The upcoming football game between the Air Force Falcons and the Army Black Knights at Falcon Stadium will feature a special ceremony to honor an Air Force Special Tactics Gold Star family. The event, taking place on November 1, 2025, is set to recognize the Roland Family for their continued service and dedication following the loss of their son, Captain Matthew D. Roland.
“In a special on-field ceremony, The Combat Control Foundation and members of the Chapman family will present the 2025 Master Sergeant John A. Chapman ‘Service Before Self’ Award to the Roland Family, an Air Force Special Tactics Gold Star Family, recognizing their unwavering dedication to preserving the legacy of their son, Captain Matthew D. Roland.”
Captain Roland graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 2010 and served as a Special Tactics Officer with multiple units. He was killed in action on August 26, 2015, during deployment in Afghanistan when his convoy was ambushed at a checkpoint. His actions helped save fellow service members by warning them and attempting to move their vehicle out of danger. For his efforts and sacrifice, he received the Silver Star Medal posthumously.
After his death, Mark and Barbara Roland established the Matthew Roland Foundation to continue his legacy by supporting young people through scholarships focused on leadership development and academic achievement. To date, they have raised over $20,000 and funded 18 scholarships aimed at building servant leaders within communities.
The award presented to the Rolands is named after Master Sergeant John A. Chapman, another U.S. Air Force hero who lost his life during combat operations in Afghanistan in March 2002. Chapman was recognized for extraordinary heroism during intense enemy fire that ultimately led to him being awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.
The selection of the Roland Family for this award highlights both Captain Roland’s actions in Afghanistan and his family’s ongoing commitment to supporting others through charitable work.
On November 1st at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, representatives from The Combat Control Foundation will formally acknowledge these contributions as part of game-day activities between Air Force and Army.
The Combat Control Foundation has provided more than $1 million since its founding in support of Combat Controllers and their families through programs focusing on resilience, wellness, education, and heritage initiatives since its establishment in 2021. In recent years alone it has assisted thousands within this community with significant financial investment dedicated specifically toward support services.
For additional information about The Combat Control Foundation or details regarding Captain Matthew D. Roland’s story or photos related to this recognition event visit https://www.combatcontrolfoundation.org/sbs
