Virginia National Guardsman Spc. David Lambert killed in Iraq

Cedar Bluff, Virginia, in the southwestern county of Tazewell ... home to Spc. David E. Lambert, 39 ... is grieving the loss of one of their own who was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Baghdad on Friday.

Based with the 237th Engineer Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, 91st Troop Command in West Point, Spc. Lambert had left in July for training before heading to the Middle East.

Major General Robert B. Newman Jr., the adjutant general of Virginia, released a statement:

"The loss of this brave soldier is felt deeply by his fellow Guardsmen. I know that all Virginians share the grief felt by his family, and I ask for our fellow citizens to keep Spc. Lambert and his family in their prayers."

Spc. Lambert will posthumously be awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Combat Action Badge, and the Good Conduct Medal.

A grateful Nation kneels in prayer and thankfulness at the supreme sacrifice of Spc. Lambert in protecting us from terrorism, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.