DoD Identifies Army Casualties
March 09, 2007

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Mar. 7 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Christopher R. Webb, 28, of Winchester, Calif.

Spc. Shawn P. Rankinen, 28, of Independence, Mo.

Spc. Michael D. Rivera, 22, of Brooklyn, N.Y.

For further information in regard to this release the media can contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at (254) 287-9993; after hours (254) 291-2591.