Rest in Peace, Staff Sgt. Matthew R. Ammerman. Our undying gratitude, and Thank you, for your service, Sir. A Special Forces soldier was killed Wednesday in Afghanistan, the Defense Department announced Thursday. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group at EGLIN Air Force Base, Florida. Staff Sgt. Matthew R. Ammerman, 29, died on Dec. 3 in Zabul Province, Afghanistan after suffering a gunshot wound he sustained in combat during a clearing operation, said officials. “Staff Sgt. Matthew Ammerman was an exceptional Soldier in all regards. He showed himself to be a standout shortly after arrival in the unit and his efforts have made an impact on his unit and our mission. We, as a nation, are fortunate to have men like Matt,” said Lt. Col. Tommy Stoner, commander of the 7th SFG (A)’s 3rd Battalion. “He not only represented what we should all aspire to be, but he lived it. His loss is a great blow and he will be missed and mourned by this unit. Our focus will be supporting his family in any way possible and ensuring that they are taken care of during this difficult process.” Ammerman joined the Army in July 2004. He was deployed in 2006 to Iraq, where he served 14 months. In 2009, Ammerman was sent to Afghanistan for 12 months, serving as an an assistant gunner, fire team leader and squad leader. Two years later, the sergeant was stationed at Fort Steward, Ga., where he served as a senior sniper and squad leader with the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment. He volunteered for Special Forces in 2012, graduated in 2013 as a Special Forces communications sergeant and was assigned to 3rd Bn., 7th SFG (A) in July,2014. He deployed in late fall of 2014 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 29-year-old was a decorated hero, earning numerous awards, including the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon and NATO Medal. Additionally, he received the Special Forces Tab, the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge and the Driver and Mechanic Badge.
Posted on: Fri, 05 Dec 2014 04:27:16 +0000
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