Matthew Stephen Sluss-Tiller

United States Army Sergeant First Class Matthew Stephen Sluss-Tiller passed away in the line of duty on February 3, 2010 while he was on deployment in Pakistan.

Sluss-Tiller was born in Ashland, Kentucky and grew up in Catlettsburg, Kentucky. He was a happy child, full of energy who loved playing soldier with his G.I. Joe toys and being outside. Sluss-Tiller was an only child. His parents divorced when he was little but he later created good relationships with his step-parents. His hobbies included golfing, hunting, riding four-wheelers or off road vehicles, swimming, bike riding and exercising to stay fit. He also loved learning and speaking several languages, including Arabic. Sluss-Tiller met his wife, Melissa, in the 8th grade. They were friends for a long time before they started dating in their junior year of high school.

Sluss-Tiller was the epitome of what a soldier should be and always had the desire to serve his country. He was brave, determined, hardworking, compassionate and an outstanding leader who was well respected. When he walked in, he commanded every room, inspiring and impressing those around him. In 1991, while in high school, he joined the reserves and went on active duty in 1993 when he graduated. Sluss-Tiller never complained and gave over one-hundred percent everyday of his service to our country. His goal while in the service always revolved around being the best soldier possible, continuously challenging himself. He would change MOS’s and units, joining more elite units. Sluss-Tiller strived to make a difference in the world, and he made sure to push himself. Throughout his career, Sluss-Tiller had many accomplishments. After his passing, he was awarded a Purple Heart and two bronze stars, as well as multiple recognitions, including street names to bridges named in his honor.

Melissa and her daughter currently live in Kentucky. Hannah, their daughter, was only three years old when her father was killed. She continues to be Melissa’s hero as well, very similar to her dad. Hannah is brave, fiercely determined, kind, loving, talented and smart. Melissa has the privilege of being Hannah’s mom who is a beautiful part of her husband. Melissa enjoys arts and crafts, listening to music, gardening and reading books, including novels and the Bible. In addition to taking care of her daughter, she enjoys being a substitute teacher. In the future, she looks forward to seeing Hannah grow and heal. She’s had the honor of watching Hannah graduate and is now preparing her for college. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s donation of a mortgage-free home means the world to Melissa and Hannah. It has taken some of the stress off of Melissa’s plate, especially to focus on Hannah’s major spinal fusion surgeries. The gift has given Melissa a new direction of life full of hope and possibilities. She would love people to know what a remarkable person her husband was. To Sluss-Tiller, being a soldier was not a job, it was part of who he was. A beautiful person, inside and out, his family and faith were everything to him. To Melissa, it was an honor to be his wife for 16 years and his high school sweetheart. Sluss-Tiller was so proud to be Hannah’s father, and she meant the world to him.

United States Army Sergeant First Class Stephen Sluss-Tiller is survived by his loving wife, Melissa, and his beautiful daughter, Hannah.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage of the Sluss-Tiller family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.