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

Staff Sgt. Jeffrey S. Loa, 32, of Waianae, Hawaii, died on Aug. 16 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol. Loa was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 35th Armored Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Baumholder, Germany.

For further information related to this release, contact 1st Armored Division public affairs at 011-49-611-705-4862.