Obituary of Matthew Joseph Kuglics

Staff Sergeant Matthew Joseph Kuglics, USAF Matthew Joseph Kuglics, 25, of Green, Ohio died in combat Tuesday, June 5, 2007 on his second tour in Kirkuk, Iraq. Matthew was born in Akron, Ohio and grew up in Green, Ohio. He graduated from Green High School in 2000. He enlisted in the United States Air Force to serve his country. Upon graduation from basic and technical training, he was assigned to the 726th Air Control Squadron, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, to hone his skills as a satellite and wideband communications apprentice. In January of 2003, Sergeant Kuglics was selected for a short tour assignment to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. He was assigned to the 51st Communications Squadron, where he performed a multitude of duties in the communications career field. Being one to always look for a challenge, Sergeant Kuglics applied and was selected to cross-train into the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Upon completion of the AFOSI Academy, he was assigned to Detachment 101, Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio. While there, he was responsible for various criminal investigations and performed duties across the AFOSI spectrum. In April of 2006, Sergeant Kuglics was deployed to Expeditionary Detachment 2410, Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq, as a counter-intelligence collections agent. Upon completion of his deployment, he received his final active duty assignment to Detachment 352, Antiterrorism Specialty Team, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. After his arrival to the team, Sergeant Kuglics volunteered for his second tour to Expeditionary Detachment 2410, Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq. On june 5, 2007, Sergeant Kuglics was killed in action by a roadside improvised explosive device while performing duties for his country. Matthew was a caring and loving person with a heart of gold. He always put others before himself and had the ability to bring smiles to all. His laugh was infectious and could fill the room. Matthew's motto was "no worries, no regrets". His life was short but he touched many. He was the best son and big brother. He is survived by his beloved parents Les and Donna Kuglics and his sister and best friend Emily Elizabeth Kuglics. He is also survived by grandparents Marvin and Mary Ann Roberts of Scottsdale, AZ and Lewis and Teresa Kuglics of Uniontown, OH; uncles and aunts Dale and Beverly Roberts of Columbia, IL, Gary and Kathleen Roberts of Sharon Center, Diane and Joseph Norka of Linden, IA, Dean and Julie Roberts of Akron, OH, Mark and Beverly Roberts of Manchester, OH, Karl and Lori Roberts of Akron, OH., Mary and Roger Phillips of Tallmadge, OH; twenty cousins including cousin LCPL David A. Roberts, USMC, Iraq; "Aunts" Chris Cheronis and Carol McCoy; special Texas friends and a host of others; and was preceded in death by his cousin Ian Joseph Norka. The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 12, 2007 from 2 to 8pm at the Green High School Auditorium (please use the auditorium entrance), 1474 Boettler Rd. in Green. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday June 13, 2007 at 10:00am at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 1800 Steese Rd. in Green. Procession will form at the church. Interment will follow at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery will full military honors. The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Matthew Kuglics Memorial Fund at any First Merit Bank Branch or by mail c/o First Merit Bank, 3770 Massillon Rd. Uniontown, OH 44685 . In Matthew's memory share kindness to those in need. And take time to thank those currently serving and the Veterans who have served our country and always remember our fallen heroes. (Anthony and Biscan, 330-724-1281, www.kakfh.com) (Anthony and Biscan, 330-724-1281, www.kakfh.com)