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

Spc. Sergio R. Diazvarela, 21, of Lomita, Calif., died Nov. 24 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol. Diazvarela was assigned to 1^st Battalion, 503^rd Infantry Regiment, 2^nd Brigade Combat Team, Camp Howze, Korea.

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