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

Staff Sgt. Dennis P. Merck, 38, of Evans, Ga., died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Oct. 20, of a non-combat related injury. Merck was assigned to the Army National Guard's 878th Engineer Battalion, Augusta, Ga.

The incident is under investigation.

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