DoD Identifies Army Casualties
March 16, 2006

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died west of Asadabad, Afghanistan, on March 12, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during combat operations.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Joseph, R. Ray, 29, of Asheville, N.C. Ray was assigned to the Army Reserve’s 391st Engineer Battalion, Asheville, N.C.

Sgt. Kevin D. Akins, 29, of Burnsville, N.C. Akins was assigned to the Army Reserve’s 391st Engineer Battalion, Asheville, N.C.

Sgt. Anton J. Hiett, 25, of Mount Airy, N.C. Hiett was assigned to the Army Reserve’s 391st Engineer Battalion, Greenville, S.C.

Spc. Joshua L. Hill, 24, of Fairmount, Ind. Hill was assigned to the Army Reserve’s 391st Engineer Battalion, Asheville, N.C.

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