FROM STAFF REPORTS
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TRAVERSE CITY — The Department of Defense confirmed the death of a Gaylord High School graduate in the Afghanistan war.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. West was among five U.S. servicemen killed Monday when their unit was attacked in the Arghandab River Valley of Afghanistan by insurgents using an improvised explosive device, the DOD said Wednesday. West, 36, is a 1992 graduate of Gaylord High School who is survived by his wife and three children, according to family members in Michigan.
West was a resident of Conover, Wis., and was serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. He was also deployed in Iraq from March 2008 to June 2009. He received numerous awards and commendations after enlisting in 2004, including a Bronze Star, Army Good Conduct and Commendation medals, a Combat Action Badge, a NATO Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service and Expeditionary medals and Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge. He was a member of the 62nd Explosive Ordnance Company and 71ST Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group.
