Military

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

            Staff Sgt. Rene Ledesma, 34, of Abelene, Texas, died May 15 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device exploded near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle.  Ledesma was assigned to the Army's 1^st Squadron, 7^th Cavalry Regiment, 1^st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

            The incident is under investigation.

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