KABUL

Here in the capital city of Afghanistan, I waited just like everyone back in the States for more news of the eight soldiers who died in two separate insurgents attacks Tuesday in southern Afghanistan.

With the latest deaths announced by the Defense Department, the Fort Lewis-based 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division has now lost 26 soldiers in Afghanistan since arriving in the summer.

The 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, which I joined in late September for about two weeks. has lost 19 of these soldiers. All eight soldiers who died from Tuesday's attacks were with the battalion.

Here are photos released by Fort Lewis of five of the eight solders.

Sgt. Dale R. Griffin, 29, of Terre Haute, Ind

Sgt. Fernando Delarosa, 24, of Alamo, Texas

Sgt. Patrick O. Williamson, 24, of Broussard, La.

Spc. Jared D. Stanker, 22, of Evergreen Park, Ill.,

Pfc. Christopher I. Walz, 25, of Vancouver, Wash

When they become available, I will post the photos Staff Sgt. Luis M. Gonzalez, 27, of South Ozone Park, N.Y., Sgt. Issac B. Jackson, 27, of Plattsburg, Mo. and Pfc. Brian Bates, 20, of New Orleans, La.