The Indiana National Guard reports two soldiers have died while on active duty in Afghanistan.
Twenty-year old Nicholas Taylor and 21 year old Sergio Perez were killed Monday in Kandahar Province.
The two were specialists with the 713th Engineer Company, headquartered in Valparaiso. They were assigned to clear military supply and combat routes.
Nearly a dozen service members from Indiana have died this year while serving in Afghanistan. Since 2003, when combat operations began in Iraq, more than 140 Hoosiers have died while on active duty.
The Indiana National Guard has directed full attention and resources to support the families.
"My heart is heavy today as I consider the Soldiers of the 713th Engineer Company who, for the second time in their combat tour, have experienced the multiple loss of their team mates," said Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger. "I am so fiercely proud of the service and sacrifice of these Fallen Heroes and so very grateful for their families who loved and supported them."