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

Pvt. Joseph R. Blake, 34, of Portland, Ore., died on Aug 17 in Turkalay, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when his platoon encountered enemy forces small arms fire. Blake was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Media with questions about this soldier can contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at (315) 772-5463.