Coalition Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan; OEF Casualties Announced

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2006 – Two coalition soldiers were killed conducting combat operations in Afghanistan's Asadabad district in Kunar province today, officials in Afghanistan said. A coalition force patrol was conducting security operations in Asadabad when its all-terrain vehicle struck a roadside bomb.

"We sincerely regret their loss. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten," Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, commander, Combined Joint task Force 76, said. "Our thoughts and prayers extend to the families and comrades of our two Soldiers who sacrificed their lives today in the pursuit of their mission to make Afghanistan a safe a secure nation." Afghan and coalition forces are actively conducting operations to capture the assailants, officials reported.

The Defense Department also announced the names of soldiers killed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom:

Capt. Patrick D. Damon, 41, of Falmouth, Maine, died in Bagram, Afghanistan, on June 15, from a noncombat related cause. Damon was assigned to the Army National Guard's 240th Engineer Group, Augusta, Maine. An investigation continues.

Sgt. Roger P. Pena Jr., 29, of San Antonio died in Musa Qulah, Afghanistan, on June 14, when his convoy came under enemy small-arms fire during combat operations. Pena was assigned to the 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Lt. Col. Charles E. Munier, 50, of Wheatland, Wyo., died on June 12 at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., from a noncombat-related cause that occurred on June 5 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Munier was assigned to the Wyoming Army National Guard's training site in Guernsey, Wyo.

Cpl. Bernard P. Corpuz, 28, of Watsonville, Calif., died in Ghanzi, Afghanistan, on June 11, from wounds sustained when his convoy came under enemy small-arms fire and an improvised explosive device detonated during combat operations. Corpuz was assigned to the 303rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 504th Military Intelligence Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas