Lt Col Matthew Kyle Anderson
Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Kyle Anderson, “Macho” – was born at Ellsworth AFB, SD on February 18th, 1986. His love for airplanes was noticed at a very young age. He spent his early childhood in Monument, CO and moved to Rapid City, SD during his sixth-grade year. He excelled as an athlete and even today holds the state record for the 4x200 meter relay at Stevens High School.
Matt received a scholarship to play football at South Dakota State University (SDSU), the Jackrabbits, number 41. He was a tight end and truly embodied the team’s motto ‘’Last Play.” One of the games he was most proud of winning occurred his senior year when the Jackrabbits stunned the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison giving them their only blemish of the season and earning the Dakota Marker. Following a successful football stint, and completion of his Aeronautics Education degree, he made the difficult decision to leave early with a year of eligibility left to join the Air Force, which he felt was his calling after the events of 9/11.
Named in honor of Air Commando legend Colonel James Kyle, Matthew Kyle Anderson’s destiny to go down in history amongst famed military aviators was ostensibly sealed as the ink dried on his birth certificate. His expansive flying career began at SDSU while teaching the basics of stick-and-rudder as a Flight Instructor. Following graduation from Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training (ENJJPT), Matt was assigned to the F-15C. Despite great hands and excellent progression, his time in the F- 15C was short-lived as Matt then chose the path to the U-28A and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), partly due to the legacy passed from his father, Wayne Anderson’s exploits during Vietnam and beyond.
While accumulating thousands of combat hours and successful missions, his acclaimed flying acumen and proven combat leadership skills propelled him to be hand- selected to lead the U-28A Weapons Instructor Course.
While there, he thrived in his most cherished role, integrating warfighter communities and mentoring young pilots and combat systems officers to achieve their highest potential as professional aviators with a sharp warrior mindset. Remembered for his affable nature, quick wit, and ability to connect on a personal level, he received multiple Top Instructor awards based on his unmatched ability to connect and engage with his students.
In part due to a broad base of knowledge, he was selected as Air Force Materiel Command’s U-28A Command Chief Pilot (CCP), assigned to the 661st Aeronautical Systems Squadron in Denver. There, he led efforts to design, test and validate cutting edge and combat critical equipment, tactics, and procedures for a broad range of Special Operations Aircraft. After promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, he became the squadron Director of Operations as well. Matt’s battlefield accomplishments and pilot skills knew few rivals, but his military aviation legacy will remain one of a superbly skilled and selfless leader who worked tirelessly to ensure he left those around him more prepared to handle his nation’s call to arms. To his fellow servicemen, until Valhalla.
While Matt put his all into his military calling, he cherished his time with his family. He will be missed deeply by his wife and children including his son who was his shadow, Jolene his “daddy’s girl,” River his scholarly twin and Welzie who would greet him at the door after work. Matt was a loving father, husband and friend. He enjoyed many activities with his children including watching their sporting events, trips to Disney and jumping on the trampoline.
In his free time, he was actively involved in the Jackrabbits Former Players Association (JFPA). He enjoyed watching the team win the national title the past two years with his good friends.
Matt leaves behind his loving wife of almost 13 years, Allie Houser and four devoted children River, Jolene, Aksel and Welzie Kyle. He also grew up in a blended family that he was very close with, Todd (Mimie) Hall, Jill Anderson, Jamie Anderson (Shanna), Tara (Tyler) King, and Josh Boos; his parents, Wayne and Sandy Anderson of Rapid City; and many nieces and nephews that he considered siblings including Marisa, Connor and Megan King; Taylor Boos; Dylan, Laurin, and Evan Hall; Jared and Leah Anderson; Amanda, Lauren and Sydney Anderson. He is preceded in death by his nephew Mason Boos, and his grandparents Gordon and Darlene Angel and Carroll and Hope Anderson.
His funeral will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at the Buckley Space Force Base chapel. The livestream link is https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88590101772?pwd=t3eM4G2WPFtkkf9JUqQG9yAcIbSSDb.1
Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024 at Black Hills National Cemetery. A funeral procession will leave Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home at 9:30 a.m.
Following the burial, there will be a luncheon at the Rushmore Hotel, 445 Mt. Rushmore Rd, in Rapid City.
