Military

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

            Staff Sgt. William J. Brooks, 30, of Birmingham, Ala., died May 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, when his unit was conducting a route security mission and an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV.  Brooks was assigned to the 1^st Battalion, 64^th Armor Regiment, 3^rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

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