The high number of deaths this year corresponds with the U.S. troop buildup, also known as a surge.  Last Tuesday the troops recieved a special "surge" thanks to the Washington Redskins foorball orginization.

"Washington Redskins cheerleaders paid a visit to servicemembers at the Forward Operating Base Kalsu dining facility in Iskandariyah, Iraq, on Tuesday.

The cheerleaders stripdanced and sang, then signed autographs."

 The Redskins cheerleaders showed the troops a little thing about  confidence, being such positive role models back home, serving both their team and the community.

Working more then 14 hours a day as sitting targets in a war that appears to have no end, I have the utmost respect for our troops that serve in our overextended military.

A preformance from the Red skin cheerleaders is the least we can do for the troops that serve in the hell that is Iraq.

[More photos..]

*U.S. death toll

As of Thursday morning, 3,876 U.S. servicemembers and eight Defense Department civilians had been identified as having died in the Iraq war: 3,164 from hostile action and 720 from non-combat-related incidents.

According to usatoday.com as of 12.7.07

Photos: AP