Recognizing Extraordinary Acts of Service: 2025 Service Before Self Award
The Combat Control Foundation is honored to announce the 2025 recipient of the Master Sergeant John A. Chapman 'Service Before Self' Award — the Gold Star family of Special Tactics Officer USAF Captain Matthew D. Roland.
Captain Matthew D. Roland, a 2010 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and Special Tactics Officer, was killed in action alongside Staff Sergeant Forrest B. Sibley on August 26, 2015, in Afghanistan while selflessly protecting their team from an ambush. His heroism earned him the Silver Star, and his courage continues to inspire.
Through the Matt Roland Foundation, his parents, Mark and Barbara Roland and his sister Erica Roland, have carried forward his legacy—supporting scholarships that build servant leadership and develop future leaders.
Learn more about the Matthew Roland Foundation here: https://www.matthewrolandfoundation.org/
THE LEGACY OF CAPT MATTHEW D. ROLAND
Captain Matthew D. Roland, a 2010 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, served with distinction as a Special Tactics Officer in the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, 720th Special Tactics Group, 24th Special Operations Wing.
A natural leader and respected teammate, he deployed twice to Afghanistan and once to Africa, also serving as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC).
On August 26, 2015, just two weeks before completing a six-month deployment, Captain Roland was killed in action while selflessly protecting his team from an ambush at an Afghan checkpoint.
His decisive actions alerting his team and attempting to maneuver their vehicle out of the kill zone saved lives—exemplifying the highest ideals of courage, sacrifice, and leadership. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal for his heroism.
Capt Matthew D. Roland's Silver Star Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) (Posthumously) to Captain Matthew D. Roland, United States Air Force, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Special Tactics Officer, NATO Special Operations Component Command - Afghanistan/Special Operations Joint Task Force - Afghanistan, Operation FREEDOM'S SENTINEL, in support of Resolute Support Mission. On 26 August 2015, Captain Roland (23d Special Tactics Squadron), gave the last full measure to save the lives of his teammates at Camp Antonik, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Captain Roland was driving the lead vehicle of a Special Forces Convoy transiting through Afghan checkpoints en route to their camp from Bastion Airfield. When the Convoy reached the final checkpoint, one guard approached the left side of Captain Roland's vehicle while a second guard maneuvered toward a fortified position containing a belt-fed machine gun. As the first guard came within five feet of the bus, he began to raise his weapon. Without hesitation and with no regard to his own safety, Captain Roland yelled "Insider Attack, Insider Attack!" while keying his radio to alert all convoy members. Simultaneously, Captain Roland reversed his vehicle away from the gunman to protect his vehicle occupants. The gunman's first rifle burst tore through the front of the vehicle, killing Captain Roland instantly, but his warning to the other personnel in his convoy afforded them precious time to react. His passengers were able to take cover and draw their weapons. Neutralizing both gunmen and limiting the number of friendly casualties, Captain Roland's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military heroism and reflect distinct credit upon himself, the NATO Special Operations Component Command - Afghanistan/Special Operations Joint Task Force - Afghanistan, and the United States Air Force.
CONTINUING HIS MISSION
In the years since Matt’s passing, his parents, Mark and Barbara Roland, have devoted themselves to carrying forward his legacy through The Matthew Roland Foundation.
Through their vision and dedication, the foundation has raised more than $20,000 and awarded 18 scholarships supporting academic achievement, athletic competition, and leadership development.
Their mission—to honor Matt’s life by fostering servant leadership and empowering future leaders—reflects the same values that defined his service and character.
Notably, Mark Roland is also a graduate of the Air Force ROTC program, deepening the family’s bond with the U.S. Air Force and its enduring commitment to developing leaders of character who live by its core values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
Learn more about the Matthew Roland Foundation here: https://www.matthewrolandfoundation.org/
