21st CES Airman killed in Afghanistan

Airman 1st Class Matthew R. Seidler died Jan. 5 from injuries suffered from an improvised explosive device attack in southern Afghanistan.

Seidler, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron here, was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"This is a tragic day for Team Pete, the 21st Space Wing, the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron and especially for Matt's family," said Col. Chris Crawford, 21st SW commander. "We will come together to help Matt's family and friends through their grief."

Lt. Col. Mark Donnithorne, 21st CES commander, echoed Crawford's statements, adding, "EOD Airmen have been vital to Operation Enduring Freedom, and unfortunately, the pride we'll feel when we see Matt's name on the EOD Memorial Wall at Eglin AFB will not extinguish the sorrow we feel from his loss. We will never forget Matt's sacrifice and dedication to his critical, yet dangerous, mission."

Seidler, 24, entered active duty in November 2009, and was from Westminster, Md.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.