Department of the Army Announces Change in Status of Soldier
The Department of the Army announced today the change in status of a Soldier serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Ahmed K. Altaie, 41, of Ann Arbor, Mich., was declared "Missing - Captured" as a result of a casualty review board convened Dec. 11, 2006. The board based its findings on evidence and intelligence available at this time. If additional evidence warrants another review, the board will reconvene.
On Oct. 23, 2006, Altaie was categorized as DUSTWUN (Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown) when individuals allegedly kidnapped him while he was visiting family in Baghdad, Iraq. He is a member of the Provincial Reconstruction Team, Baghdad.
The Army's Warrior Ethos states, "I will never leave a fallen comrade." Soldiers in theater are following all leads to find him and bring him home safely.
Altaie is the second Soldier serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom to be listed as "Missing - Captured." At this time, Staff Sgt. Keith "Matt" Maupin of Batavia, Ohio, also remains missing. Our thoughts go out to their families during this most-difficult time and want them to know we are doing everything possible to account for their loved ones.
For further information related to the situation, contact the Coalition Press Information Center-Baghdad at 703-270-0299 or 703-270-0320. Change-in-status questions can be directed to Shari Lawrence, Deputy Public Affairs Officer for the U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Alexandria, Va., at 703-325-8856.
For the Public Affairs Officer assisting Altaie's family, contact 1st Lt. Corrisa Barton, Michigan National Guard Public Affairs Office, at 517-481-8140.