Mar 17, 2007

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Mar. 15 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their unit during combat operations. They were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Blake M. Harris, 27, of Hampton, Ga.

Staff Sgt. Terry W. Prater, 25, of Speedwell, Tenn.

Sgt. Emerson N. Brand, 29, of Rigby, Idaho.

Pfc. James L. Arnold, 21, of Mattawan, Mich.