The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom:

• Pfc. Serge Kropov, 21, of Hawley, Pa., died Dec. 20 as a result of a non-hostile incident in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  He was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.

This incident is under investigation.

In addition, the Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom:

• Sgt. Albert D. Ware, 27, of Chicago, Ill., died Dec. 18 in Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 782^nd Combat Support Battalion, 4^th Brigade Combat Team, 82^nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.