The Oregon Military Department has released the names of the two Oregon National Guard soldiers killed Friday in Rashid, Iraq.

Pfc. Taylor D. Marks, 19, of Monmouth, and Sgt. Earl D. Werner, 38, whose wife and son live in Amboy, Wash., died when their convoy was struck by an explosively formed penetrator, or EFP, an armor-piercing explosive that turns into a projectile when detonated.

Both were members of the 41st Special Troops Battalion, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Oregon Army National Guard in Portland.

A third soldier was injured in the attack. The soldier's name and condition had not been released Saturday morning.

Marks was born Nov. 9, 1989 in Salem. He grew up in Monmouth. He was a graduate of Central High School and joined the Oregon Army National Guard, attending a training with a friend.

He was contracted to go to the Defense Language Institute at the Presidio in Monterey, Calif., but made the decision to defer his schooling in order to deploy with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

He is survived by his mother Michelle and stepfather Don; sister Courtney, 15; and brother Alex, 19, all of Monmouth; and father Morey Marks of Salem.

Werner was on his third deployment with the Oregon National Guard. His first deployment was as part of the 2nd Battalion, 162 Infantry in 2004. Later he deployed with the 234th Engineer Company in 2007 before transferring to the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team for deployment.

During his time with the Oregon National Guard, Werner was awarded the Bronze Star, two Army Commendation Medals and the Combat Action Badge.

He is survived by his wife Casey and son Charles, 19, of the Amboy area.

The battalion commander, Lt. Col. Ken Nygren stated in a message from Iraq: "It was a sad event, but very evident that the unit is very cohesive and still very proudly STB. They are serving Oregon and the nation well."

Democrat-Herald