DoD Identifies Army Casualties
June 22, 2006

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in the vicinity of Baghdad, Iraq, from injuries sustained on or about June 16. Both soldiers were previously listed as Duty Status – Whereabouts Unknown. Their unit came under enemy small-arms fire while manning a checkpoint during combat operations, and both soldiers were taken by enemy forces. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Killed were:

Pfc. Thomas L. Tucker, 25, of Madras, Ore.

Pfc. Kristian Menchaca, 23, of San Marcos, Texas

This incident is under investigation.

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