Salute to Service - CPT Matthew August

United States Army

February 19, 1975 – January 27, 2004

Represented by Stephen Gostkowski, Duron Harmon, and Cameron Achord

United States Army Captain Matthew J. August was born on February 19, 1975, in Rhode Island and grew up in his hometown of North Kingston with his older brother, United States Air Force General Mark August, and his younger sister, Melanie.

Matt loved being outdoors and could always be found during non-school hours fishing or hunting. He attended Bishop Hendricken Catholic High School in Warwick, Rhode Island, where he was a kicker for the football team during his senior year. After graduation, Matthew attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and was a graduating member of the class of 1997.

Captain August was the commander of his company, attached to the 82nd Airborne Division, where he was always one to lead by example, never asking anyone in his service to do something without making sure to he was alongside them.

During his time in Iraq, his family would record Patriots football games and send them to him. His sister, a teacher, would send letters to him from her students. When responding to those letters, he would always be sure to include a "Go Pats!"

Matthew was killed on January 27, 2004, in an improvised explosive device attack while serving in Iraq. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary medals, along with the Combat Action Badge.