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

Staff Sgt. Michael C. Ottolini, 45, of Sebastopol, Calif., died Nov. 10 in Balad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his up-armored HMMWV. Ottolini was assigned to the Army National Guard's 579th Engineer Battalion, Petaluma, Calif.

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