Military

            The Department of Defense announced today the death of three Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

            Staff Sgt. Melvin L. Blazer, 38, of Moore, Okla.

            Lance Cpl. Hilario F. Lopez, 22, of Ingleside, Texas.

            Lance Cpl. Gregory P. Rund, 21, of Littleton, Colo.

            Rund died Dec. 11 and Blazer and Lopez died Dec. 12 as result of enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  All three were assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

            For further information contact the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Office at (760) 725-5044.