Military

          The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.  They died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Nov. 7, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near their dismounted patrol.  The soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.

 

            Killed were:

 

            1st Lt. Justin S. Smith, 28, of Lansing, Mich.

 

            Staff Sgt. Brian L. Freeman, 27, of Lucedale, Miss.

 

            Spc. Robert C. Pope II, 22, of East Islip, N.Y.

 

            Pfc. Mario A. Reyes, 19, of Las Cruces, N.M.

 

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