By Amanda Pitts
NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. – Army Captain Matthew August’s legacy might soon live forever in his hometown Post Office.
Legislation is working its way through Washington that would name the Saunderstown Post Office in the soldier’s honor.
“Matthew was born and raised here in Rhode Island, went to local schools, attended Bishop Hendricken, graduated from there and went on to the United State Military Academy and graduated in 1997,” said Richard August, Matthew’s dad.
August was deployed to Iraq, and in January of 2004, when leading a mission outside of Baghdad, his unit was ambushed. Matthew and three others were killed.
“You don’t ever expect it to happen to someone in your own family, but yet you know what the risks are when they’re taking the oath.”
Richard August, an army veteran himself, serves on Congressman Langevin‘s military advisory committee. He mentioned that next year marks the 15th anniversary of his son’s death.
That set everything into motion. Both Langevin and Senator Jack Reed introduced the legislation that would name the post office the “Captain Matthew J. August Post Office.”
The Senate approved it on Thursday, now it goes to the House. The President then will sign it into law.
While there are several memorials across the state honoring the decorated soldier, August said this one is special.