The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on Sep. 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Wurzburg, Germany.

Killed were:

Sgt. Jason L. Merrill, 22, of Mesa, Ariz.

Pvt. Edwin A. Andino II, 23, of Culpeper, Va.

For further information related to this release media can contact the Fort Riley public affairs office at (785) 239-3410.