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

Spc. Matthew A. Koch, 23, of West Henrietta, N.Y. died Mar. 9 in Taji, Iraq, from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Koch was assigned to the 70th Engineer Battalion, Fort Riley, Kan.

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