Staff Sgt. Matthew McClintock, 30, of Des Moines, Washington, was killed on Jan. 5, 2016, during combat actions in the Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan.

McClintock joined the active duty United States Army on Sept. 12, 2006 and reported to Basic Combat Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, on Sept. 22, 2006.

After completing Basic Combat Training and Infantryman Advanced Individual Training, McClintock earned his jump wings by completing Airborne School in January 2007.

McClintock was assigned to 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Bliss, Texas, in March 2007, where he deployed to Iraq until December 2007.

In May 2008, McClintock was assigned as an Anti-armor Specialist with Alpha Troop, 7th Cavalry Regiment, Fort Bliss, and would be promoted to the rank of specialist in June 2008. In November 2008, McClintock took an assignment as an Infantryman with the rear detachment, 6th Infantry Regiment, Fort Bliss.

In May of 2009, McClintock was chosen for selection in the U.S. Army Special Forces School at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Upon completion of U.S. Army Special Operations Center of Excellence in November 2010, McClintock was assigned to 1st Special Forces Group, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. He deployed to Afghanistan from August 2012 to May 2013.

After leaving active Army in December 2014, McClintock was assigned to A Co. 1/19th Special Forces Group, Washington Army National Guard.

His awards include the Army Commendation Medal (4), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development (2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge and Special Forces Tab.