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

Sgt. Joshua A. Ford, 20, of Wayne, Neb., died on July 31 during combat operations in Al Numaniyah, Iraq. Ford was assigned to the Army National Guard 189th Transportation Company, 485th Corps Support Battalion, Norfolk, Neb.

Media with questions about this soldier can contact the Nebraska National Guard public affairs office at (402) 309-7300.