State lawmakers honor Nevada's fallen soldiers

Lawmakers took time out Wednesday to honor the Nevadans who have died in the Iraq and Afghan wars.

"The names we read today are fellow Nevadans who heeded the call to duty and made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our ideals, our country and our way of life," said Assemblywoman Kathy McClain, D-Las Vegas.

She said lawmakers honored 36 Nevadans killed in action as of the 2007 Legislature. Her voice breaking with emotion, she said 11 more have died in the past two years.

Among the 11 were Joshua Rodgers of Carson City and Anthony J. Schober of Gardnerville

"Today we pause to honor those we knew and loved; those Nevadans who heeded the call to service and forfeited all."

Assembly members representing the fallen soldiers' home towns rose to explain where and when those soldiers were killed. Several were able to introduce family members who attended along with more than 100 veterans in the chambers.

McClain concluded the process by calling for a vote on Assembly Concurrent Resolution 12 honoring the soldiers, adding that, "I hope we don't have to do this again next time."

The process was repeated in the Senate, which also passed the resolution unanimously.

Sen. Terry Care, D-Las Vegas, himself a veteran, said it's too easy for the average American to forget about the war and the soldiers fighting it.

"This is our opportunity to pay homage to those who continue to put their lives on the line," he said.

Nevadans killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars since the 2007 Legislature. All were in the Army:

- Sergeant Ezra Dawson, Las Vegas

- Sergeant David J. Drakulich, Reno

- Staff Sergeant Sean M. Gaul, Reno

- Specialist Joshua S. Modgling, Las Vegas

- Sergeant Alfred G. Paredez Jr., Las Vegas

- Chief Warrant Officer 2 Joshua R. Rodgers, Carson City

- Sergeant Anthony J. Schober, Gardnerville

- Reserve Staff Sergeant Coby G. Schwab, Henderson

- Staff Sergeant Michael L. Townes, Las Vegas

- Private First Class Alejandro R. Varela, Fernley

- Specialist Travis M. Virgadamo, Las Vegas