Powell, Matthew Christopher
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Verified U.S. Army Specialist Matthew Christopher Powell, 20, of Slidell, Louisiana, was killed in a hostile incident at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, on October 12, 2010.
Their Story
Matthew Christopher Powell was born in Slidell, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned as a Specialist to Company A, 526th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
On October 12, 2010, Powell was killed at Kandahar Airfield, a major NATO base in southern Afghanistan. According to the Department of Defense, his death was the result of a hostile incident. The specific details of the attack were not publicly released, but the base was a frequent target of insurgent rocket and mortar fire during that period.
Powell's death occurred during a significant escalation of the war in Afghanistan. In late 2009, U.S. troop levels surged, with a focus on clearing Taliban strongholds in the southern provinces, including Kandahar. Kandahar Airfield served as the primary logistical and operational hub for these coalition efforts, making it a strategic target.
The Department of Defense officially announced Powell's death on October 14, 2010. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and other service medals. His body was returned to Louisiana for burial.
Matthew Powell is remembered on memorials at Fort Campbell and in his hometown. His name is inscribed on Panel 2E, Row 131 of the Afghanistan War Memorial at the National Infantry Museum in Columbus, Georgia.
Explore Further
Matthew Powell was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.
Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.
