Two 10th Mountain Division soldiers killed by IEDs and small arms fire in Afghanistan

FORT DRUM — Two soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team were killed Saturday in Wardak province, Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Nekl B. Allen, 29, Rochester, and Spc. Daniel L. Cox, 23, Parsons, Kan., were killed when their vehicle was attacked with an improvised explosive device and small arms fire, according to Capt. Frederick C. Harrell, a division public affairs officer. The men served as infantrymen with the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, which deployed in January.

Staff Sgt. Allen is survived by his wife, three children and parents. He joined the Army in 2002 and arrived at Fort Drum in May 2008. This was his third deployment. His honors included the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and Air Assault Badge.

Spc. Cox is survived by his parents. He joined the Army in June 2005 and had been stationed at Fort Drum since October 2005. This was his second deployment. He had been awarded the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge.