The Department of Defense announced today the death of an airman who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Airman 1st Class Leebenard E. Chavis, 21, of Hampton, Va., died Oct. 14 while performing duties as a turret gunner with the Iraqi police in the vicinity of Baghdad, Iraq. Chavis was assigned to the 824th Security Forces Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

For further information related to this release the media can contact the Moody Air Force Base public affairs office at (229) 257-3395.