Fallen Soldier Hailed as Hero

Army Staff Sgt. Matthew McClintock, who died during a Jan. 5 firefight in Afghanistan, was hailed Pentagon leadership as a hero. McClintock, a Special Forces soldier, was killed in an enemy attack while taking part in a training mission with Afghan forces. “Staff Sergeant McClintock died in support of Operation Resolute Support, which is helping to keep Americans safe here at home and helping to provide a better future for the Afghan people,” Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said Jan. 7. McClintock was attached to the 1st Battalion, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Washington Army National Guard. The Albuquerque, N.M., native is survived by a wife and young son.