The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Dec. 23 in Salman Pak, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry, Big Rapids, Mich.

Killed were:

Spc. Chad J. Vollmer, 24, of Grand Rapids, Mich.

Pfc. Wilson A. Algrim, 21, of Howell, Mich.

Pvt. Bobby Mejia II, Saginaw, Mich.

For further information on these soldiers the media can contact the Michigan National Guard public affairs office at (517) 481-8140.