Matthew J West
Date of Death: 08/30/2010
Age: 36
Incident Location: Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan
Hometown: Conover
Branch of Service: Army
Unit: 71st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group
Unit Base: Fort Carson, Colorado
Staff Sgt. Matthew J. West of Conover, WI, was killed on August 30, 2010, when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device in the Arghandab River Valley, according to the Department of Defense.
West was based at Fort Carson, Colo., and was assigned to the 71st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group. He graduated in 1992 from Gaylord High School in Gaylord, Michigan.
West joined the Army in 2004 and had served tours of more than a year in both Iraq and Afghanistan before being sent to Afghanistan again that July, according to Fort Carson officials.
Family and friends described him as an easy going, reserved and thoughtful person who valued family.
West was previously deployed to Afghanistan in 2006 and served in Iraq from March 2008 to June 2009. He received the Bronze Star and Joint Service Commendation Medal.
West is survived by his wife and three children.
West was based at Fort Carson, Colo., and was assigned to the 71st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group. He graduated in 1992 from Gaylord High School in Gaylord, Michigan.
West joined the Army in 2004 and had served tours of more than a year in both Iraq and Afghanistan before being sent to Afghanistan again that July, according to Fort Carson officials.
Family and friends described him as an easy going, reserved and thoughtful person who valued family.
West was previously deployed to Afghanistan in 2006 and served in Iraq from March 2008 to June 2009. He received the Bronze Star and Joint Service Commendation Medal.
West is survived by his wife and three children.