Military

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

            Spc. Erik W. Hayes, 24, of Cascade, Md., died Nov. 29 in Al Miqdadiyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle.  Hayes was assigned to 2^nd Battalion, 2^nd Infantry Regiment, 1^st Infantry Division, Vilseck, Germany.              

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