Last Updated on March 23, 2022 by Grissom Air Reserve Base
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., — One of four Marines that died March 18, in a training flight in Norway was from Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Capt. Matthew J. Tomkiewicz served as an MV-22B Osprey pilot with the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing stationed on Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina.
He and three others died south of Bodo, Norway while training in support of Exercise Cold Response 2022.
His family released the following statement:
“Matthew provided the most selfless, patient and calming presence. He was his wife’s best friend, protector and peace.
He lit up every room with smiles and laughter – bringing humor with his quick wit.
He was humble, dedicated and proud to serve his country. He was a husband, son, a brother, a dog-dad but also the best friend to so many.
The void we hold in our hearts will be glued back together with the shared memories of friends and family as we begin to accept our new reality.
We send our deepest condolences to all the families involved in this awful tragedy.
He was without a doubt the world’s biggest Purdue and Colts fan and would want us to say – Boiler Up and Go Colts!”
Tomkiewicz joined the Marine Corps on July 18, 2015.
His decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
In a 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force Release, the Marines said numerous NATO Allies and partner nations offered an outpouring of operational support during and following the incident.
Specifically, the Royal Norwegian Air Force, Hoved Rednig Ssentralen – a civil emergency rescue and response organization, Royal Norwegian Navy, Norwegian Joint Headquarters, Norway’s 330 Squadron, and various civil authorities.
In addition to Norway, offers of support were provided by Italian, The Netherlands, and United Kingdom military forces.
SOURCE: News release from Grissom Air Reserve Base