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

Sgt. Joshua R. Hanson, 27, of West St. Paul, Minn., died on Aug. 30, in Khaldea, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. Hanson was assigned to the National Guard 2nd Battalion, 136th Infantry, Detroit Lakes, Minn.

Media with questions about this soldier can contact the Minnesota National Guard public affairs office at (651) 268-8961.