August 29, 2015

Matthew Roland - U.S. Military fatality - Afghanistan

Matthew Roland
Capt. Matthew D. Roland, age 27, of Lexington, Kentucky, died in the line of duty on August 26, 2015, of wounds sustained when the vehicle he was traveling in was attacked near Camp Antonik, Afghanistan.

On August 25, 2015, he was approaching a vehicle checkpoint when two men dressed as Afghan soldiers opened fire. The Afghan shooters were killed by NATO service members who returned fire.

Tragically, Matt passed away the following day.

Captain Roland was assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

He was a military qualified static line jumper, free fall jumper, combat scuba diver and qualified in joint terminal attack control.

Matt graduated in 2006 from Lexington Catholic High School, where he was on the cross country team and a member of the National Honor Society. School officials describe him as a hardworker who was well-liked and a born leader. He always gave his best.

Matt graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2010. Upon completing the Special Tactics Officer's training program in 2012, he was a team leader who supervised real-world combat preparedness training of a 35-member team.

He deployed three times in his five years of service to multiple locations. 

Light a candle for Matt. Light his way to Heaven.
Friends describe Matt as a true leader who was fun-loving, boisterous and happy.

Matthew's military comrades are in mourning over the death of their brother. He was a good man and a professional airman. He will be forever remembered.

Matthew's family members are devastated by his sudden and tragic death. Oceans of tears will be shed for this man. He will be forever mourned.

Matthew is survived by many loving comrades, friends and relatives including his mother and father.

Thank you for serving, Matt.

Pray without ceasing unto God for an end to this war in Afghanistan. It is enough. We are sick with grief for men like Matthew.

Pray that Matthew is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

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