Irvine Soldier Killed in This Week's Afghanistan Bombing

IRVINE, CA — A 28-year-old soldier killed this week in Afghanistan was from Irvine, authorities said today.

Staff Sgt. Matthew V. Thompson died Tuesday when an improvised explosive device detonated near his patrol in Helmand Province, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

This was Thompson's first deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. He had previously deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

"He was an exceptional Green Beret, a cherished teammate, and devoted husband. His service in Afghanistan and Iraq speak to his level of dedication, courage, and commitment to something greater than himself," said Lt. Col. Kevin M. Trujillo, commander of Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan in today's press release.

"The Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan will honor his memory and sacrifice and his passing is a tremendous loss to all who were blessed to know him," Trujillo stated.

Thompson enlisted in the Army in March 2011 as a Special Forces Candidate, according to the press release. Upon completion of Army Basic Combat and Advanced Individual Training, Basic Airborne Course, Special Forces Assessment and Selection and the Special Forces Qualification Course, he reported to 1st Special Forces Group as a Special Forces medical sergeant in August of 2014.

Thompson was assigned to Company A, 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, according to the press release.

"Our CENTCOM family is deeply affected by the death of Army Staff Sgt. Matthew V. Thompson in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated during dismounted operations," Gen. Joseph L. Votel, U.S. Central Command commander, said in a statement released today. "On behalf of the men and women of U.S. Central Command, I extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends and Sgt. Thompson's fellow service members, as well as gratitude for his selfless and honorable service to our Nation."

His is the second American combat death in the country this year. Army Special Forces Staff Sgt. Matthew McClintock was killed in January in a firefight in the same Afghan province.

A roadside bomb killed a U.S. service member Tuesday in the Helmand province of Afghanistan, according to a statement from NATO.

An American and six Afghan soldiers were also wounded in the explosion. They were serving with a NATO-led coalition near the province's capital of Lashkar Gah.

"The service member was killed conducting train, advise, assist activities with Afghan counterparts under NATO authorities when their patrol triggered an Improvised Explosive Device," a statement released by the U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan, Gen. John Nicholson said, yesterday.

Approximately 700 U.S. troops are in the Helmand province for a training exercise, according to NATO

"On behalf of all of US Forces — Afghanistan, as well as Resolute Support (NATO), our deepest sympathies go out to the families and friends of those involved," Nicholson said in the statement. "We are deeply saddened by this loss, but remain committed to helping our Afghan partners provide a brighter future for themselves and their children."

US ARMY Photo from Press Release -- Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. — Staff Sgt. Matthew V. Thompson, 28, of Irvine, California, died Aug. 23, 2016, of wounds received from an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. (Photo Credit: Army photo)