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IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 535-06
June 10, 2006

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Sgt. Jose M. Velez, 35, of Bronx, N.Y., died in Kirkuk, Iraq, on June 9, of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat operations.  Velez was assigned to the Army Reserve 773rd Transportation Company, Fort Totten, N.Y.

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