Matthew Roland Foundation

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United States
Lexington, KY
Matthew Roland Foundation

Established to Honor the Memory and Legacy of Captain Matthew Roland, USAF, KIA, Afghanistan, 8/26/15 Captain Matthew D. Capt.

Roland
December 24, 1987 – August 26, 2015

In Honor of his service and sacrifice the Foundation's primary areas of support are:

1. Lexington Catholic High School, Lexington Kentucky; Matthew Roland Memorial Scholarship, an annual one-time college scholarship awarded to LCHS graduate who exemplifies the characteristics of servant leadership and whose parent or guardian is a military veteran.
2. T

he Air Force Academy Sandhurst Team, a non-varsity club team that participates in inter-service and international military competition.
3. The Intrepid Teen Leadership Camp Gold Star youth scholarships.
4. Supporting Gold Star Families, service members, military families, and survivor support. We are a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. Captain Matthew Roland, was an Air Force Special Tactics Officer assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla. He was killed Aug. 26, 2015 when two Afghan National Defense and Security Forces individuals opened fire on a convoy he was leading at a checkpoint near Camp Antonik, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Roland posthumously received the Silver Star medal for heroically giving his last full measure to save the lives of his teammates. They had just completed 36 hours of airfield operations receiving special operations forces who had just arrived at the forward operating base during a surge into the Helmand Province as part of NATO’s Operation Resolute Support. Because he knew the way Captain Roland volunteered to drive the bus back to their operating location. They cleared the first two checkpoints and reaching the third he stopped the bus. Their Afghan interpreter approached the two guards. The first guard raised his M-16 five feet from the driver’s window and opened fire as the second guard moved to a belt feed machine gun. Recognizing the imminent threat Capt Roland gave his convoy enough time to react to the insider attack with a radio call. Simultaneously, he knowingly put himself in the line of fire by moving the bus to protect the vehicle occupants, giving them precious time to react and neutralize both gunmen. He was born at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. He was an avid Cross Country runner and active Boy Scout, earning the Eagle Scout award in 2002. Graduating from Lexington Catholic High School High School in 2006 he was accepted to the United States Air Force Academy class of 2010. Captain Roland joined the Academy Sandhurst Team and competed with sister service academy teams at West Point. He served as the Sandhurst Team Captain his senior year.

05/26/2026

Never Forget; Say His Name.
August 26, 2015 Afghanistan

05/03/2026

USAFA stood strong against fierce competion finishing in sixth place.
Congratulations!
TINAGDTBAP

05/02/2026

The Air Force Academy Team is standing tough after day 1.
TINAGDTBAP

Results are in for Day 1 at .

See where teams stand after all 8 lanes and the ruck march.

02/28/2026

OVN Falllen Heroes Tribute Project Update: In 2026, Operation Vet NOW and Scheuring Speed Sports continue a powerful joint mission — to elevate the stories of America’s fallen heroes and ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.

Scheuring Speed Sports is a world-class professional race team. But beyond championships and podiums, they set a higher standard — using their national platform to carry the names of our heroes across tracks throughout north america.

This season, we honor Captain Matthew Roland, USAF — KIA August 26, 2015.

Captain Roland was a United States Air Force Special Tactics Officer/Combat Controller and leader who gave his life in service to our nation. His name will ride all season long — not quietly, but boldly — in front of thousands.

We ask everyone who sees this:
Search his name.
Read his story.
Tell someone about his courage and commitment to this country.

And if you are moved by his story, we encourage you to support the mission that continues in his name by donating to the Matthew Roland Foundation:
https://www.matthewrolandfoundation.org/

Elevating stories like his to this level would not be possible without the partnership of Scheuring Speed Sports and their willingness to open their platform in tribute.

This is the OVN Fallen Heroes Tribute Project.
We race with purpose. We remember with intention. We'd like to incude a special thank you to the Snocross series.
First There U.S.A.F. Combat Control

11/10/2025

I had the honor to present $2000.00 to the Air Force Academy Sandhurst Team from The Matthew Roland Foundation.
This donation is to aid them in equipping and training to compete at the annual international Sandhurst Competion at West Point.
I had the pleasure to spend time speaking with these outstanding, highly motivated future leaders of our United States Air Force.

10/31/2025

Every year, the Air Force Falcons and Army Black Knights meet in one of college football's fiercest rivalries, a contest built on tradition, service, and sac...

08/26/2025

10 years
You are Never Forgotten. You are missed every day.

06/04/2025

Family and friends Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery.
Never Forget.

05/24/2025

We proudly awarded this year's Captain Matthew Roland Memorial Scholarship to Lexington Catholic Senior Isabella B.
Isabella is the daughter of a retired US Marine, granddaughter of a Marine Corp veteran and granddaughter of a WWII Army Air Corp veteran. She will be attending the University of Kentucky in the Fall

05/15/2025

Strong showing by the USAFA Sandhurst Team at West Point.
Placed 7th out of 48 competing teams. It was a tough competition and a great showing be the outstanding Cadets and future leaders of our Air Force.

Address

732 Old Mill Lane
Lexington, KY
40514

Telephone

+18594923519

Website

http://matthewrolandfoundation.org/

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