DOD IDENTIFIES ARMY CASUALTY
November 16, 2003

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

Sgt. Jay A. Blessing, 23, of Tacoma, Wash., was killed on Nov. 14 in Asadabad, Afghanistan. Blessing died of injuries sustained from an improvised explosive device.

Blessing was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Lewis, Wash.

The incident is under investigation.

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