U.S. Air Force Academy, Special Tactics Gold Star Family to Be Honored during the Air Force Falcons vs Army Knights Football Game at Falcon Stadium
10/30/2025 8:21:00 AM | Football
Every year, the Air Force Falcons and Army Black Knights meet in one of college football's fiercest rivalries, a contest built on tradition, service, and sacrifice. But this year, that game will carry a deeper meaning.
During the matchup, the Air Force Academy will pause to honor a family whose love, courage, and continued service embody the very core of what it means to live with Service Before Self.
"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.
A 2010 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Captain Roland served as a Special Tactics Officer with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, 720th Special Tactics Group, 24th Special Operations Wing. On August 26, 2015, while deployed to Afghanistan, he was killed-in-action alongside Air Force Combat Controller Staff Sergeant Forrest B. Sibley. When their convoy was ambushed at an Afghan checkpoint, Capt Roland's quick actions to warn his teammates and attempt to move their vehicle out of the kill zone saved lives. For his heroism and ultimate sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal.
In the years since his passing, Matt's parents, Mark and Barbara Roland, have carried forward his legacy through the Matthew Roland Foundation. Guided by the same servant-leadership principles that defined Matt's life, their foundation has awarded scholarships supporting academic excellence, athletic competition, and leadership development. To date, they've raised more than $20,000 and funded 18 scholarships for young people who strive to lead with purpose. Their mission, to build servant leaders and strengthen communities, ensures that Captain Roland's courage and character continue to inspire others.
The award the Rolands will receive carries the name of another Air Force hero, Master Sergeant John A. Chapman, a U.S. Air Force Combat Controller who gave his life in Afghanistan on March 4, 2002. During the Battle of Takur Ghar, Chapman and his team came under heavy enemy fire after their helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. Despite being wounded, he fought alone at close range against multiple insurgents to protect his teammates, saving the lives of others before ultimately giving his own. For his extraordinary heroism, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the first Special Tactics Airman and the only Airman to receive it in over 50 years.
The Master Sergeant John A. Chapman 'Service Before Self' Award honors those who exemplify the same courage, devotion, and selflessness that defined his final actions. The Roland Family's selection reflects both Captain Roland's heroism and the family's enduring commitment to uplifting others in his name.
On November 1, 2025, during the Air Force vs. Army football game at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, the Combat Control Foundation will recognize the Roland Family for their extraordinary example of faith, strength, and service, a tribute not only to Captain Matthew D. Roland's sacrifice but to the lasting legacy of two Air Force heroes whose lives continue to inspire generations to serve with purpose, courage, and heart.
About Combat Control Foundation – EIN: 83-3980682
Since its inception in 2021, the Combat Control Foundation has invested more than $1 million directly into programs supporting the Combat Control community. In 2024 alone, the foundation provided assistance to over 3,100 Combat Controllers and their families, and in 2025 more than $209,000 dedicated to its First There programs.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Combat Control Foundation serves all generations of U.S. Air Force Combat Controllers, their families, and the broader special operations community. Through its First There programs, Resilience, Wellness, Education, and Heritage, the foundation provides vital resources, care, and recognition to those who have served in some of the military's most demanding roles.
For more information, visit CombatControlFoundation.org
For details about the Rolands and Captain Matthew D. Roland, as well as photos and quick facts about the Master Sergeant John A. Chapman "Service Before Self" Award, please visit: https://www.combatcontrolfoundation.org/sbs
During the matchup, the Air Force Academy will pause to honor a family whose love, courage, and continued service embody the very core of what it means to live with Service Before Self.
"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.
A 2010 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Captain Roland served as a Special Tactics Officer with the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron, 720th Special Tactics Group, 24th Special Operations Wing. On August 26, 2015, while deployed to Afghanistan, he was killed-in-action alongside Air Force Combat Controller Staff Sergeant Forrest B. Sibley. When their convoy was ambushed at an Afghan checkpoint, Capt Roland's quick actions to warn his teammates and attempt to move their vehicle out of the kill zone saved lives. For his heroism and ultimate sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star Medal.
In the years since his passing, Matt's parents, Mark and Barbara Roland, have carried forward his legacy through the Matthew Roland Foundation. Guided by the same servant-leadership principles that defined Matt's life, their foundation has awarded scholarships supporting academic excellence, athletic competition, and leadership development. To date, they've raised more than $20,000 and funded 18 scholarships for young people who strive to lead with purpose. Their mission, to build servant leaders and strengthen communities, ensures that Captain Roland's courage and character continue to inspire others.
The award the Rolands will receive carries the name of another Air Force hero, Master Sergeant John A. Chapman, a U.S. Air Force Combat Controller who gave his life in Afghanistan on March 4, 2002. During the Battle of Takur Ghar, Chapman and his team came under heavy enemy fire after their helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. Despite being wounded, he fought alone at close range against multiple insurgents to protect his teammates, saving the lives of others before ultimately giving his own. For his extraordinary heroism, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the first Special Tactics Airman and the only Airman to receive it in over 50 years.
The Master Sergeant John A. Chapman 'Service Before Self' Award honors those who exemplify the same courage, devotion, and selflessness that defined his final actions. The Roland Family's selection reflects both Captain Roland's heroism and the family's enduring commitment to uplifting others in his name.
On November 1, 2025, during the Air Force vs. Army football game at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, the Combat Control Foundation will recognize the Roland Family for their extraordinary example of faith, strength, and service, a tribute not only to Captain Matthew D. Roland's sacrifice but to the lasting legacy of two Air Force heroes whose lives continue to inspire generations to serve with purpose, courage, and heart.
About Combat Control Foundation – EIN: 83-3980682
Since its inception in 2021, the Combat Control Foundation has invested more than $1 million directly into programs supporting the Combat Control community. In 2024 alone, the foundation provided assistance to over 3,100 Combat Controllers and their families, and in 2025 more than $209,000 dedicated to its First There programs.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Combat Control Foundation serves all generations of U.S. Air Force Combat Controllers, their families, and the broader special operations community. Through its First There programs, Resilience, Wellness, Education, and Heritage, the foundation provides vital resources, care, and recognition to those who have served in some of the military's most demanding roles.
For more information, visit CombatControlFoundation.org
For details about the Rolands and Captain Matthew D. Roland, as well as photos and quick facts about the Master Sergeant John A. Chapman "Service Before Self" Award, please visit: https://www.combatcontrolfoundation.org/sbs
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