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

Staff Sgt. Joseph E. Phaneuf, 38, of Eastford, Conn., died Dec. 15 in Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Brigade, Hartford, Conn.

For further information related to this release, contact the Connecticut National Guard Public Affairs Office at (860) 524-4857.