SPC Matthew Eric George

Virginia Beach – Specialist Matthew Eric George, 22, passed away while honorably serving his country in Logar Province, Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom on August 31, 2010. He was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on February 10, 1988 and at a young age enjoyed playing little league baseball. He was an outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt. SPC George headed into every endeavor in his life with great passion. He was truly a kid at heart always joking and sharing a laugh. SPC George was caring and always gave from his heart.

SPC George enlisted in the US Army on March 4, 2009 at the age of 21. SPC George arrived to the unit on 24 April 2009 after completing his Basic Training, Advanced Individual Training, and Airborne School. Immediately upon arrival he was assigned to the Transportation Platoon in Alpha Company 173rd Brigade Support Battalion (Airborne) and began to prepare for the upcoming deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom X. While deployed to Logar Province, Afghanistan, he completed over 180 missions with his platoon, serving in the capacity of driver, gunner, and dismount.

SPC George’s awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, a Certificate of Achievement, the Parachutist Badge, and the Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge. SPC George was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

SPC George was killed in action when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device on 31 August 2010 while conducting combat operations in Western Pul-e-Alam, Logar Province. He served his country with honor and made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.

Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Donnie and Bridget George; sisters, Michelle Pappas and husband Jason, and Kelly Curtis and husband Mark; brother, William George and wife Jessica; and numerous, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

A celebration of SPC George’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 11, 2010 at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service. A graveside service will be held in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to a charity of your choice that honors children. Please visit SPC George’s memorial at www.kellumfuneralhome.com, where you can pay your love and condolences to the family.