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

Cpl. Christopher Belchik, 30, of Brighton, Ill., died Aug. 22, due to enemy action in Babil Province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2^nd Battalion, 2^nd Marine Regiment, 2^nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

For further information related to this release, contact the 2^nd Marine Division Public Affairs officer at (910) 451-9033.