Military

      The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.  They died inTaji, Iraq, on Dec. 13, where they were conducting combat operations when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV.  The soldiers were assigned to the Army's 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Riley, Kan. 

      Killed were:

      Staff Sgt. Michael S. Zyla, 32, of Elgin, Ore. 

      Sgt. Brian C. Karim, 22, of Talcott, W. Va. 

      Spc. James C. Kesinger, 32, of Pharr, Texas.

      Spc. Peter J. Navarro, 20, of Wildwood, Mo. 

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