The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.  They died Feb. 21 in Qayyarah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when their OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter had a hard landing.  The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 230th Cavalry Regiment, Louisville, Tenn.

Killed were:

Capt. Marcus R. Alford, 28, of Knoxville, Tenn. 

Chief Warrant Officer Billie J. Grinder, 25, of Gallatin, Tenn.