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

Sgt. Javier J. Garcia, 25, died April 5 in Baghdad, Iraq, when improvised explosive devices detonated near his patrol. Garcia was assigned to the Army's 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

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