A ROMANIAN MILITARY COMMANDER DIED IN A CAR CRASH ON FRIDAY, HOURS AFTER HE RETURNED FROM IRAQ WHERE HIS 450-SOLDIER BATTALION HAD SERVED THE U.S-LED COALITION FOR SIX MONTHS, THE DEFENCE MINISTRY SAID, REUTERS REPORTED. STEFAN BALAN, 39, WAS DRIVING HOME FROM BUCHAREST AIRPORT AFTER RECEIVING A HERO'S WELCOME WHEN HIS VEHICLE WAS IN COLLISION WITH ANOTHER CAR, STATE NEWS AGENCY ROMPRES SAID. BALAN'S WIFE WAS KILLED AND THEIR DAUGHTER INJURED, DEFENCE MINISTRY SPOKESMAN CRISTINEL GHIGA SAID. BALAN'S BATTALION HAD PERFORMED AROUND 1,500 MISSIONS OF PATROL AND ESCORT, GUARD DUTY AND THE TRAINING OF IRAQI MILITARY STRUCTURES. NATO-MEMBER ROMANIA, A STAUNCH ALLY OF WASHINGTON, HAS AROUND 750 TROOPS IN IRAQ.