The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Jose C. Rangel, 43, of Saratoga, Calif., died Jan. 23 in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, of non-combat related injuries. Rangel was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1106th Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot, Fresno, Calif.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.