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I Got The News Today (IGTNT) is among the oldest series on Daily Kos and provides an opportunity and venue to remember and pay respect to those who have died as a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The IGTNT title is a reference to the moment when the family of an active duty service member receives that tragic news.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sgt. 1st Class Matthew I. Leggett, 39, of Ruskin, Florida, died Aug. 20, in Kabul, Afghanistan, of injuries received when he was engaged by the enemy.
He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, XVIII Airborne Corps, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
For more information, media may contact the XVIII Airborne Corps public affairs office at 910-908-5006 or after duty hours at 910-633-9221.
DoD News Release
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Sgt. 1st Class Matthew I. Leggett, of Ruskin, Fla., died Wednesday after he was stabbed near the Kabul airport, Afghan police and government spokesmen said. The incident occurred about 10:30 a.m. on Bemarou Road, district police chief Najeebullah Samsur said. The assailant was arrested.
Leggett, who was on guard duty at the time, was stabbed in the neck, a spokesman for the Afghan Interior Ministry said.
Stars and Stripes
Leggett enlisted in the Army in May 1995. He arrived at Fort Bragg in August 2012. He served three combat tours of duty, according to information released by the corps.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one campaign star, the Iraq Campaign Medal with three campaign stars, the Combat Action Badge and Basic Parachutist Badge.
He is survived by his parents, Thea Marie Kurz and Thomas Leggett.
Army Times
"The Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion of 18th Airborne Corps has recently suffered the very tragic loss of a fellow Sky Dragon. We express our deepest condolences," said Lt. Col. Gabriel Barton. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. We will never forget him."
fayobserver.com
Leggett was born in Wisconsin Rapids, said his cousin, Jerry Leggett, formerly of Wisconsin Rapids, and now of Junction City.
Matthew's father, Thomas Leggett, now of Texas, grew up in Nekoosa, and also had a career in the military, Jerry Leggett said, adding Matthew has extended family in central Wisconsin.
"He'll be missed by his family, his friends," Jerry Leggett said.
wisconsinrapidstribune.com
Leggett was supposed to come back home to the United States in just three weeks.
His cousin says his body was brought back to the United States Friday and the family is still making funeral arrangements.
myfoxwausau.com
Watch Sgt. 1st Class Matt Leggett send a greeting to Ewa Beach, Hawaii from Forward Operating Base COBRA, Iraq for Holiday Season 2010:
Video: Sgt. 1st Class Matt Leggett
I Got the News Today is a diary series intended to honor, respect and remind. Diaries about the fallen usually appear two days after their names are officially released, which allows time for the IGTNT team to find and tell their stories. All of the U.S. fatalities can be seen here and here. They all had loved ones, families and friends. The DoD news releases are here.
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