Washington, DC – A bill to name the U.S. Postal Service facility located at 20 Ferry Road in Saunderstown, Rhode Island, as the “Captain Matthew J. August Post Office,” after a North Kingstown native killed in action in Iraq, has been signed into law by President Trump.
Rhode Island native Matthew J. August, a decorated U.S. Army Captain, was killed on January 27, 2004 while leading the 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division attached to the 82nd Airborne on a mission outside Baghdad, Iraq when his convoy was ambushed and hit by improvised explosive devices and small arms fire from insurgents.
Captain August was just 28 years old when he was killed in action.
U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) sponsored the bill in the Senate and Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) sponsored it in the House. The respective Senate and House bills were cosponsored by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI). President Trump signed the bill on December 13.
Matthew August grew up in North Kingstown, went to Davisville Middle School and graduated from Bishop Hendricken High School in 1993 before attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and graduating in 1997. He married fellow West Point graduate, Captain Maureen Innes, on June 6, 1998.
During his career, Matthew earned the Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal – with two oak leaves; the National Defense Service Medal; and the Army Service and Overseas Service ribbons. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star; Purple Heart; Meritorious Service Medal; Iraqi Campaign and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary medals; and Combat Action Badge.
“Matthew August was a patriot and a proud son of Rhode Island. This is a fitting and lasting tribute to Captain August’s selfless service to community and country,” said Senator Reed, a fellow West Point graduate. “We are forever grateful to Captain August for his courage, service, and sacrifice.”
“Matthew August gave his life in courageous service to our community and our nation,” said Senator Whitehouse. “The Saunderstown post office bearing Captain August’s name will remind Rhode Islanders always of his bravery and sacrifice. We also thank Matthew’s father for his own service in arms, and his passion for veterans and Gold Star families.”
Captain August is survived by his parents, Donna and Richard August; his older brother Brigadier General Mark R. August (USAF); and his younger sister, Melanie Cargilo.
The United States Postal Service is expected to hold a formal dedication ceremony in Saunderstown at a later date.
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