Military

            The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.  They died Jan. 4 in Taji, Iraq, when an improvised explosive devise detonated near their military vehicle.

            Killed were:

            Spc. Jimmy D. Buie, 44, of Floral, Ark.  Buie was assigned to the Army National Guard's 3^rd Battalion, 153^rd Infantry Regiment, 39^th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Fordyce, Ark.

            Spc. Jeremy W. McHalffey, 28, of Mabelvale, Ark.  McHalffey was assigned to the Army National Guard's 39^th Infantry Brigade, Little Rock, Ark.

            Spc. Joshua S. Marcum, 33, of Evening Shade, Ark.  Marcum was assigned to the Army National Guard's 3^rd Battalion, 153^rd Infantry Regiment, 39^th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Camden, Ark.

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