News : Donkey Island: Palo soldier was featured in story two weeks before his death

Battle-scarred HUMVEE: Kevin Gilbertson survived a battle in June 2007, but died two months later.

The "Remember our Fallen" display honoring Iowa's fallen service personnel, that is coming to Palo next week, is not just a list of names on the wall, says Don Gilbertson of Palo.

Gilbertson is the father of one of the thousands of U.S. soldiers, including more than 80 with Iowa connections, who died in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001. It's the story of sacrifice by the soldiers, and their families.

"I want people to know everyone on that wall," says Gilbertson, who lives on Vinton Street in Palo.

Gilbertson's son, Kevin, while serving his second tour of duty in Iraq, was featured in an August 18, 2007, Washington Post article entitled "A Deadly Clash at Donkey Island." In that battle, on June 30-July 1, 2007, in which two Americans died, Kevin Gilbertson's HUMVEE was hit by bullets and grenades; the turret gunner was injured, and Sgt. Gilbertson took his place, facing dozens of insurgents and al-qaeda fighters. The HUMVEE returned to base with three flat tires and most of its windows covered with bullet markings. (The picture of Keving Gilbertson with the HUMVEE after the battle came from Kevin's 'MySpace' page.)

While Kevin Gilbertson was not injured in the Donkey Island incident, he died 13 days after that article was published, in a different battle.

Don Gilbertson said he hopes area residents will learn more about the Iowans who have died in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"It's more than a list on a sheet of paper," he said.

Also, said Gilbertson, he hopes that Iowans will learn more about what a Gold Star parent is.

Visitors can see the free display from March 1-7 at the Palo Community Center,at 2800 Hollenbeck Road.

Hours are: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Weekdays, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday and Noon-4 p.m. on Sunday.

An opening ceremony is set for noon on Saturday, March 3.

For more information, contact: LTCJohn Schulte at 319-899-8173 (email john.schulte@us.army.mil) or Scott Rathjens, Patriot Guard Riders at 319-310-0347 sdarath3@gmail.com If you would like to host the display or would like more information visit: www.rememberingourfallen.org.