Matthew R. Vandergrift Obituary

I was one of the helicopter pilots who rescued him out of the city and am trying to track down his family to tell them my story of that day. In case they are interested.
Per Ardua ad Astra

I sadly was in Basra the day that he passed and saw first hand what had happened to his vehicle. I'll never forget that, I wear a memorial band on my wrist every day with his name on it and will for the rest of my life. He may be gone from this short stint on Earth but he's up above guarding heavens gates.

To the family and friends of 1st Lt. Matthew R. Vandergrift:
Always remembering Matthew. "Some gave all."

To the family of 1st Lt. Matthew R. Vandergrift:
Please know that just as your loved one remains in your hearts and minds; his sacrifice, and that of your family, remains with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God bless and keep you always.

April 22, 2011
Remembering the service, devotion to duty and the ultimate sacrifice paid by this fine young American Marine. I hope that this anniversary, a time for reflection on a short but well lived, purposeful life, will be an occasion for those who love Matthew to gather and remember happier times.
Respectfully, Kim Straker

Semper Fi sir.

1st Lt Matthew R Vandergrift, today we pray for your family on the anniversary of your passing. Rest in peace. We are grateful and you are missed.

semper fi marine

To the family and friends of 1st Lt. Matthew R. Vandergrift:
Please accept my remembrance of Matthew on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Pennies from heaven.... xo

Your name is spoken, and you are not forgotten Matthew. I hope that this most recent anniversary was yet another occasion for your Mom, Grandmother and your family and friends to share all their wonderful memories.

To the family and friends of 1st Lt. Matthew R. Vandergrift:
Remembering Matthew 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

A year has passed since this fine young American paid the ultimate price for service, dedication and duty to his country. I can only hope that his family and friends are comforted and supported at this time, and that they have the opportunity to share their special memories of Matthew. He has the most wonderful smile, and it only takes a glimpse of him with his Mom and Grandmother to know that he was well loved - and that the smile came down the generations. Rest in Peace Matthew - you won't be forgotten - even by those of us not privilged to know you in your lifetime.

To the family of 1st Lt. Matthew R. Vandergrift:
Matthew 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

Ill always remember your name and it will go on forever. Standing there at your rememberence, the marines you touched will remember you 1st lt vandergrift, Semper Fidelis.

I offer my deepest condolences for your loss

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families at this time. This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
Please contact us! Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I know that Matthew was special and that you have wonderful memories. Perhaps as time goes by you his family and friends can dwell upon those memories. Don't be afraid to cry or talk about Matthew. Words cannot say what I feel as I look at Matthew's picture. I hurt with you and I pray for you. God comfort your hurting hearts.

Pennies from Heaven!

My heartfelt sympathy to the Vandergrift family and friends in the loss of Matthew. I did not know Matthew, 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. Matthew 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~

Thank you for the sacrifice made by 1st Lt Vandergrift and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

You are remembered and respected. Thank you 1st Lt Vandergrift!

Devil Dawg:

This has been a tough week, culminating with a close friend detailing a Prince George County Police Department member who was killed today.

However, tonight hearing that a high school is being renamed in Your Honor, and seeing some of Your Folks on my local news, brought a smile to my face.

Semper Fi,
"Major Pain"

To the family and parents of Matthew I want you to know that you are not alone in the grief you are feeling. I too know what you are going through and what you will go through in the coming weeks and months ahead. You will have many questions as to why? You will have many things to get ready or go through and that should be done in time. Sometimes it just can’t be faced and that’s ok, for you will know when the time is right for you. There is no right or wrong way to grieve it’s an individual journey that unfortunately we now have to take. I ask that God give the comfort, strength and courage that you are going to need. When and if the time is right for you please contact me. You can cry, vent, or just talk as only another person who has been where you are can really know what you are going through. May God continue to be with you and heal you.

In memory of my son
Spc Harry (Buck) Winkler III
KIA 11/12/06 Samarra, Iraq
82nd Airborne 2-505th PIR

Although our families live so far apart, and Matthew and I did not know each other well...the few times I was around him I was aware of what a caring, thoughtful person he was. He grew into a fine young man & he fought selflessly for freedoms that I can assure you, this family does not take for granted. My husband served in Iraq with the Seabees...my son in law with the Army as an MP in Baghdad...and thankfully both returned home safe. I am deeply sorry that my cousin, Matthew, did not...
Dutch, my heart goes out to you & the rest of the family.
Your family here in Bonham, Texas has sent up prayers for you all.
God Bless! And we are so sorry for your loss.

Jean (Goff) Lynch
Eldon & Rita (Goff) Castle
Ed & Trish (Lynch) Griggs
Hailey, Jon David & Jacob Daniel
Jeff & Holly Hewitt

Devil Dawg:

The son of the USMC, and the brother of the USAF, and my brother as a Commissioned Officer, Thank You for having served.

To the Vandergrift family,

I know there are no words to say, except how sorry I am for your loss. May you hold Matthews' 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.

Suzanne MacDaniel
A Proud Aunt
David M.Fisher

You don't have to look any further than the photo of this fine young man and his Mom to know that he was someone special. You simply have to look at his chosen branch of service to know that he was someone who placed a high regard on honor, duty and country, and that he will be missed by his fellow Marines. Nothing anyone can say will lessen the heartache for his family, his friends and his community, all of whom will miss him but I hope that loving support and cherished memories of a life well lived will sustain each of them in the days ahead.
Rest well Marine - you were faithful to the end. God Bless you Matthew

I am so terribly sad for your loss of this beautiful young man. As a bereaved parent I know about the horror of losing a child.Home of the Brave Quilt Project would like to offer you a CIvil War Replica Soldier's quilt in memory of Matthew's service & sacrifice. Wen you are ready you may contact me at the email below & I will be pleased to see that you receive your quilt.
Sincerely,
Roslyn Atwood
Colorado Coordinator
www.coloradoquiltproject.com

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”

I did not know Matthew, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008

Visit this link to hear the song.

The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Please contact me and I will email you back a copy of my
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.

To the family and friends of fallen hero 1LT Vandergrift....I am so sorry for your loss. May God bring you peace and comfort during this very difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. He will not be forgotten. God Bless You.

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)

May God help your broken heart to heal. Semper Fi

I am not the mother of a son killed in the war, but I am the high school sweetheart of Marine Pfc. Daniel B. Mcclenney. I know there has to be no greater loss than that of a child. It has hurt for me the last 4 years and it will never stop, but you do eventually slowly start to find peace in knowing that he is with Heavenly Father now. He is now in Heaven taking care of the family that has proceeded him in death. Somehow I figured out that he was needed more there than here in mortality. His mission was complete and your amazing son has gone home to watch over and take care of you in a way you might not yet understand. From my experience it has been the steady guidance he displayed here on Earth as a wonderful example. I still follow the path he layed out for me on a daily basis. Time will help stop the bleeding your heart feels now, but there will always be a scar. Feel the scar and share that with others as they can be helped in the healing process.

I think of you daily and Honor you for your great sacrifice.

Matthew will always be remebered.

A great man that followed the dream that took him abroad and led to the ultimate scarifice of love and freedom. Thank you for the son you supported while fighting for our freedom.

To the Family and Friends of 1st Lt. Vandergrift,

We heard with great sorrow and respect the news of your son's sacrifice for our country. Our family sends our prayers and respect to each of you. Your family serves as a brave example of the finest of our country. We appreciate your courage and strength.

REST IN PEACE 1ST. LT. VANDERGRIFT, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU

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

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

I am writing to offer my deepest sympathies to you and your family over the loss of your HERO 1st Lt Matthew R Vandergrift. I lost my son in Iraq on May 6/2007, so I can well understand your pain of losing a loved one so dear.

I pray you will be guided by a higher power to give you peace, comfort and strength in this time.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
GOD Bless you and your family. Your soldier was a true American Hero and we are all very proud of his service. He will not be forgotten!

(Proud mother of Sgt Joel W. Lewis, 5/20, 3-2 SBCT /Ft Lewis
KIA 5/6/07, Baqubah, Iraq)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXAX__FZYg4

In recognition of 1st Lt. Matthew R. Vandergrift's Honorable Service in the United States Marine Corps, the Tri-Cities Tennessee, Detachment Number 969 of the Marine Corps League would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude for his service to God, Country and Corps as well as our sincere condolences to his family.

SEMPER FIDELIS

Don Elseroad
Junior Vice Commandant
MCL Detachment #969

Please know that as a mother of a Soldier; I'm grieving with you. As are so many, many others.

Matt will forever be a hero, but most of all he will always be our friend. We have so many memories to recall, and I am grateful we were able to see him a short while back. Our thoughts and prayers are with his Mom, Dad, and Brother.
I know we will see Matt when we get to heaven and there embrace a true hero. We love you Matt. Thank you for your sacrifice.

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

Our thoughts and prayers out to the VANDERGRIFT family .Knowing now what they have always known is one of the many reasons that our HERO[S] shall NEVER be forgotten.Rest well brother as promised and in your honor that star spangled banner shall FOREVER wave.Your name stamped in steel shall be FOREVER clutched in the tallons as your spirit FOREVER soars high in the skies in the symbol of our greatfull nation..THANK YOU All Hard Chargers..If you are wonded I will carry you**If you are captured I will come for you**If you are K.I.A. I will FOREVER reamber you.We have one and all COME by NORTH**COME by SOUTH**COME by EAST**COME by WEST,We were all gathered and united on that great day as strangers.As we stood and upon those last [4] spoken words we are............FOREVER BROTHERS.............B.V.C........................SEMPER FI. .. ........ ..

From our military family to yours, we would like to thank 1st LT Vandergrift for his service and sacrifice to this great country, as well as send our deepest condolences for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Please accept my Deepest and Most Heartfelt Sympathy regarding the Devastating loss of this young Colorado Hero, with So Much Gratitude for your Fine Young Marine's Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.

May 1st LT. Matthew R. Vandergrift rest safely now, in God's Care and know that he is a True American Hero, that shall Never Be Forgotten.
May the Peace of the Lord be with the Vandergrift 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.

"And God shall 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 have passed away."
~ Revelations 21:4 ~

May you find peace in knowing the love and memories you have, will remain in your heart forever and that this Grateful Country Will Remember Matthew's Sacrifice.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.