Carlos Benitez and Rafael Martinez

Carlos Benitez

Carlos Benitez and Rafael Martinez were killed in Afghanistan in October, 2010, when they were attacked by enemy forces in southeast Afghanistan. An improvised explosive device was used in the attack on their convoy.

Rafael Martinez

Sgt. Carlos Benitez, age 24, had served in the Army for nearly six years, including two year-long tours in Iraq before deploying to Afghanistan in July. He had earned the Iraq Campaign Medal with four stars and other commendations.

Spc. Rafael Martinez Jr., age 36, had joined the Army in September 2007 and served in Iraq from March 2008 to March 2009. He had numerous campaign and service awards, and was a Purple Heart recipient.

They were assigned to the 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Carson.

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Carlos Benitez and Rafael Martinez are in heaven. Let us pray that they are at peace and are with God. Amen