Fort Carson has lost another hero to the battle in Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Michael David P. Cardenaz, 29, died February 20 in Kunar, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked his unit with rocket-propelled grenades. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division from Fort Carson.

Cardenaz was a 12-year Army veteran. He was serving his fifth deployment when he was killed. He served two tours in Balkans from February 26, 2000 to July 26, 2000 and from October 28, 2002 to July 28, 2003. He also served two tours in Iraq from February 14, 2004 to March 25, 2005 and from October 16, 2006 to December 24, 2007. This was his first tour in Afghanistan. He deployed on June 7, 2009.

Cardenaz was the receipient of 38 Army medals, among the highest, the Soldier's Award and the Bronze Star Medal.

Cardenaz was a native of Corona, California. His body arrived in the United States on Monday, February 22. An Army carry team carried the transfer case from the plane at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware to waiting loved ones.