FORT CARSON, COLO. -- The Department of Defense confirmed three Fort Carson soldiers died in Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
On Thursday Sgt. Carlos A. Benitez, Spc. Rafael Martinez Jr. and Pfc. Tramaine J. Billingsley died when insurgents attacked their unit with a roadside bomb.
Benitez joined the Army in October of 2004. He joined the 4th Infantry Division in July of 2009 and had been in Afghanistan since July. Benitez's awards included two Army Commendation Medals and a Valorous Unit Award, among others. He was 24 years old.
Martinez entered the Army in September of 2007. He joined the 4th Infantry Division in July of 2009 and had been in Afghanistan since July. Martinez won a dozen awards including a Purple Heart. He was 36 years old.
Billingsley entered the Army in September of 2009. He joined the 4th Infantry Division in January and had been in Afghanistan since July. The 20-year-old had won several awards, including a National Defense Service Medal and an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star.
Photos of the soldiers were not immediately available.
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