Sixteen years before his tragic demise, Master Sgt. Matthew Livelsberger, known fondly as the “Candy Man,” made a significant impact during his service in Afghanistan. On New Year's Day 2024, he fatally shot himself and detonated low-grade explosives outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, marking a heartbreaking end to a life filled with acts of kindness and heroism in the face of adversity.

Livelsberger's notable compassion for Afghan children began during his deployment in 2009 when he orchestrated a charity drive, sending 200 stuffed animals, 100 notebooks, and 50 sets of crayons from his hometown in Ohio to the war-torn region. Expressing his commitment, he wrote in an email to The Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum, “I promise you it will be in the hands of a child in need that would not receive it otherwise” (The Daily Beast).

In a dangerous environment, Livelsberger took risks to bring joy to local children. His initiative earned him the nickname "Candy Man," as he distributed sweets to those living amidst conflict. “He loved the kids and the kids loved him,” recalled Fardin Fetwat, Livelsberger’s interpreter, who witnessed firsthand the soldier's heartwarming interactions and protective instincts during combat missions (India Times).

Livelsberger's selflessness extended beyond charity. During intense firefights, he not only defended his fellow soldiers but also ensured the safety of those around him. Fetwat vividly recounted how Livelsberger once saved his life during a mortar attack. "He saved my life," he said, highlighting the deep bond they had formed under perilous circumstances.

After returning from his deployments, Livelsberger struggled with mental health issues, stemming from his experiences in combat. Despite his commendations, including five Bronze Stars for valor, he battled with PTSD and traumatic brain injury, conditions stemming from repeated exposure to combat stress and blasts. His journey mirrored the struggles many veterans face returning home.

In his final moments, Livelsberger attempted to articulate his pain through a disturbing act. On the day of his suicide, he set off explosives in a rental Tesla Cybertruck, which injured seven but, fortunately, did not result in any fatalities. His motives became clearer through notes found on his phone, where he expressed, “This was not a terrorist attack... It was a wake-up call” (*The Daily Beast*).

Moreover, details emerged surrounding his involvement in a controversial airstrike during a 2019 deployment, which led to numerous civilian casualties, including children. "I needed to cleanse my mind of the brothers I’ve lost and relieve myself of the burden of the lives I took," he articulated in his writings before the tragic incident. The United Nations subsequently reported that his actions, targeting methamphetamine labs, had resulted in 39 civilian deaths amid questioning the ethical implications of military operations in such contexts.

Matthew Livelsberger transformed from a dedicated soldier who brought happiness to children in Afghanistan into a tragic figure whose end serves as a poignant reminder of the silent battles many veterans endure long after returning home.

For further details, please visit the original articles from The Daily Beast and India Times.