Top Character Strengths

FAIRNESS - KINDNESS - TEAMWORK

SGT Matt Sandri was born on September 1, 1979, and was only 24 years old when he was killed in action on March 20, 2004, in Fallujah, Iraq. He is the eldest son of Bob and Annette Sandri of Shamokin, PA. Matt has two sisters, Julie and Lydia, and a brother, Blake, currently serving in the US Army. Matt was always dedicated to his family and had innumerable friends.

A young man determined to succeed in endeavors that interested him, Matt learned to read by age 4. He showed great talent drawing with pencil, building models with construction blocks, and had a great interest in all things military. He excelled as a student in math, art, and the life sciences. He graduated from Shamokin High School in June 1997, then enrolled as a candidate for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology at Bloomsburg University. He enjoyed spending time at the beach and tent camping in the mountains of Central PA. He played varsity football, enjoyed skateboarding and weightlifting, and looked forward to frequent road trips in his Jeep Wrangler.

On August 21, 1998, Matt fulfilled an ambition of his youth and volunteered to serve his country as a soldier in the United States Army Reserves, graduated with honors as a Food Service Specialist (92G) on February 5, 1999, and then returned to Bloomsburg University to continue his studies.

In November 2001, Matt interrupted his schooling to enlist for Active Duty and reported to the Medical Academy of the Army at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, to reclassify as a Combat Medic (91W). He graduated on April 9, 2002, then immediately attended Basic Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA, graduating on May 10. On June 13, 2002, he was assigned to Treatment Platoon, Charlie (Medical) Company, 82nd Forward Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC.

Less than one month later, on July 10, 2002, Matt deployed with his Unit, as part of Task Force Panther, 3 BCT, 82nd ABN DIV to Kandahar, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Matt worked in the Advanced Trauma and Life Support Unit, in the patient hold, and provided medical support on missions. The Company also conducted Medical Civilian Assistance Programs for the local population, many of whom had never seen a doctor in their lifetime.

In November 2002, Matt was hand-picked by the Company leadership to man the Aid Station at FOB Salerno, near Khowst. The 82nd had taken the position over from Special Forces in July, and the FOB was built up to Company size by then. Conditions were spartan, and the medical complement was small. Matt performed multiple duties at Salerno: as NCOIC of the aid station (even though he was E-4), as an additional operation room tech for the FST, and as an assistant flight medic for the MEDEVAC Team. The 3rd Brigade returned to Fort Bragg on January 5, 2003.

Just six months later, on August 10, 2003, the 3rd Brigade again deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In February 2004, Matt appeared before a Promotion Board and was asked to assume Squad Leader position in the EVAC Platoon. On the evening of March 20, 2004, five days from returning home, Matt and LTC Mark Taylor, MD, were killed in action by enemy rocket fire that targeted the medical facility at FOB Sainte Mere Eglise, (Camp Fallujah) near Al Fallujah, Iraq. Six other medics were wounded.

The Taylor/Sandri Medical Training Center, a state of the art medical training facility at Fort Bragg, NC, was dedicated on December 12, 2008, in honor of Matt and Doc Taylor. The TSMTC is Fort Bragg’s primary facility for medical education and training, offering courses including: National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT), Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), Medical Education and Demonstration of Individual Competence (MEDIC), Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Saver (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Saver (PALS), Brigade Combat Team Trauma Training (BCT3), Critical Care Evacuation Skills Course (CCESC), Medical Trauma Lanes, and Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) Training. Located on Gruber Road, the facility’s dynamic instructional platform is used by the 82nd Airborne Division, 18th Airborne Corps, and the Special Forces community.

Also at Fort Bragg, the Paratrooper medics of Charlie Company staff operate the Taylor/Sandri Aid Station in the 3rd Brigade area. It is the primary location for medical treatment, first aid, and sick call.

Our family has kept in direct contact with the staff and leadership of the TSMTC, and with the paratroopers of Matt’s Company, visiting Fort Bragg at least once a year. As the last piece of American soil which Matt walked upon, the “Home of the Airborne” is a place where part of our hearts will always remain.

Character Strength Stories:

Fairness - Matt detested bullies, as he was often picked on when he was little. In high school, he was an athlete who was friends with just about everyone. If he found out someone was being bullied, he would befriend the student being picked on so they didn't feel so alone, and if the bullying continued he would confront the problem directly.

Kindness - Matt was one of the kindest people I knew. He was the oldest and I was the youngest, separated by 16 years. I imagine being 23 and spending time with your 7-year-old sister isn't the highest thing on one's list of favorite things to do, but if that were the case for Matt, I never felt it. He never hesitated to take me on car rides or let me play around in his brand new Jeep.

Teamwork - When Matt was in high school he joined the football team without ever playing. It was his sense of teamwork and wanting to be a part of something that led him to join the team and work to be better for the team.

-Submitted by Bob, Surviving Father and Lydia, Surviving Sister

About Travis Manion Foundation

Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) is a national nonprofit that invests in veterans and families of the fallen to lead and serve in communities. Named in honor of 1stLt Travis Manion, USMC, who gave the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq in 2007, TMF is guided by the five words he said before his second and final deployment, “If Not Me, Then Who….”

Through veteran-led service, youth mentorship, and leadership programs, TMF empowers veterans to find renewed purpose and inspires Americans to honor fallen heroes through service. Explore ways to get involved with TMF. Your support helps ensure that the legacy of our nation’s fallen heroes lives on through continued service and leadership in communities across the country. Consider making a donation to support this mission.