FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 14, 2010) – Gov. Steve Beshear today recognized the sacrifice of six Fort Campbell soldiers who died while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

According to the Department of Defense, died Dec. 12 in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device.  They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

    * Cpl. Sean M. Collins, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii
    * Cpl. Willie A. McLawhorn Jr., 23, of Conway, N.C.
    * Spc. Patrick D. Deans, 22 of Orlando, Fla.
    * Spc. Kenneth E. Necochea Jr., 21, of San Diego, Calif.
    * Spc. Derek T. Simonetta, 21, of Redwood City, Calif.
    * Spc. Jorge E. Villacis, 24, of Sunrise, Fla.