Air Force ROTC cadet Virginia Tech shooting victim

  • Published
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNEWS) --  An Air Force ROTC cadet was officially identified April 18 by Virginia Polytechnic Institute officials as one of the 32 students and faculty killed during the shooting incident at the school April 16. 

Cadet Matthew La Porte was a sophomore in Air Force ROTC Detachment 875 and the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. 

"Matthew was a professional and hardworking cadet who was dedicated to improving himself in the Air Force ROTC program," said Col. Dan Lentz, commander of ROTC Detachment 875. "He was working hard to prepare for ROTC field training this summer, and he was committed to serving as an officer in the Air Force when he graduated. We mourn his passing as we mourn all of the persons who lost their lives during the shootings. We offer our thoughts and prayers to all those who have suffered during this tragedy." 

Cadet La Porte, from Dumont, N.J., also was a member of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Regimental Band, the Highty-Tighties, and served as his ROTC flight's physical fitness officer. He had earned an ROTC scholarship, majoring in political science. 

"Our deepest sympathies are with Matthew's family and with the families of all the victims of this incident," said Brig. Gen. Alfred Flowers, commander of Air Force Officer Accession and Training Schools, the parent organization for Air Force ROTC, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. 

Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

Click here to view the comments/letters page