Michael L. Townes dies 'from a non-combat related illness'

The Defense Department announced Tuesday the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Michael Lopez Townes, 29 of Las Vegas, Nev., died Sunday in Balad, Iraq, from a noncombat-related illness.

Townes joined the military in October 1999 as a wheeled vehicle mechanic and was assigned to 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division since December 2005.

He deployed to Iraq in September 2006.

Townes' awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and Global War on Terrorism (Service) Medal.

From the News Journal