Military

            The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.  They died Aug. 20 near Samarra, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device exploded near their vehicle.  Both were assigned to the Army National Guard's 216^th Engineer Battalion, Hamilton, Ohio.

            Killed were:

            1^st Lt. Charles L. Wilkins III, 38, of Columbus, Ohio.

            Pfc. Ryan A. Martin, 22, of Mount Vernon, Ohio.

            The incident is under investigation.

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