The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Balad, Iraq, on Oct. 12, when their military vehicle collided with a civilian vehicle and overturned. Both soldiers were assigned to the 24th Transportation Company, 541st Maintenance Battalion, Fort Riley, Kan.

Killed were:

Sgt. Donald D. Furman, 30, of Burton, S.C.

Sgt. Lorenzo Ponce Ruiz, 26, of El Paso, Texas.

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