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Fort Carson soldier killed in combat in Afghanistan

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FORT CARSON, Colo. – A soldier killed in combat in Afghanistan this week was stationed at Fort Carson, Pentagon officials confirmed on Thursday.

Master Sgt. Micheal B. Riley, 32, a special forces communications sergeant assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group, died Tuesday, officials said. He was serving in the Uruzgan Province, on his sixth deployment to Afghanistan.

Riley and Sgt. James G. Johnston, 24, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, were killed by small arms while engaged in combat operations, the Associated Press reported.

"Mike was an experienced Special Forces noncommissioned officer and the veteran of five previous deployments to Afghanistan," his commander, Col. Lawrence G. Ferguson, said in a statement. "We will honor his service and sacrifice as we remain steadfast in our commitment to our mission."

Riley was born in Germany and joined the Army in March 2006. He earned numerous awards and decorations in his career, including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters.

Two other Fort Carson soldiers have been killed in combat in Afghanistan this year. Sgt. 1st Class Will Lindsay and Spc. Joseph P. Collette died March.