SAUNDERSTOWN, RI – A formal dedication ceremony was held today designating the facility of the post office located at 20 Ferry Road in Saunderstown as the “Captain Matthew J. August Post Office.”

The facility was named in honor of hometown hero and Rhode Island native Matthew J. August, a decorated U.S. Army Captain, who was killed on January 27, 2004 while leading his Company on a mission near Khalidiya, Iraq when his convoy was ambushed and hit by improvised explosive devices and small arms fire from insurgents.

Captain August was just 28 years old when he was killed in action.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) sponsored the bill in the Senate and Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) sponsored it in the House.  The respective Senate and House bills were cosponsored by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI).  President Trump signed the bill on December 13, 2018.

Matthew August grew up in North Kingstown, went to Davisville Middle School and graduated from Bishop Hendricken High School in 1993 before attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and graduating in 1997.  He married fellow West Point graduate, Captain Maureen Innes, on June 6, 1998.

During his career, Matthew earned the Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal – with two oak leaves; the National Defense Service Medal; and the Army Service and Overseas Service ribbons.  He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star; Purple Heart; Meritorious Service Medal; Iraqi Campaign and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary medals; and Combat Action Badge.

“Matthew August’s accomplishments were many.  He was a true patriot and a hometown hero who died fighting for his country.  This is a fitting and lasting tribute to Captain August.  He made his family and community proud and made a positive difference in the lives of so many,” said Senator Reed, a fellow West Point graduate who sponsored legislation to name the bill after Captain August.  “We are forever grateful to Captain August for his valor, service, and sacrifice.”

"It is a privilege to join Captain August's family and the many friends whose lives he touched to dedicate this landmark in his honor," said Senator Whitehouse.  "The Captain Matthew J. August Post Office will serve as a lasting reminder of his life and the sacrifice he made for his country.  Our nation and our community are forever grateful."

“Captain August gave his last full measure in service to his country and will always be remembered for his extraordinary heroism,” said Congressman Langevin. “It is a true privilege to have helped dedicate the Saunderstown Post Office in honor of Captain August. This tribute will ensure his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of future generations.”

“Captain August was a patriot in the truest sense of the word. We owe an enormous debt to him and to all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on the altar of freedom,” said Congressman Cicilline. “It is my sincere hope that the Captain Matthew J. August Post Office will serve as a permanent memorial to the example of his life and the legacy he leaves behind.”

Captain August is survived by his parents, Donna and Richard August; his older brother Brigadier General Mark R. August (USAF); and his younger sister, Melanie Cargilo.

Captain August is buried at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.  Today’s dedication ceremony was attended by West Point Superintendent Lt. Gen. Darryl A. Williams, as well as other honored guests.