Editor’s note: This tribute is one in a series of reader-submitted tributes to Vietnam War-era veterans that will be posted during April. 

LT. COL. MATT KLOUS, U.S. ARMY

HOMETOWN: Bain-bridge Island; currently residing in Bremerton.

BRANCH: U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve

YEARS OF SERVICE: Enlisted in 1971 and retired in 2012.

HIGHEST RATE OR GRADE ATTAINED: Lieutenant Colonel.

SIGNIFICANT DUTY STATIONS OR DEPLOYMENTS DURING THE VIETNAM WAR: Attended U.S. Military Academy from 1973-77.

POST-WAR CAREER: Telecom manager for the Seattle School District before being recalled to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.