Mich. Soldier Killed In Iraq In 2006 To Be Honored

IRON MOUNTAIN (AP) - A National Guard soldier who was killed while serving in Iraq in 2006 will be honored this month at a Veterans Administration facility in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

The circle drive at Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain is being named for Army Sgt. 1st Class James D. Priestap, WLUC-TV reported.

"I'm very pleased that visitors ... will soon be able to remember a true hero here in northern Michigan," said Republican Congressman Dan Benishek, of Michigan.

Priestap, who was from the Upper Peninsula community of Hardwood, died Nov. 23, 2006, in Baghdad after being hit by small-arms fire while on duty at a checkpoint. He was assigned to the 46th Military Police Company in Kingsford. He also worked for the VA in Iron Mountain as a police officer.

"If anybody needed help, they could call on Jim," said Jeffrey Aalto, who worked with Priestap. "He gave the ultimate sacrifice."

A memorial service is planned for May 25 at the VA facility.

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