U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Pucino, 34, of Cockeysville, died Monday, Nov. 23, in Pashay Kala, Afghanistan.

The Department of Defense reported Tuesday that Pucino died of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

"He was in an all-terrain vehicle when his unit was attacked by an improvised explosive device," said Lt. Col. Charles Kohler of the Maryland National Guard.

Pucino had earned a number of military commendations, including a Bronze Star for meritorious service during a previous tour of duty in Iraq.

Anthony Pucino of Norton, Mass., said his cousin Matthew joined the military in 2002, shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

"He did it to make sure that we were all safe, and he volunteered to go back multiple times," said Anthony Pucino. "He died doing what he loved."

"The family's just trying to get through this tough time, and we hope it will come to an end," Pucino said.
 
Pucino was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), of the Maryland Army National Guard, based in Glen Arm.

Pucino was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in July 2009 as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, Afghanistan.

This was his second deployment; he also served on a deployment to Iraq with the 5th Special Forces Group. He was a special forces intelligence sergeant.

Pucino was a native of Hudson, Mass., about 30 miles from Boston. He graduated from Bishop Stang High School in North Darthmoor in 1993 and held a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Northwestern University.

After enlisting in 2002, he completed the Special Forces Qualification Course and earn the Green Beret as a Special Forces engineer sergeant.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, non-commissioned officer professional development ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Special Forces Tab.

He will be awarded a Purple Heart for his service in Afghanistan, Kohler said.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Pucino family during this most difficult time,” said Brig. Gen. James A. Adkins, adjutant general, in a statement. “It is impossible for most of us to understand the emotional turmoil they must be going through.

“The loss of one of our own is always very difficult, and very little can be said to ease the pain, but we will always remember Staff Sgt. Pucino’s dedication to our nation as we honor his service and sacrifice,” Adkins said.

Pucino is survived by his wife, Crystal, of Clarksville, Tenn., parents, Albert and Kathryn of Orlando, Fla., and sister, Lisa Haglof of Sagamore, Mass.

Pucino is the 11th Maryland Army National Guardsman to lose his life in the war.

Since Sept. 11, 2001, nearly 8,400 Maryland National Guard soldiers and airmen have been called to support mobilizations related to the war.

Members of Patriot Guard Riders, a group which attends veteran funerals at the request of their families, offered condolences to the Pucino family on an online forum Wednesday morning.

"America has lost another hero and defender of the cause," said Howard Shrut from Newton, Mass. "May he rest in peace."

"I am forever grateful for your service to our country. Your service and sacrifices will not be forgotten," said Eric Kuhn of Bartlett, Ill.

Tina Irgang of Capital News Service contributed to this story

This story has been updated.

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