By Doug Fletcher,Staff Writer

A fourth member of the state National Guard’s 133rd Engineer Battalion won’t see a Maine homecoming.

Sgt. 1st Class Michael D. Jones of Unity died Thursday morning in a New York hospital. He was attached to the battalion’s Alpha Company. His comrades returned to Maine Wednesday.

Jones became seriously ill last week shortly after his flight from Iraq landed at Fort Drum, N.Y. As with other members of the 133rd, he had served for a year in the war-torn Middle East country.

Gov. John Baldacci confirmed Jones’ death Thursday afternoon. The governor learned of the death from the Joint Force Headquarters, which in turn was advised by Fort Drum’s Casualty Assistance Office.

After Jones became ill he was rushed to University Hospital of the State University of New York in Syracuse, where he underwent emergency surgery, according to Baldacci’s office.

His sister-in-law, Cindy Jones, told The Associated Press that the surgery was intended to repair what was described as an intestinal blockage. Blood clots were discovered during the initial surgery, and he was kept unconscious after undergoing an additional surgery last weekend, she said.

His condition continued to worsen until he died Thursday morning.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sgt. Jones’ wife, Lori, and their three children, as well as his family during this difficult time,” said Baldacci in a statement released by his office. “Michael served his state and his nation honorably and all of Maine mourns his loss.”

The 133rd’s Alpha and Bravo companies returned to Maine on Wednesday. The units are headquartered in Westbrook and Belfast.

Charlie Company, which consists of soldiers from Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties, and Headquarters Company, with soldiers from Westbrook and Augusta, are expected to arrive in Maine today.

The governor noted that all the members of the 133rd served with distinction in Iraq. They were integral to the mission of the reconstruction of infrastructure in the country.

“The loss of Sergeant Jones and the other fallen members of the 133rd weigh heavy on our hearts,” said Baldacci.

Spc. Christopher Gelineau of Portland died when a roadside bomb destroyed his Humvee in April 2004. Sgt. Thomas Dostie of Somerville and Staff Sgt. Lynn Poulin of Freedom were killed when a suicide bomber struck a crowded dining hall tent on Dec. 21, 2004, in Mosul, where the battalion was stationed.

Flags will be ordered to be flown at half-staff on the day of Jones’ funeral, according to the governor’s office.

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