2 Soldiers killed in Afghanistan

82nd Abn. Div. PAO

	Cleaver

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Two 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers were killed in action Thursday as the result of a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack in Zabul Province, Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. John Cleaver and Sgt. Daniel Frazier of Company E, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th BCT, 82nd Abn. Div. died when the VBIED detonated outside of a Forward Operating Base Shajoy, Afghanistan.

Cleaver, 36, of Marysville, Wash., originally joined the Navy in December 1995. He then enlisted in the Army on June 16, 2006 as motor transport operator. Cleaver arrived at Fort Bragg in October 2006, and was assigned to the 782nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th BCT, 82nd Abn. Div. After serving a 15-month tour with the unit in Afghanistan, he went on to complete Warrior Leader Course and Airborne School. He is survived by his mother, Teresa, his father, Walt Wormington, and his sons, Aidan and Collin.

	Frazier

“Staff Sergeant Cleaver was one of the most disciplined paratroopers that I have ever had a chance to work with,” said Capt. Burton Furlow, commander of Co. E. “He always set a standard and ensured that his paratroopers always meet that standard.”

Cleaver’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Navy Unit Commendation with bronze oak leaf cluster, four Navy Efficiency Ribbons, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Navy Good Conduct Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, the Kosovo Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.

Frazier, 25, of Saint Joseph, Mich., joined the Army as a motor transport operator April 19, 2006 and attended basic training at Fort Knox, Ky. Frazier arrived at Fort Bragg Sept. 7, 2006 and joined the 782nd BSB. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from January 2007 to April 2008. He is survived by his mother Roxana, his father, David, and his wife, Brittany.

“Sergeant Frazier always started and finished his days the same way, with a smile on his face,” Furlow said. “He earned the respect of subordinates, peers and superiors alike. He is truly one of our American heroes and will be missed very dearly.”

Frazier’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge.

A memorial in their honor will be held in Afghanistan.