At least 348 members of the U.S. military were killed in Iraq during the last four months of the year, making it the most deadly quarter since the invasion. Two of the dead were Mainers.

Staff Sgt. Lynn Poulin Sr. and Spc. Thomas Dostie, members of the 133rd Engineer Battalion, were killed during a suicide-bomb attack in Mosul, Iraq. They were buried Thursday and Friday.

The number of daily attacks on U.S. forces continues to increase, and the roll call of wounded has now surpassed 10,000.

We would hope that there will be no more honor guards for Maine soldiers – or soldiers from anywhere else, for that matter. But that would go against the nature of the war. The uncomfortable facts are, the tributes and services held for Poulin and Dostie last week won’t be the last.

Members of the 152nd Maintenance Company of the Maine Army National Guard, based in Bangor and Limestone, received deployment orders earlier this month. They were told to prepare for 18-months away from home.

They will join more than a 1,000 other Maine Guard soldiers and reserves already called to active duty.

Godspeed to them all. Come home safe and soon.