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

Spc. Jared D. Hartley, 22, of Newkirk, Okla., died July 15 in Taji, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. Hartley was assigned to the 125th Forward Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Fort Riley, Kan.

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