VIRGINIA BEACH – A Virginia Beach family is mourning the loss of their loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
The Pentagon says Spc. Matthew E. George, 22, of Grantsboro, N.C. was among four soldiers killed August 31 in an IED explosion in Logar, Afghanistan.
George attended Kempsville High School but transferred out in 2007, said Va. Beach Schools spokeswoman Nancy Soscia.
He was assigned to the 173 Brigade Support Battalion, 173 Airborne Brigade Combat Team in Bamberg, Germany.
"Spc. George was a light for us that will now always show us the way," said Sgt. Richard Alvarez, a non-commissioned officer in his company.
He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Specialist, according to the Army.
According to the Freedom Remembered Website, 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.
His 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.
The other servicemembers killed in the IED attack were Staff Sgt. Vinson B. Adkinson III, 26, of Harper, Kan., Sgt. Raymond C. Alcaraz, 20, of Redlands, Calif. and Pfc. James A. Page, 23, of Titusville, Fla.
Also, military officials say a North Carolina native has been killed in combat in Afghanistan.
The Department of Defense announced on Monday that 21-year-old Lance Cpl. Ross S. Carver of Rocky Point, N.C., died Sept. 3 while in combat in Helmand province.
Carver was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune.
"These four selfless Soldiers volunteered to serve in an Army at war. They deployed to combat, some for their second or third tour, and they performed their dangerous and important duties with honor each day," said Lt. Col. Curtis Johnson, the commander of the 173rd BSB, Task Force Repel. "These Sky Soldiers will be remembered for how they lived their lives, which were too short, but still characterized by commitment and dedication - their sacrifice will never be forgotten."
