. Gelineau, 23, of Portland was killed in April when a homemade bomb exploded beside his vehicle as it traveled in a convoy in Mosul.

Sgt. Lynn Poulin, 47, of Freedom and Spc. Thomas Dostie, 20, of Somerville were among 10 soldiers killed days before Christmas when their mess tent in a compound outside Mosul was destroyed by a suicide bomber.

In addition, a number of members of the battalion were awarded Bronze Stars for bravery in combat and Purple Hearts for wounds in action.

The unit has been nominated for a Meritorious Unit Award for its service in Iraq, according to National Guard spokesman Maj. Peter Rogers.

He described Jones’ sudden illness as “tragic.”

“He got off the plane and everything seemed fine,” Rogers said from the 133rd’s Augusta headquarters on Thursday. “Shortly after that he became seriously ill and he just never recovered.”

Flags will be ordered to be flown at half-staff on the day of Jones’ funeral, Baldacci said.

Funeral plans were not available Thursday night.

The Associated Press contributed to this report