WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) and David Cicilline (D-RI) applauded House passage of legislation designating the post office in Saunderstown, Rhode Island, as the “Captain Matthew J. August Post Office.”

“Captain August made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, and I am humbled to be able honor his memory with this post office dedication,” said Langevin. “He served Rhode Island and our nation with distinction, and this bill will help memorialize his brave legacy in his hometown.”

“Army Captain Matthew J. August was a proud Rhode Islander who laid down his life for our country during Operation Iraqi Freedom,” said Cicilline. “I am pleased that this bill to create a permanent memorial to his life is now one step closer to becoming law.”

Army Captain Matthew J. August was born and raised in North Kingstown, where he attended local schools and graduated from Bishop Hendricken High School in 1993. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1997 and deployed to Iraq in 2003 in command of B Company, 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division attached to the 82nd Airborne.

On January 27, 2004, Captain August was killed in action leading his company on a mission to find and destroy munitions in Khalidya, Iraq, when his convoy was ambushed. He was the first Rhode Islander to be killed in action in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Captain August was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medals and Combat Action Badge. During his career, he also received the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaves, National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service and Overseas Service Ribbons.

Captain August is survived by his parents, Donna and Richard August; his brother, Brig. Gen. Mark August, USAF; his sister, Melanie Cargilo, and their families.

“Matthew gave his life to make the world safer for future generations,” said Richard and Donna August. “We couldn’t be more proud of Matthew, and we want to thank our Congressional leaders for ensuring his memory is never forgotten.”

The bill, S. 3414, was introduced by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) on September 6, 2018, and cosponsored by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). Congressman Langevin introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives the same day, which was cosponsored by Congressman Cicilline.  S.3414 passed the Senate on November 15, 2018, and will now go to the President’s desk for his signature.