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IMMEDIATE RELEASE No. 614-06
June 29, 2006

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Staff Sgt. Joseph F. Fuerst, III, 26 of Tampa Fla., died in Panjway District, Afghanistan, on June 24, when his HMMWV came in contact with enemy forces using rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire during combat operations.  Fuerst was assigned to the Army National Guard's 53rd Infantry Brigade, Pinellas Park Fla.

Media with questions about this soldier can call the Florida National Guard Public Affairs Office at (904) 823-0168.