Jan 16, 2007

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

Spc. James D. Riekena, 22, of Redmond, Wash., died Jan. 14 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle.Riekena was assigned to the 145th Brigade Support Battalion, Post Falls, Idaho.

For further information in regard to this release the media can contact the Idaho National Guard public affairs office at (208) 422-5268.