Michael B. Matlock Obituary

You are not forgotten brother. The men of Alpha Company (Hard Rock!) will never forget you, your memory will always live on.

You are forever in my heart my son.

Homeboi! I miss you dude,gone but never ever forgotten

Hello,
We realize that we are very late to express our deepest condolences, but we wanted to let your family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and several of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of Micheal B. Matlock US Army Specialist.

We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families and friends and others who support our mission.

We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.

Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

What up boi? i remember when you first got to A/Co. i was like where u go to basic and u were one of the few that said your company and battalion. we had a lot of good conversations about life and combat. u used to crack me up with your stories, i be like this boi is wild. i miss u homeboi youll never be forgotten your name is tattooed in a dog tag and i will forever carry you with me man.

February 20, 2012
To the family and friends of Spc. Michael B. Matlock:
Always remembering Michael. "Some gave all."

To the family and friends of Spc. Michael B. Matlock:
Please accept my remembrance of Michael on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

To the family and friends of Spc. Michael B. Matlock:
Remembering Michael on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

It has been over a year since we last spoke. I remember it like it was yesterday. That day on 2/20/08, the last thing you ever said to me is "I LOVE YOU" and as I returned those words to you, I had no idea it would be the last thing I would ever hear from you. I would like to acknowledge that you were a great son, brother, man and father. I will forever hold you lovingly in my heart. There is not a day that goes by that I do not miss you. All of the changes I made in my life to be a power of example to you is nothing compared to the joy I received in being a part of your life and in raising you to be a man. I would like for you to know that everything I did to teach you how to be a man is what made me one. You will forever and always be my son.
your Dad Ron Douglas

Thank you Mike for defending my Freedoms. It is because of great American patriots such as you that Americans continue to board airplanes with confidence and the people of this city can live without fear.

You will always be remembered with love and great pride by the grateful nation you served to protect.

Rest in peace.

Pat Shoukry - NYC (6 miles from "Ground Zero")

mike, you have taught me alot even though i never took the opportunity to introduce myself back in 2007. But through your life and the things you have accomplished and your descisions i can comtinue to learn from your life bacause you have led by example what a real man is like. thank you so much for being responsible for your family. you knew little about you but i am fortunate to know so much about you through big ron.

When a person dies, although their body is no longer with us, their life still lives on... In words, in thoughts, in prayers your life is still very much alive. I've never had the pleasure of meeting you, but I know how special you are to your father. I am grateful for the honor to hear about your life in the words of your father, Ron... I hope to one day meet Mike in another life.

Memories are like echoe's. They reflect and amplify the true nature of a thing. Love, Respect,Integrity and Honer are but a few things I hear as your Life is reflected in your Fathers,(Ron's) thoughts and words. It is written that " ...no greater gift can be given that one person would sacrifice his life for another." Thank you Mike for such a precious gift!

He's prepared a place for you, the mystery unfolds.
12 gates of pearl are opening, the streets are paved with gold.
The tree of life within, foundation of precious stones.
Gabrial is playing now, his trumpet calls us home.
We raise up our Holy hands as Jesus leads us in
For these are just the Echoe's of The New Jerusalem!
Byron W

Hey Mike,
I know your Dad, Ron, and from what I hear, you've been a blessing abd he's very proud of you. You have my blessing and please do me a favor and say hello to Jesus for me. I love you.,
Mr. Nick

With my deepest thoughts and sympathy for you Ron and your family I pray that GOD continues to keep you all. May he shower you with peaceful memories and happiness in the thoughts of time shared with Michael all the days of your life. And although I didn't know Mike personally I know of his spirit through you Ron and that alone says a WHOLE lot!!!

Mike, though you have left this place and I'll never get to meet you face to face, I thank you more than words can say for the awesome service you've provided for me and my children and to this country. Your hard work and dedication will never be forgotten nor taken lightly. You've paid the ultimate price and gone on to glory but you shall have no more sleepless nights on the battle field, no more heart ache, no more pain, no more weakness, no more sorrow and no more worries of this troubled ole world.

So my friend rest in GOD's assurance, rejoice, and smile for you are now home!

With much gratitude and a prayerful heart!

THANK YOU SPEC. MATLOCK FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFIC,YOUR MY AMERICAN HERO.
REST IN PEACE.

Father we entrust our brother Michael to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Michael in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathies.

Michael,
Thinking and praying for you on the 1st anniversary of your passing into eternal glory. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends", John 15:13.

To the family of Spc. Michael B. Matlock:
Michael gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

I offer my deepest condolences for your loss

I'm going to miss you Mike even though through the years you drove me crazy I just wanted to let you know I think about you often and I will never forget you. You were the only brother that I ever had.

Love yah Bro,
Tisha

Ron, You have been a Great Friend to me. You have taught me So much in how to raise my son through all the ways you raised your son Mike. Love and understanding. Most of all your Love. Love Ya,

Donna Khiel

Ron: I am blessed in knowing you. You are forever joyous, even in the loss of your son. Without question, you know that he is in a better place. I hope to have the strength, courage and understanding of faith that you so openly share with everyone. Peace. Donna Warden

Ron, It has been close to a year since Mike died. I don't know how you have done what you have done over the past year! You have taken your pain and your love and transformed it into a tool to help so many other people. I believe that my faith in God has grown from having known you- and from knowing Mike through you. With deep gratitude and affection, Kate

Dear Ron & Family,

Michael is a beautiful soul, and our prayers continue for all of you.

Time does not diminish a loss so great, but does enable us to remember to celebrate the life lived.

Know what a terrific father you are and remember the special bond you had with Michael.

With Love & Respect - Gerald & Sylvia

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Spc Matlock and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Spc Matlock!

I'll never forget when I met Mike as a 4 year old kid and Ronny had just gotten him some new sneakers. He had the biggest and brightest smile I've ever seen. He was the happiest kid in the world to have a home, some new sneakers and surrounded by LOVE. As he grew up I'll also never for get his kindness towards my family or his commitment to his own family. The most important lesson I take from his life and death is that even when faced with adversity he kept smiling and never turned to the dark side. He learned that he needed to do the right thing no matter what. We should all be blessed with such a spirit.
I'd like to extend my sympathies to all WHO SHARED HIS LOVE and kind spirit..

I think of Mike often. I have his picture on the dresser with my mom's picture. There is not a day that goes by that i do not look at Mike's picture and relive one of the many fun times we shared. I also remember the times of growth, Mike reaching out for support and guidance. Mike will never be gone because he's alive in my hart. May god bless you all,Breon, Byron, Tiffany, Sheena, and Ron.

Love Roderick A. Black

To Michael Matlock Jr.'s Family and Friends:


I didn't know Michael excpet through his father Ron. Ron talks about how proud he is of Micahel. He always shares pictures of him at the office. Sharing how he grew up into a fine young man, got married to a wonderful women, had a beautiful child and entered the service to serve our country.

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of the sacrifice he made for our country. His picture hangs above my desk.

Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for his family and friends. I can not imagine what you have been going through.

Please know that your family is always in my prayers as well as the other men and women who serve our great country!

May God bless each and evey one of you!

Ron: You have so many reasons to be proud of Michael; his efforts to defend us, the young many he had become. May your memories provide you with much strength.

Hi Mike, I really miss you baby. I went on a retreat this weekend as you know, I was so glad that you were there to talk to me. I had been so depressed since you pass away but you help me put my heart at rest and leave all my grief, stress, anxiety and depression up in those mountains in West Virgina. God has been so good to me over the years and I know he would never do anything to hurt me. He call on of his sons home, I'm sure he must have really needed you for a special job. Mike I will always keep you in my heart and love you dearly. I'll be talking to you often and you can talk to me anytime. I love you and I know I will see you again. God's got you now my son, be good. Mike I will be getting Married in June, I wish you and Theodore had more time to get to know each other. Mike he really loves me and I know you only want me to be happy and I am.

Your Mom!!!!

Thank you for all you have done for this country! God bless you and your family.

Dog may God bless your family now that you are in a better place from 1 Glen Burnie Soldier to another RIP anyone in Michael family who need someone to talk to please feel free to call me at anytime 760-694-5474

SGT Ronald Helmick
US Army
82 Airborne Division

Mike its bj its a shame i couldn't find the courage to do this sooner since the day i found out you were taken from us i felt and still feel responsible for our family and friends losing you. you were always more then a cousin for me and I told you that when ever you needed to here it since we were kids sharing the same bed to when i moved in with you aunt sheena, ronnie and tiff and all the time we spent together in ky
I thank God that I had the chance
to be with you every second. Please watch over me and my son
which whom i named after you the
same way you named yours after
me I love u and will never forget

There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

I would also like to tell you about a website, http://groups.msn.com/SSPSoldierPor
traits/homepage,
where some wonderful people will make wood portraits of your fallen Hero for free for the immediate family. I became aware of this site when I wanted to do something special for Le Ron’s mother.

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett (Queens, NY)

RON &SHEENA,
PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS IN THIS VERY PAINFUL AND TRYING MOMENT IN YOUR LIVES.WE WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSE.WE NEVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING MICHAEL BUT KNOWING BOTH OF YOU I AM SURE HE WAS A WONDERFUL YOUNG MAN.MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND ALWAYS ALLOW YOU TO CHERISH HIS MEMORY.

My heartfelt sympathy to the Matlock family and friends in the loss of Michael. I did not know Michael, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Michael you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~

Hey Mike,
Its me your loving sister, I miss u so much. I would say I cant wait to see you again, but as of yet you have not left. I enjoy your visits and Im blessed everyday to see the little reminders you do everyday to let me know your still around watching over me. I feel more connected now to you than ever. I love you. What happen to you was beyond what my mind could comprehend but Thank God I have this best friend and he tells me every day that you are with him. He promises me that I will get to hold you again. I make sure to take time out everyday to check in with my friend and let him know how Im feeling cause he keeps me grounded~Jesus Christ-where would I be with out you. Anyways Mike I love you and I always will.

A true American hero.God bless Michael and his family.

To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA

Ron & Sheena,
Thank you for letting me watch Michael grow into a man. I first saw Mike as a little tyke, Ron would bring him to the jobsites and pay him to help. This stipend instilled responsibility to both himself and the job at hand.
This dedication to himself and his work was always evident to me and I want to thank you for allowing me to know Mike.
Love,
Willie & Laura g

Ron and Sheena....It is during these times of tribulation that God promises to carry you. We hope you and ALL Mike's loved ones are feeling the comfort of Gods grace...we will pray for him.

HELLO MY NAME IS BRANDI YANEZ MY BROTHER IS PFC JOSHUA A.R. YOUNG HE WAS KILLED JANUARY 28 2008 DURING HIS PATROL IN MOSUL IRAQ..HE WAS HIS BY A IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE HE WAS KILLED WITH 4 OTHER BRAVE MEN...ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT BEING A "GOLD STAR" FAMILY IS SOMTHING THAT I PRAY FOR NOBODY...OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN GIVE US THE RIGHT TO SAY THAT WE ARE FREE...WITH OUT THEM WE ARE NOITHING IM SO SORRY FOR LOSS I TRULY KNOW FIRST HAND THE HORRIBLE FEELING OF A STOLEN LIFE AS MY BROTHER WAS ONLY 21...NOTHING THAT I CAN SAY OR ANYONE CAN SAY WILL EVER MAKE IT BETTER EXCEP..HEAVEN MUST HAVE NEEDED A HERO...

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Ron and Sheena,

I cannot even imagine the pain you are feeling. But, as a parent, I can express my sincere sadness for your loss. However, I encourage you to rejoice over the time alloted you to be with and love this young man. Know that where Michael is, he is in the loving, joyous presence of the Creator. "...Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Luke 12:35-40).

Your Sister

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Ron,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You have much to be proud of!!

Athough I did not know Mike I know his (step) FATHER Ron and Mike you will be missed! I will keep your family in my heart and prayers!!! God Bless

I was so blessed to have known mike. We went to school together but we did not graduate the same year. He always knew how to make me laugh no matter what I was going through. Mike you will definitely be missed. I am praying for your family. RIP....

Sheena and Ron,May God Continue to bless you both and shine down his blessing upon you during this difficult time.My heart goes out to the both of you.

I can't believe this. It seems like just yesterday when we was in high school together. This hurts real deep. Mike, you will be missed. West Craven High (Class of 2004)

R.I.P. Mike AKA sillyest guy....class of 05 loves you always!!! your missed and hope to see you again someday!!!

I had the oppurtunity to become great friends with Mike when he came to school in North Carolina. It's still a big surprise to me that something like this could happen to a person so great. To the family and friends of Mike my deepest sympathy. I kno Mike would be giving me one of those silly faces if he saw the tears roll down my eyes... But I've lost more than just a fellow soldier and friend, I've lost a brother. I love you Mike and I'll never forget you. TO THOSE WHO SERVE...WE WILL REMEMBER!!!

Myself and my family send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Your son is a great hero. He gave his life so that other's may have peace, that is a bigger gift than anyone can ever give. Thank you for his service.

My son is serving in Iraq where Michael is. Brandon has said that the 3 boys lost are truly missed. They will keep up the mission with honor and memories of your son and his fellow comrades that also passed with him. God received another angel that day. Again, thank you for your support to the U.S. Army! He will be missed.

As Michael's former First Sergeant I can't begin to express my regret for the loss of this outstanding young man. He will be missed immensely and I know he has gone to a better place. May God Bless you.

I am so sorry to hear about Michael.
My son Tom is in the 1-502 also.
All of the soldiers and army parents are very sorry to hear about Michael.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very hard time in your lives.
Pray for Peace

It's hard to believe that Micheal is gone. We remember just yesterday when Micheal was about 8 years old and running around on roller skates chasing Tiffany. As he got older, he babysat our children. The kids loved him and thought he was the most entertaining babysitter in the world. We loved Micheal's smile. He was a good boy and will be missed. We pray for Micheal in heaven and his family and friends here on earth.

I am honored to serve SPC Matlock's memory by representing the Army as the Casualty Assistance Officer for his mother, Ms. Douglas. May he Rest In Peace.

My heartfelt prayers go to SPC Matlock's family, my son was a member of the 502nd until Spring of 2007 and then transferred out leaving behind his comrads and friends. SPC Matlock was a brave soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. Sincerely, Doc Edwards' Mom.

It was an honor to serve as his Casualty Case Manager

I am so sorry Ron. May God Bless you and your family.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

TO MY DEAREST FRIEND,
I WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU, IM GLAD I WAS BLESS TO KNOW YOU. I WILL ALWAYS CARRY YOUR SPIRIT WITH ME... NO MATTER WHERE I GO, YOU COULD NEVER BE REPLACE AND THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SPECIAL IN MY HEART FOR YOU.
LOVE YOU ALWAYS

I never thought that I would be writing you like this. D called me and told me the news and I couldnt believe the words that we coming through the other end. Word was that ya'll were loosing alot of soldiers in your unit but never did I think it would be you. We all know that you were an outstanding soldier and a leader fighting for the freedom of our country. Your in a better place watching over all of us and know that your family is taken care of.

I am sorry to hear about your lost.i am keeping your family in pray.god bless an i hope you can make it through this tuff time.

My prayers go out to the family of Specialist Matlock.

To the family and friends of SPC Matlock....I am so sorry for your loss of this Fallen Hero. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless You.

Dear Ron and Sheena,
We were very sorry to hear about Michael. He was a an oustanding young man and will be missed. I am glad to have known him. Our prayers are with you and your families. Rob and Maria

We care and share your sorrow and pride.

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I will keep the family in my prayers.

Hi, Sheena & Ron,
This is Shirley and I just wanted to say that my prayers go out to your family. I Knewn Mike and he was a good person. I will keep your family in my prayers, and if you'll need anything please call me, my number is still the same. God bless you'll.
Shirley (Glen Burnie, MD)

I met Mike when he was home last month. His humor and spirit impressed my heart. His relationships with Ron and Roderick touched my spirit.
~With love and prayer

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dear Friend Ron,

We are heartbroken for you and your family. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. What a brave and wonderful son - and what a special Dad you are, always. This old Native American poem has given us much comfort over the years, so we share it with you now.

“Do Not Stand at my Grave and Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die."
--- Anonymous

Sending love from our family to you - Sylvia & Gerald

Please know how Deeply Sorry I am to learn of the loss of Spc. Michael B. Matlock, the Price this Brave Young Soldier and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.

May Michael rest safely now, in the Loving Care of God and may God's Healing Grace be with the Matlock family.
There will Never Be Enough Ways to Humbly Thank these Young Heroes for their Sacrifices, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam, in 1967.

"I consider that our present sufferings.
are not worth comparing with the glory
that shall be revealed in us."
~ Romans 8:18 ~

May the Peace of God and your treasured memories of Michael, remain in your heart always and give you comfort and strength through the difficult days ahead.
You are in my thoughts and my prayers.

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this tragic time. Although I did not know Mike personally, it still breaks my heart. Stay strong! He's one of God's angels now!

I had the pleasure of meeting Michael very recently. His upbeat personality, the bravery he had for his country, and his very special relationship with his Dad -Ron, will never be forgotten in my mind and heart. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

I LOVE YOU BRO... YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN... KEEP AN EYE ON US WHILE WE ARE OVER THERE!!! WE MISS YOU ALREADY... WE'LL GET THEM FOR YOU, I PROMISE YOU THAT... ONE!

To The Family And Friends of SPC Michael B. Matlock,
Our family met this special soldier, his wife and child also, at Conrad's home while we were visiting our grandson at Fort Campbell. They don't make many like him, and we will never forget him. Our grandson told us he felt like he had had his face and heart kicked in with the loss of Mike and the others.
God Bless You,

I writing to extend my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your loved one. My thoughts and prayer are with you’re family at this difficult time.

I am truely sorry for your loss, though I didnt your son his tragedy affects me deeply.

SSG Vertlieb, Eric
10th MTN DIV

To the Matlock family,

I know at this time there are no words to say, except how sorry I am for your loss. May you hold Michaels' memory in your heart and please remember he shall never be forgotten.

For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed.

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

A Proud Aunt
David M.Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 Iraq

I can't even find the words...I lost my 19 year old son--5 Sept 2007, Balad, Iraq. I am absolutely devastated and I know that you are too...but find comfort in the fact that we will see our loved ones, our heroes again. Do I wish that I could trade places with my son? ABSOLUTELY not. He is in the arms of our Lord--"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" ~Rev 21:4
What a wonderful thought...
May God bless SPC Michael B. Matlock, God bless you and your family and God bless America!

Contact me if you want to talk.

PROUD Mother of
Specialist Dane R. Balcon
KIA, 5 September 2007
Balad, Iraq

My prayers and thoughts are with you.
I know how you feel losing a "HERO",Becoming a "Gold Star" Mother myself on 25 March.. The sacrafice our sons and daughters are making on a daily basis should tell us all..These young HEROS knew full well what they were doing and did it proudly When you hug your loved ones tonight.... Remember... We also hugged ours and they were protecting you..We.. as Americans need to make the "Ultimate Sacrafice" by supporting all our military(HEROS)...the Proud Mom of SGT. Jason W. Swiger
5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne,Fort Bragg, N.C. KIA 3/25/007

Mike, I'm so sorry you passed on. I wish we could have kept in contact, but I am so glad now that I got to see you after I got out of active duty training one last time. You'll never be forgotten man. My condolences to your family.

Dearest Matlock Family,

Please accept my heartfelt
condolences for your loss.
My prayers and thoughts are
with you.
I thank you and your son for
his service to our country.

It cuts so deeply to hear of yet another young Maryland soldier lost. I know the lives of Michael’s loved ones have just been turned inside out and they will never be the same. Later, when you are ready, feel free to contact us other Maryland Gold Star Families. We would like to help, as we have all been where you now stand.

Mother of Marine Cpl. Justin James Watts
2/15/85 – 1/14/06, Haditha, Iraq

As a mother of a Soldier, I want to send my condolences. Please know that there are many, many people who grieve with you.

With the deepest regret, I have just learned of the death of Specialist Matlock. As a Vietnam Veteran and the State Chaplain of the Georgia Society, Sons Of The American Revolution, I speak for our President, Charlie A. Newcomer, III and the more than 1,400 SAR members around the State of Georgia in humbly expressing the condolences of a grateful Society. Wrapped in the integrity of service to our nation and the inestimable values of duty, honor and country, your American hero stood on a wall of freedom for us all. This precious life, lived and lost in love of America, epitomized every attribute of patriotism the Sons Of The American Revolution hold dear. And, as Americans, we could never repay the debt we owe ..!! Nor the debt we owe you… the family of one of America's best ...!!!