8/30/2010
Staff Sergeant Matthew J. West of Conover, Wisconsin grew up in Michigan and graduated in 1992 from Gaylord High School. He joined the Army in June of 2004 and had been in Afghanistan since July 2010, but was there previously from March through September in 2006.
SSG Matthew John “Matt” West was killed on 30 August 2010. SSG West was assigned to the 62nd Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 242nd Ordnance Battalion (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 71st Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), 20th Support Command (CBRNE). SSG West was among five soldiers killed in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, while they were responding to suspected improvise explosive device. Also killed in the attack were CPT Dale A. Goetz, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and SSG Jesse Infante, SSG Kevin J. Kessler, and PFC Chad D. Clemems, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1stBrigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. The five soldiers were killed when their lead vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. SSG West was awarded Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, two Afghanistan Campaign Medals, and one Iraq Campaign Medal with star.
He leaves behind his wife, Carolyn and three children.
He died at age 36 in the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan.
*This bio was researched and authored by SGM Mike R.Vining, USA (Retired). Please send any additional information and/or corrections to the author of this bio by email: sgmmvining@gmail.com. The EOD Wounded Warrior Foundation is not responsible for the accuracy of the information in bio.