DoD Identifies Army Casualties
October 17, 2004

UPDATED: 6 Dec 04

The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on Oct. 14, in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when improvised explosive devices detonated near their convoys.

Staff Sgt. Omer T. Hawkins, II, 31, of Cherry Fork, Ohio. Hawkins was assigned to the Army’s 44th Engineer Battalion, Camp Howze, Korea.

Pfc. Mark A. Barbret, 22, of Shelby Township, Mich. Barbret was assigned to the Army’s 44th Engineer Battalion, Camp Howze, Korea.

In a separate incident later that afternoon:

Spc. Bradley S. Beard, 22, of Chapel Hill, N.C. Beard was assigned to the Army’s 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Hovey, Korea.

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