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

Killed were:

Sgt. Brandon S. Asbury, 21, of Tazewell, Va., who died on Oct. 7 in Baghdad, Iraq, from injuries suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations. Asbury was assigned to the 4th Support Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Spec. Timothy A. Fulkerson, 20, of Utica, Ky., who died Oct. 8 in Tikrit, Iraq, when a landmine detonated near his vehicle during combat operations. Fulkerson was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 82nd Aviation Reconnaissance Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

For further information on Asbury's death the media can contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993.

For further information on Fulkerson's death the media can contact the 82nd Airborne Division public affairs office at (910) 432-0661 or (910) 432-0662.