Funeral for Jewish Airmen Killed in Afghanistan

Airman 1st Class Matthew R. Seidler, 21st Civil Engineer Squadron, Peterson Air Force Base, died Jan. 5 from injuries suffered from an improvised explosive device attack in southern Afghanistan.

Seidler and his team, charged with clearing a safe path for a 21-vehicle convoy near Musa Qala in Helmand, had neutralized two roadside bombs when a third exploded. Seidler and two others were killed. Seidler was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions. The award, along with a Purple Heart, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Combat Action Medal were presented to his family at the memorial service held in Pikesville, MD.

More than 500 people – including dozens of members of the military and the Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A. – attended the funeral service. Among those attending the Pikesville service were State Sen. Joe Getty, U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown. The memorial service was led by Rabbi Yerachmiel Shapiro, who spoke highly of Seidler:

“When it comes to Matt, we have much to mourn for, and much to honor and celebrate,” Rabbi Shapiro said. “We mourn his life just as he was starting to blossom and grow. But we are overwhelmed by the dignity and honor of a young man who gave everything for his country.”

Rabbi Shapiro recalled Seidler’s childhood growing up in Finksburg, being a Cub Scout, attending a Montessori school and playing in old refrigerator boxes with his older brother, Justin.

“He loved his bar mitzvah because for that one day, he was hot stuff, the center of attention,” the rabbi said. “He was extremely proud of being a Jewish man. … He observed and respected the Jewish tradition.”

“He joined EOD to protect his fellow soldiers from harm,” Shapiro said. “He joined an elite community of friends. He joined to protect his family and his nation.”

Following the service, Seidler was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

Seidler’s death and the incredible outpouring at his funeral have made headlines across the world from local papers to the Jerusalem Post. You can read more here:

• The Baltimore Sun
• Baltimore Jewish Times
• Jewish Daily Forward
• Explore Carroll
• Jerusalem Post

Those wishing to make contributions in memory of Matthew (Matt) Seidler may send checks payable to The Matthew Seidler Memorial Fund, c/o Susquehanna Bank, Attn: John Cole, 532 Baltimore Blvd., Suite 202, Westminster, MD 21157 or make a contribution online to one of the following organizations which the fund supports: EOD Memorial Foundation (www.eodmemorial.org), Fisher House Foundation (www.fisherhouse.org), or the USO (www.uso.org).