United States Department of Defense

UPDATED: 6 Dec 04

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on Oct. 14, in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when improvised explosive devices detonated near their convoys.

Staff Sgt. Omer T. Hawkins, II, 31, of Cherry Fork, Ohio. Hawkins was assigned to the Army's 44^th Engineer Battalion, Camp Howze, Korea.

Pfc. Mark A. Barbret, 22, of Shelby Township, Mich. Barbret was assigned to the Army's 44^th Engineer Battalion, Camp Howze, Korea.

In a separate incident later that afternoon:

Spc. Bradley S. Beard, 22, of Chapel Hill, N.C. Beard was assigned to the Army's 2^nd Battalion, 17^th Field Artillery Regiment, 2^nd Infantry Division, Camp Hovey, Korea.

For further information related to this release, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 692-2000.