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

Sgt. Gary A. Eckert Jr., 24, of Toledo, Ohio, died May 8 in Balad, Iraq, from injuries sustained earlier that day in Samarra, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Eckert was assigned to the Army Reserve's 983rd Engineer Battalion, Monclova, Ohio.

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