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

Sgt. 1st Class Rudy A. Salcido, 31, of Ontario, Calif., died on Nov. 9 in Baghdad, Iraq, after an improvised explosive device detonated near his convoy vehicle. Salcido was assigned to the Army National Guard's 1114th Transportation Company, Bakersfield, Calif.

For further information related to this release the media can contact the Calif. National Guard public affairs office at (916) 854-3829.