Sergeant Matthew Byrd
(U.S. Army / Army National Guard – Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran)
Sergeant Matthew Byrd is a proud graduate of Lovington High School, Class of 2005, and a dedicated veteran whose service embodies courage, loyalty, and devotion to both his country and community.
Matthew began his military journey by enlisting in the United States Army in December 2004. In May 2005, he reported to Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he successfully completed Basic Combat Training. Following his training, he returned home to New Mexico and joined the 920th Engineer Company of the Army National Guard, based in Hobbs, New Mexico.
Throughout his career, Sergeant Byrd served with distinction in both domestic and international missions. He deployed to Germany in 2006 and later to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010, where he supported Operation Enduring Freedom. His role as an engineer placed him on the front lines of construction, logistics, and combat support — critical operations that kept his fellow soldiers supplied and protected.
In addition to his overseas deployments, Sergeant Byrd participated in numerous humanitarian and homeland missions, including disaster response during the Ruidoso floods, hurricane relief operations, and federal border missions. Whether building, defending, or assisting in times of crisis, he served with humility and unwavering professionalism.
For his honorable and outstanding service, Sergeant Matthew Byrd received multiple commendations, including:
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Army Good Conduct Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Army Service Ribbon
- Overseas Service Ribbon
- Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon
- Combat Action Badge
- NATO Medal
- Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device
- Driver and Mechanic Badge with “S” (Special Equipment) and Operator Clasp
Matthew achieved the rank of Sergeant (E-5) before receiving an honorable discharge in 2011.
After completing his military service, Sergeant Byrd returned home to Lovington, New Mexico, where he continues to serve his community with the same commitment he showed in uniform. In 2012, he married his wife, Alyssa, and together they are raising their two children, Landon and Lyle.
We honor Sergeant Matthew Byrd for his faithful service to the United States Army and Army National Guard, his bravery in combat, and his lifelong dedication to his family, his community, and his country. His story is one of service, strength, and sacrifice — a true American soldier.