A Tribute to Airman 1st Class Matthew Seidler

USAF Airman 1st Class Matthew R. Seidler, 24, from Westminster, was one of three Air Force servicemen killed in action on Jan. 5 when their vehicle struck an insurgent bomb in Shir Ghazi, Helmand, according to the Air Force.

Seidler was serving with the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron out of Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado, according to Fallen Soldiers Afghanistan.

The Denver Post reported that Seidler was the first airman in the 21st Space Wing to die in Iraq or Afghanistan. He was on his first overseas deployment.

"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 Space Wing commander in a statement. "We will come together to help Matt's family and friends through their grief."

Lt. Col. Mark Donnithorne, 21st Civil Engineer Squadron commander, said Seidler's fellow soldiers will never forget his sacrifice and dedication to his "critical, yet dangerous, mission."

According to an article in the Baltimore Sun, Seidler graduated from Westminster Senior High School in 2006. He took classes for a year in business administration at Stevenson University and then started in a multimedia design program at Carroll Community College before deciding to join the military. Seidler entered active duty in November 2009.

Matt's grandfather, Aaron Seidler, was a Naval Pilot in WWII and currently lives in Baltimore. A family member said he is deeply saddened by the loss of his grandson.

Matt leaves behind parents Marc and Lauren Seidler (nee Hoff); brother Justin Seidler; grandparents Pearl and Aaron Seidler, Leda and the late David Hoff.

Services are scheduled at Sol Levinson & Bros., 8900 Reisterstown Road, at Mount Wilson Lane, on Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 9 a.m. Interment is set at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va.

According to a cousin, Matt will be buried with full military honors.