The Department of Defense announced today the death of six Marines who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Lance Cpl. Michael J. Cifuentes, 25, of Fairfield, Ohio

Lance Cpl. Grant B. Fraser, 22, of Anchorage, Alaska

Lance Cpl. Aaron H. Reed, 21, of Chillicothe, Ohio

Lance Cpl. Edward A. Schroeder II, 23, of Columbus, Ohio

Lance Cpl. Kevin G. Waruinge, 22, of Tampa, Fla.

Lance Cpl. William B. Wightman, 22, of Sabina, Ohio

All died Aug. 3 when their Amphibious Assault Vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device during combat operations south of Haditha, Iraq. Fraser was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Waruinge was assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Gulfport, Miss. The other four Marines were assigned to Marine Forces Reserve's 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Columbus, Ohio. As part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, they all were attached to Regimental Combat Team 2, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward).

Media with questions about these Marines can call the Marine Forces Reserve Public Affairs Office at (504) 678-4178.