According to the DoD press release, two soldiers were killed on August 2nd when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) detonated near their convoy in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The two soldiers were part of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and assigned to 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg. The two soldiers have been identified as:

Sgt. Jonathon Michael Hunter, 23, of Columbus, Indiana.

Spc. Christopher Michael Harris, 25, of Jackson Springs, North Carolina.

The 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division released this statement:

With a heavy heart we announce that two 82nd Airborne Division Paratroopers were killed in Afghanistan on 02 August when their patrol was struck by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device in vicinity of Kandahar.

Specialist Christopher M. Harris, 25, of Jackson Springs, N.C., and Sergeant Jonathon M. Hunter, 23, of Columbus, Ind., were infantrymen assigned to 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

“The entire Devil Brigade is deeply saddened by the loss of two beloved team members,” said Col. Toby Magsig, commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team, the “Devil” Brigade.

“Spc. Christopher Harris was an extraordinary young man and a phenomenal Paratrooper,” Col. Magsig continued. “He regularly displayed the type of courage, discipline, and empathy that the Nation expects from its warriors.”

“Sgt. Jonathon Hunter was the leader we all want to work for – strong, decisive, compassionate, and courageous. He was revered by his Paratroopers and respected throughout his unit.

“Chris and Jon lived and died as warriors. They will always be a part of the legacy of the Devil Brigade and their memory lives on in the hearts and minds of their fellow Paratroopers. Our thoughts and prayers are centered on the families and loved ones of these two great Americans.”

Spc. Harris joined the Army in October 2013 and, following Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training, and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga., was assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. This was his first deployment.

Sgt. Hunter joined the Army in April 2014 and, following Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training, and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga., was assigned to 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. This was his first deployment.

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Image courtesy of DoD