Fort Carson soldiers gathered Wednesday for a memorial service to honor three comrades who died in Afghanistan.

Sgt. 1st Class Jason J. Fabrizi, 29, was a family man and beloved leader committed to preparing his troops for battle.

After three tours in Iraq, he turned down a position as a drill sergeant. Instead he chose to lead his men in combat, and in May he was sent to Afghanistan.

“Oftentimes he would be described as a father to those guys, 18-year-old men out there working with him,” said Capt. Corey Steiner. “He definitely took the time to make sure they understood what was going on and had what they needed to be successful.”

He was killed on July 14 when enemies attacked his convoy. Fabrizi, of Seffner, Fla., had three sons. His wife is pregnant with a daughter.

Spc. Gregory J. Missman, 36, re-enlisted twice and was devoted to protecting his country.

“He loved the Army, he loved being a soldier and he loved the soldiers around him,” said Staff Sgt. Levi Calhoun.

He died on July 9 after his unit was attacked with small arms fire. Missman, of Batavia, Ohio, has a 4-year-old son.

Pfc. Steven T. Drees, 19, often brought a smile to the faces of his fellow troops, wearing bunny ears on missions and throwing candy out to locals.

“He wanted to enjoy life, and made sure those around him enjoyed life. too, or at least had a reason to smile,” Calhoun said.

The gunner was wounded on June 24 after staying in his position under a flurry of gunfire. Drees, of Peshtigo, Wis., died on June 28.

“He was loved by his whole platoon,” said Capt. Ryan Main. “He was young, but made an immediate impact in his platoon.”

All three served in the 4th Brigade Combat team of the 4th Infantry Division, which has 3,500 soldiers. Since 2001, the post has lost 262 soldiers at war, including eight killed in Afghanistan this year.

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Pvt. Steven T. Drees, 19 Photo by

Sgt. Jason J. Fabrizi, 29 Photo by

Spc. Gregory J. Missman, 36 Photo by