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

Sgt. James Witkowski, 32, of Surprise, Ariz., died on Oct. 26, near Ashraf, Iraq, of injuries sustained there earlier that day when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during convoy operations. Witkowski was assigned to the Army Reserve's 729th Transportation Company, Fresno, Calif.

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