War in Iraq Coverage from National Public Radio Regional deaths in the war Audio Minnesota man, longtime Marine, killed in Iraq (story audio) Tools E-mail this page Print this page Sponsor

The family of Kenneth Blake Pospisil is grieving the Andover Marine's death in Iraq. The 35-year-old Marine staff sergeant died as result of a bomb explosion Wednesday near Ramadi in Iraq's Anbar province. He's the 31st Minnesotan killed in the war.

St. Paul, Minn. — Jeanne and Ken Pospisil of Big Lake, Minnesota told reporters they learned of their son's death on Wednesday.

Blake Pospisil chose a military career after leaving Anoka High School. He served in the Marines for 18 years. He died while serving his first tour of duty in Iraq as part of the 8th Engineer Support Battalion based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He spent a large part of his military career in Honolulu.

Family friend Carolmartine Mason offered her support for the family shortly after Marine Corps officials notified them of Blake's death. She says the soldier's father, Ken Pospisil, is devastated. But, Mason says, he took some comfort remembering a recent visit with his son at Camp Lejeune.

"His dad talked about fishing with him in North Carolina when they went down there and catching a stingray and what an experience that was and the smile talking about that experience and then the realization that he was gone would hit him and he'd say 'I can't believe he's gone,'" according to Mason.

Mason says Jeanne Pospisil also tempers the heaviness of losing her only son by remembering his determination to go to Iraq where he could put his extensive military training to use.

"She had joy in her face and her voice as she recalled his words and said them and then the tears and the sadness would come at the loss. The emotions were just so strong and vivid," she said.

Blake Pospisil was an explosives expert. His mother reveals he was on his way to disarming a bomb when he was killed. Friend Mason says the Pospisils remember their son as someone who always wanted to be in the military and that he knew he could help his fellow marines in Iraq.

"They talked about how he said 'I'm not going there to fight. I'm not going there to kill people. I'm going there to save lives.' And that's what he did and they were so proud of him," she said.

Mason also lives in Big Lake and met the Pospisils after noticing the Marine colors flying on the flag pole in their front yard. Mason's son also served as a Marine in Iraq, and the parents frequently got together to offer support for one another. Mason's son is home now, but she says she still got together with the Pospisils because there are so few families of active Marines in the area.

"It's harder when they're not on a base or not surrounded by a lot of Marines or Marine families," she said.

Mason never met Blake, but feels she got to know him through his parents.

"Meeting his mom and dad he was probably really compassionate and loving. Because they are really compassionate and loving." The family is planning on making a public statement early next week after Blake's sister arrives from California. They expect to finalize funeral arrangements by the middle of next week.

He is one of 41 U.S. troops killed in Iraq in the month of December.