MP follows family tradition of service at Fort Campbell

Written by Sgt. Neysa Canfield
101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

Fort Campbell, KY – The military lifestyle is nothing new to Matthew Lassitter, also known as Cpl. Lassitter, a military police specialist with 218th Military Police Company, 716th Military Police Battalion. In 2012 he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps, and he enlisted in the U.S. Army. So, when it came time to re-enlist he didn’t hesitate to ask his father to do the honors.

Col. Doyle Lassitter accepted his son’s request and the ceremony was conducted at the 716th MP Bn. motor pool on Fort Campbell, KY, April 18th.

Like Cpl. Lassitter, deciding to enlist in the U.S. Army was greatly influenced by family for Col. Lassitter.

“I was motivated to join the Army by the example of my father’s service,” said Col. Lassiter, the commander for Distribution Management Center, Army Sustainment Command. “He served during the Korean War and continued his service as a Department of the Navy civilian for 35 years.”

The Lassitter military history ranges back to the original guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They had family service in the Navy and Marines as well. Like Col. and Cpl. Lassitter they have family members currently serving in both the U.S. Army and Marine Corps.

“I was what they call a military brat growing up,” said Cpl. Lassitter. “Growing up joining the military wasn’t something I wanted to do. I ultimately had to decide to what my next step would be. Having seen my father’s experience and my family’s history in the military helped me make my decision.”

In 2012, when Cpl. Lassitter enlisted into the U.S. Army his father was there to support him.

“I had the honor of conducting Matthew’s initial entry oath,” said Col. Lassitter. “His mother and I have tried to take part in each event in his career so far. We attended his Advanced Individual Training, Air Assault and Basic Leaders Course graduation.”

Christine Lassitter, Cpl. Lassitter’s mother, stated how extremely proud she is of her son for enlisting and making the decision to continue to serve his country.

“Matthew is not new to the Fort Campbell area,” said Christine. “He was a dependent during the three times his father served here.”

Col. Lassitter served all three times under the 129th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion and even commanded the battalion during his last years on Fort Campbell, KY.

“I like sharing experiences like this with my father,” said Cpl. Lassitter. “They have been supportive since the day I decided to enlist and through my first deployment.”

Cpl. Lassitter has served four years all under the 101st Airborne Division and signed up for four more years. He will stay on Fort Campbell, KY, with his lovely wife Kristie Lassitter, also a Soldier on Fort Campbell, KY.

“As an officer it’s a privilege to recognize a Soldier’s outstanding performance of duty, be part of a Soldiers career progression and continued selfless service to our nation’s Army,” said Col. Lassitter. “As a father it makes me extremely proud that he desired to continue to serve. Being a Soldier is an honor and a calling. Everyone is not cut out to serve and to have your son willing to continue this selfless profession is an honor.”