NEWS

Wisconsin Rapids native, soldier killed in Afghanistan

Drew Brooks

A Wisconsin Rapids native and Fort Bragg soldier has been killed in Afghanistan.

Sgt. 1st Class Matthew I. Leggett, 39, of Ruskin, Florida, died Wednesday after being attacked in Kabul, according to the Department of Defense.

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.

Leggett was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 18th Airborne Corps.

According to reports, Leggett was stabbed to death by an alleged low-level Taliban member, who was later arrested and confessed to the crime.

The incident took place near the Kabul airport, which has a civilian side and a side that is used by NATO forces.

According to officials, Leggett was an assistant operations sergeant with A Company.

His battalion commander said he was an exceptional noncommissioned officer and valued member of the team.

"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."

Leggett joined the Army in May 1995 and joined his company on Fort Bragg in August 2012.

The deployment to Afghanistan was his third to a combat zone.

Along with his father, he is survived by his mother, Thea Marie Kurtz. Jerry Leggett said funeral arrangements are pending.

Leggett's 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, Army Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal sixth award, the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one Campaign Star, Iraqi Campaign Medal with three Campaign Stars, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon third award, the Meritorious Unit Citation and the NATO ISAF Medal.

Story reprinted with permission of The Fayetteville Observer. Daily Tribune Media reporter Deb Cleworth contributed.