Today marked the death of the 2,000th American soldier in Iraq. 144 of them were from Fort Carson. An additional 6, 000 Fort Carson soldiers remain in Iraq.

A year ago, a Global War on Terrorism memorial was erected outside the post’s front gate, commemorating the deaths of Fort Carson soldiers killed. It has 168 names inscribed in hard rock, including 24 National Guardsmen who were under Fort Carson’s 7th Infantry Division.

Here are profiles of many of the courageous Colorado soldiers who paid the ultimate price for their service to our country. May they rest in peace. And may peace come soon.