[SR-25]

Associated Press


FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Two Special Forces soldiers from Fort Bragg died Monday in southeastern Afghanistan after their vehicle came under enemy fire from small arms and rocket-propelled grenades, the Army Special Operation Command said Wednesday.

Staff Sgt. Robert S. Goodwin, a weapons sergeant, and Staff Sgt. Tony B. Olaes, a medic, were patrolling near Shkin in the Paktika province when they were attacked.

Goodwin, 35, of Albany, Ga., and Olaes, 30, of Walhalla, S.C., were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne)and deployed to Afghanistan in May 2004.

Goodwin enlisted in the Army in March 1989 as a medical specialist. He served in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and was selected in 2001 to attend the Special Forces qualification course at Fort Bragg.

Goodwin's awards include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and his son, Mathew.

Olaes enlisted in the South Carolina Army National Guard in 1992. He left the military six years later and re-entered the Army in 1999. He graduated from the Special Forces course in 2001.

Olaes' awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal. He is survived by his wife, Tammy, and their children, Maverick, McKenzie and Alec.