The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.  They died August 31, 2010, in Logar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device.

Killed were:

Staff Sergeant Vinson B. Adkinson III, 26, of Harper, Kansas

Sergeant Raymond C. Alcaraz, 20, of Redlands, California

Private First Class Matthew E. George, 22, of Gransboro, North Carolina

Private First Class James A. Page, 23, of Titusville, Florida

They were assigned to the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Bamberg, Germany.

For more information the media may contact the U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army public affairs office at 011-49-6221-57-8694 or 8098.

Matthew was born in Portsmouth, February 10, 1988, and at a young age enjoyed playing Little League baseball. He was an outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt. Matthew headed into every endeavor in his life with great passion. He was truly a kid at heart always joking and sharing a laugh. He was caring and always gave from his heart. 

Matthew enlisted in the United States Army March 4, 2009 at the age of 21. After completing training, he was assigned to the Transportation Platoon in Alpha Company 173rd Brigade Support Battalion (Airborne). While deployed, he completed more than 180 missions with his platoon, serving in the capacity of driver, gunner and dismount. He served his country with honor and made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. 

Left to cherish his memory are his parents, Donnie and Bridget George; sisters, Michelle Pappas and husband Jason, and Kelly Curtis and husband Mark; brother, William George and wife Jessica; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. 

A celebration of Matthew's life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 11, 2010, at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. A graveside service will be held in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to a charity of your choice that honors children.

A soldier from Virginia Beach was near the end of his deployment when he was killed in combat in Afghanistan last week.
 
Specialist Matthew Eric George, 22, was one of four American troops killed when insurgent s attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device.
 
George was assigned to the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, based in Bamberg, Germany.
 
The blast occurred August 31, 2010, in Logar province.
 
A native of Portsmouth, George played Little League baseball and was an outdoors-man who enjoyed fishing and hunting. He attended Kempsville High School.
 
He enlisted in the Army in March 2009.
 
He had completed more than 180 missions with his platoon, serving as driver, gunner and dismount.
 
He is survived by his parents, Donnie and Bridget George of Virginia Beach, two sisters and a brother.
 
George was "a family person" who enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews, said Crystal Hardy, his former wife. "He loved them to death," she said. "They were his world."
 
George and Hardy met while working at Kmart. Their marriage was brief, but the two stayed in touch.
 
He was looking forward to coming home in November, she said.
 
A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held later in Arlington National Cemetery.

GEORGE, MATTHEW ERIC
SPC   US ARMY
DATE OF BIRTH: 02/10/1988
DATE OF DEATH: 08/31/2010
BURIED AT: SECTION 60  SITE 9682
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

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