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

Sgt. Russell L. Collier, 48, of Harrison, Ark., died October 3rd in Taji, Iraq.  His unit was conducting traffic control operations when enemy forces attacked them using small arms fire.  Collier was assigned to 1^st Battalion, 206^th Field Artillery Regiment, Arkansas National Guard, Russellville, Ark.

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