The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Oct. 7 in Baghdad, Iraq, from injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations.

Killed were:

Sgt. Lawrence L. Parrish, 36, of Lebanon, Mo., who was assigned to the 110th Engineer Battalion, Kansas City, Mo.

Spec. John E. Wood, 37, of Humboldt, Kan., who was assigned to the 891st Engineer Battalion, Garnett, Kan.

For further information on Parrish's death the media can contact the Missouri National Guard public affairs office at (573) 638-9846.

For additional information on Wood's death the media can contact the Kansas National Guard public affairs office at (785) 274-1192.