EGLIN AFB — Staff Sgt. Matthew Ammerman, a member of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), died Wednesday while deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Ammerman, 29, of Noblesville, Ind., died in Zabul Province of wounds suffered from small arms fire while conducting a clearing operation.
In a statement issued by the 7th Special Forces Group's Public Affairs Office, Lt. Col. Tommy Stoner, commander of the 7th Special Forces 3rd Battalion, praised Ammerman as "an exceptional soldier in all regards."
“He showed himself to be a standout shortly after arrival in the unit and his efforts have made an impact on his unit and our mission," Stoner stated.. "We, as a nation, are fortunate to have men like Matt.”
Ammerman joined the Army in July 2004. He attended basic and advanced individual training and the U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga. While assigned to 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Battalion (Airborne) at Fort Richardson, Alaska, he deployed twice: once to Iraq in 2006 and once to Afghanistan in 2009.
Ammerman volunteered for the Special Forces in 2012, and graduated the next year as a Special Forces communications sergeant. He joined the 7th Special Forces in July and deployed in the fall. During his career, he earned multiple awards and decorations, including the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.
He leaves behind his wife, Emily, of Crestview, and his brother, Anthony, of Noblesville.
Stoner pledged his unit's support to Ammerman's family.
“His loss is a great blow and he will be missed and mourned by this unit," he said in the statement.. "Our focus will be supporting his family in any way possible and ensuring that they are taken care of during this difficult process.”
