The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. The soldiers died Jan. 28 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device struck a nearby vehicle. All were assigned to the Army National Guard's 1088th Engineer Battalion, 256th Brigade Combat Team, New Roads, La.

The soldiers are:

Staff Sgt. Jonathan R. Reed, 25, of Opelousa, La.

Spc. Michael S. Evans II, 22, Marrero, La.

Spc. Christopher J. Ramsey, 20, of Batchelor, La.

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