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

Sgt. 1^st Class Russell P. Borea, 38, of El Paso, Texas, died of injuries suffered in Mosul on Jan. 19 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations.

Borea was assigned to the 2d Battalion, 7^th Cavalry Regiment, 4^th Brigade Combat Team, 1^st Cavalry Division, Fort Bliss, Texas.

For further information related to this release, contact the Fort Bliss Public Affairs Office at (915) 568-4505.