2 Maine guardsmen wounded in Iraq

Two Maine Army National Guard soldiers serving in Iraq were injured Sunday in a vehicle accident.

Spc. Wade Walker, whose last home of record was Old Town, and Sgt. Nathan Williams of South Gardiner were hurt in the noncombat-related accident, said Maj. Michael Backus, director of public affairs for the Maine National Guard.

Both men are in their early 20s.

Walker was seriously injured and taken to a hospital in Landstuhl, Germany. Williams, who was not seriously injured, returned to duty, but later accompanied Walker to Germany for support, Backus said.

It is still unknown whether Walker will remain in Germany or return to the U.S. for care, Backus said. If he requires specialized care, he may return home.

Both soldiers are deployed with the Army Guard’s Security Force II unit, which deployed last June. The unit’s primary mission overseas is to provide convoy escorts and base security. The unit is expected to return in June.

“Both soldiers’ families were notified and have spoken with their sons,” Backus said. The soldiers “are in good spirits.”