Funerals set for 2 guardsmen killed in Iraq

WILMINGTON, N.C. Funeral arrangements are set for two of the four North Carolina National Guard soldiers killed in the unit's largest single combat loss since World War II.

A funeral will be held for Spc. Robert Bittiker on Wednesday at the Jones Funeral Home in Jacksonville. He will be buried at the Coastal State Veterans Cemetery. Mourners are invited to line the roads from the funeral home to the cemetery.

Sgt. 1st Class Edward Kramer's memorial service will be held Thursday at St. Mark Catholic Church in Wilmington. Mourners are also invited to line the roads from the church to the Wilmington National Cemetery.

Kramer's family requested donations be made to Step Up for Soldiers and St. Mark Catholic School instead of flowers.