Army Sgt. Maj. Michael C. Mettille

Died February 1, 2007 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

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44, of West St. Paul, Minn., assigned to the 134th Brigade Support Battalion, Brooklyn Park, Minn.; died Feb. 1 at Camp Adder, Iraq, from a non-combat related injury.

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Guard soldier dies in Iraq, apparently of heart attack

The Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota National Guard soldier who died at Camp Adder in Iraq was found in his room in his barracks after apparently suffering a heart attack or aneurysm.

The National Guard announced the death of Sgt. Maj. Michael Mettille, 44, of West St. Paul, on Feb. 2.

A note, signed by Principal Mary Bowman, was sent home with students of Somerset Elementary School in Mendota Heights, where Mettille’s third-grade son is a student. The note said the cause of death was thought to be a heart attack or aneurysm.

Daughter Elizabeth Mettille, of Ames, Iowa, said the family was notified of his death Feb. 1. Survivors also include his wife, Pam, three other children and his parents.

Mettille, who had been with the Guard for more than 26 years, was serving as the company first sergeant with soldiers of the Brooklyn Park-based A Company, 134th Brigade Support Battalion.