The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died March 22 in Baghdad, Iraq, from wounds suffered when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 1132nd Military Police Company, North Carolina Army National Guard, Rocky Mount, N.C.

Killed were:

Sgt. Thomas C. Ray, II, 40, of Weaverville, N.C.

Spc. David S. Stelmat, 27, of Littleton, N.H.

Sgt. David B. Williams, 26, of Tarboro, N.C.

For more information media may contact the North Carolina National Guard public affairs office at (919) 664-6242.