Two Fort Carson soldiers killed in Afghanistan

The Department of Defense announced on Tuesday the deaths of two Ft. Carson soldiers killed in Afghanistan.

According to the Department of Defense, the soldiers killed are Sgt. Christopher J. Birdwell, 25, of Windsor, Colorado and Spc. Mabry J. Anders, 21, of Baker City, Oregon.

They died Aug. 27, in Kalagush, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered from enemy small-arms fire. They were assigned to the 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Spc. Anders has been stationed at Fort Carson since July 2011. This was his first deployment. Throughout his service, Spc, Anders has received numerous awards including an Army Achievement Medal, a National Defense Service medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and an Overseas Service Ribbon. Spc. Anders will also be awarded a Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Army Good Conduct Medal.

Sgt. Birdwell has been stationed at Fort Carson since March 2006. This was his third deployment to Afghanistan. Sgt. Birdwell has received numerous awards throughout his service including two Army Commendation Medals, 2 Army Good Conduct Medals, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Device, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 2 Campaign Stars, a NATO Medal, and a Combat Action Badge. Sgt. Birdwell will also be awarded a Bronze Star Medal and a Purple Heart.