Largo Soldier Killed in Afghanistan
Matt Sitton, 26, was killed by a bomb last week, the second member of his graduating class at Indian Rocks Christian to die while serving in Afghanistan.
A soldier from Largo was killed last week in Afghanistan, according to media reports.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Matt Sitton, 26, died after stepping on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan, according to Bay News 9. Sitton's parents, Cheryl and Steve, were informed of his death Thursday.
"My whole life, every plan that I made, stopped on Aug. 2, 2012," Sarah Sitton told TBO.com.
The 2004 Indian Rocks Christian graduate is survived by his wife, Sarah, and 9-month-old son, Brodey.
Sitton is the second member of his graduating class to die in Afghanistan — Frank Gross, 25, was killed there last year, TBO.com reports. Sitton and Gross were teammates on the school's baseball team.
"While the school was grieving for Frank Gross, Matt served as a rock and a leader for his other classmates," Indian Rocks Christian Superintendent Don Mayes wrote in a post on the school's website Friday.
Sitton was interviewed by WTSP 10 News last year following the death of his friend and classmate, telling the news station he was "honored to know him."
Friends and family are sharing their memories of Sitton on a Facebook page, Remembering Matt Sitton, set up in his honor.
"It was truly a joy and honor to teach Matt in band for 5 years at IRCS," wrote Dustin Lemler. "Matt became a hero long before the tragic events of Aug 2. As a boy, he had a heart for serving others."
"Matt Sitton was by far the biggest inspiration in my military career, a hard working dirty grunt that treated each man to his left and right as an equal," wrote Calaab Kirby.
Sitton's parents and widow were to fly to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware over the weekend, organizers of the Facebook page said, where his body was to arrive from the Middle East.
Did you know Matt Sitton? Post your memories and condolences in the comments section below.
monique thomas
12:34 pm on Monday, August 6, 2012
My condolescenes and prayers to the Mr. and Mrs. Sitton and the family. I have the sincerest gratitude to you and your son for laying his life on the line to defend and protect our American way of life.
Frank's Mom
11:16 pm on Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Matt and Frank have both "transitioned to Higher Ground", where they are..... there is no more pain, no more fear or death...only peace, joy and life everlasting. Rest Soldiers, you have earned the right.....your Blue Stars have turned Gold, a nation remembers you, a nation weeps...you have made the supreme sacrifice.
Diane Felix
9:40 am on Thursday, August 9, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss of these two men. Prayers go out to both families. Thank you for letting your husband, son and father serve their country. God Bless all of you that these soldiers left behind.
SW Largo Watch/Cleanup
9:22 am on Friday, August 10, 2012
10 & 11 AUG 12
The family of Staff Sergeant Matthew Sitton has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to stand in silent respect for their hero.
Part I: Pending
Staging: TBD.
MacDill Air Force Base (Bayshore gate) Tampa, FL
Briefing: As directed by Ride Captain
Flag Line: As directed by Ride Captain
KSU: Pending
****Flag Bikes are strongly encouraged to participate in the escort******
Ride Captain: Thomas “T-Man” Brown
Part II: Friday 10 Aug 2012
Staging: Hubbell Funeral Home 499 N. Indian Rocks Road,Belleair Bluffs, FL 33770
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/EX08W
Visitation: Pending
****Please bring your 3' x 5' American Flag to stand for this hero*******
Ride Captain: Thomas “T-Man” Brown
Email: thomasbrowncpi@gmail.com
Ride Captain: John “Whalebone” Stark II
Email: j9stark@aol.com
**********************************************
Part III: Saturday 11 Aug 2012
Staging: 1200 hrs. Indian Rocks Baptist Church, 12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33774
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/lsbDq
Briefing: As directed by Ride Captain
Flag Line: As directed by Ride Captain
Service: 1300 hrs.
****Please bring your 3' x 5' American Flag to stand for this hero*******
1-508 Scout
6:21 pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2012
I was with Matt in Afghanistan and was part of his Platoon, HHC 1-508 Scouts. I was first squad and he was squad leader of the Sniper Squad. He was one of the best NCOs I knew and an all around great man. He always made sure you knew what you were doing and how to do it. He would help us unwind and play baseball games with us with makeshift equipment. He always talked about Sarah and his son Brodey. I will never forget Matt as a soldier or a person. He excelled in both areas and truly cared for all of us. Thank you all that knew him for sharing him with us and letting us know him. He made a better man out of everyone that he touched. My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Matthew Steven Sitton.