Soldier’s remains recovered after 10 years in Iraq

PHOENIX (AP) - The remains or an Air Force pilot from Litchfield Park who was killed in Iraq in 2006 have been returned.

The Arizona Republic reports (https://bit.ly/2d7CFMk ) that the U.S. Air Force confirmed that the remains of Maj. Troy Gilbert have returned to the United States after a 10-year struggle to retrieve them.

Air Force spokesman Mike Martin says al-Qaida insurgents took Gilbert’s body before coalition forces could secure the scene of his crash on Nov. 27, 2006. Limited remains were recovered and a funeral was held in December 2006 at Arlington National Cemetery, where Gilbert was buried with full military honors.

On Aug. 28 tribal leaders handed over the remains after contacting military officials. DNA testing confirmed they were Gilbert’s remains. They will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

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Information from: The Arizona Republic, https://www.azcentral.com