The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers, who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Sept. 8, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV. Both soldiers were assigned to the Army Reserve's 405th Civil Affairs Battalion, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Killed were:

Sgt. 1st Class Merideth L. Howard, 52, of Alameda, Calif.

Staff Sgt. Robert J. Paul, 43, of The Dalles, Ore.

Media with questions about these soldiers should contact the Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office at (910) 432-6005.