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

Sgt. 1st Class Bernard L. Deghand, 42, of Mayetta, Kan., died on Sept. 15 in Spira, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when his unit encountered enemy forces using small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire during combat operations. Deghand was assigned to the Army National Guard 35th Division Artillery, Hutchinson, Kan.

Media with questions about this soldier can contact the Kansas National Guard public affairs office at (785) 274-1192.