Matthew Branstetter recently graduated from the Oregon Army National Guard Officer Candidate School and promoted to the grade of second lieutenant. He has served 10 years in the Oregon National Guard and was a staff sergeant prior to enrolling in the year-long course.
His service has included a tour of duty in Iraq in 2005 – 2006, a deployment to New Orleans for post-Katrina security and support for forest fire service in Oregon.
During the graduation ceremony Branstetter was presented with the Silver Saber Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership during the course.
Additionally, he was voted by his peers to be the recipient of the Major General Thomas Rilea Award as the most inspirational officer candidate. He was also presented with the Outstanding Graduate Award for being first in his class in both academics and leadership.
Branstetter will be assigned to the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment in Roseburg following the completion of his Basic Officer Leader Course at Ft. Benning, Ga.
His parents; LTC USA (ret) Mason Branstetter and Marcia of Silverton, participated in the traditional “pinning” on the gold bars during the ceremony. The event was attended by many family members, including his grandmother, Norma Jean Branstetter of Silverton.
Branstetter resides in Silverton with his wife, Jenny, and son, Matthew. He is in his last year of the computer engineering degree program at Portland State University.
