Father Whose Son Died In Blast In Kuwait Questions Army Safety

The father of a Seattle soldier killed in Kuwait on Tuesday while cleaning up an earlier ammunition explosion says he's asked the Army to explain why it hasn't found a safer way to handle deadly explosives.

"Aren't there machines that can be used, instead of people picking up this hot ammo?" Ron Fleming of North Bend said today. "I'd hate to see more people die."

Pfc. Joshua John Fleming, 19, was one of three soldiers killed in the blast at an Army base in Doha, outside Kuwait City.

Pentagon officials today identified the other two victims as Sgt. 1st Class Donald T. Murphy, 34, of Pine Bluff, Ark., and Staff Sgt. Ricky L. Bunch, 29, of Corbin, Ky.

The three died in an explosion while they were clearing ammunition left behind after the July 11 explosion of an ammunition truck. In the earlier accident, more than 50 soldiers were hurt.

Details of Tuesday's accident have not been released, but Fleming said he's concerned that knowing the danger, the Army couldn't have taken better precautions.

"Obviously when you're working with ordnance there's danger, you can't get way from that," Fleming said. "But we're curious why - since they already had one accident - they couldn't have a safer way to do this.'

Joshua Fleming, a 1990 graduate of Kent-Meridian High School, enlisted in the Army last summer for a cash bonus and the promise of financing for a college education after serving four years.

"We all thought it was a good idea and we still do," his father said. "We're not blaming anyone. He's the one who chose combat engineering."

Fleming had been in Kuwait for about a month, where combat engineers have, among other tasks, cleared minefields planted by Iraqi troops during the war.

"He enjoyed it. It was exciting. Of course, he was just 19," his father said.

A memorial service will be scheduled once the family learns when the remains will be returned, Fleming said.

Joshua Fleming's mother, Judi Jones of South Seattle, said Americans should remember that even though the Persian Gulf War is over, many young men and women are still serving in the region.

She said her son reported that the flood of mail and packages that came for troops during the war is almost nonexistent today.

"Josh would want it remembered that there are still troops over there," she said. "That would be a very good memorial to him."