The Iraq War, 10 Years of Casualties: Watsonville Feels its Touch

The 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq began 10 years ago this week -- on March 19, 2003 -- and although officially "over," fighting continues with discouraging persistence.

By one count, the war is directly responsible for 189,000 deaths, not including those who died from hardship caused by the fighting.

CNN has a stunning map of all casualties in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

In all, 4,802 Americans and allies have died in the war, according to the Iraq Coalition Casualty Count, including 476 Californians.

Among them, one soldier from Watsonville. From the CNN war casualties web site:

• Lance Cpl. Victor Avila Gonzalez, 19, attached to the 1st Marine Division was killed as the result of enemy action in Ramadi, Anbar province, Iraq, on October 13, 2004.

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