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Matthew Gregory Reza

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Matthew Reza Obituary

Lance Corporal Matthew Gregory Reza Lance Corporal Matthew Gregory Reza, age 27, died Sunday, May 31, 2009, near Khandahar province, Afghanistan, while serving his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps. Matthew was born on September 23, 1981, in Austin, Texas, to Richard and Sharon Reza. He attended AISD schools and Austin Community College before enlisting in the Marines in 2007. Prior to joining the Marines, Matthew had a rewarding experience working at Hope House, a residential facility for children with special needs, and often spoke about advancing his education and career in social work after his tour of duty. After meeting in San Diego, Matthew wed Sarah Benway on February 16, 2008. The newlyweds led an active life in California, North Carolina, and South Carolina until Matthew's deployment in March 2009. Matthew will be readily remembered for his engaging personality, singular independence, exceptional sense of humor, and kind heart. To many he was a loyal friend and capable mentor, proficient at handling difficult situations with either his resourceful mind or engaging smile. To older family members, Matthew was the first grandchild, an "old soul" of exceptional intelligence who often discussed topics beyond his years. His younger sister and best friend, Stephanie Peek, to whom he was fiercely devoted, especially loved him. Stephanie's "hero" was a genuinely loving person who often put her needs, and those of many others, before his. Matthew is survived by his wife, Sarah Reza of Beaufort, South Carolina; mother, Sharon Reza; sister and brother-in-law, Stephanie and Joshua Peek of Austin, Texas; father, Richard; brother, Richard (Ricky); and sister, Emily Reza of Lansing, Michigan; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins of Austin, Texas. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2009, at Cook- Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home located at 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas, 78749. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2009, in the Chapel of Cook-Walden/ Forest Oaks. The family has established a memorial website at www.MeM. com Please visit Matthew's site to view photos, tributes, sign the online guestbook and leave voice greetings.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman on Jun. 6, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Reza

Not sure what to say?





Peggy Childers

May 27, 2013

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Matthew Reza:
Always remembering Matthew. "Some gave all."

Peggy Childers

May 27, 2011

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Matthew Reza:
Please accept my remembrance of Matthew on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Peggy Childers

May 29, 2010

To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Matthew Reza:
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

Jeremy Perez

February 12, 2010

To the Reza Family,
I have recently learned of the passing of Matthew. I know it was sometime ago that he passed away but i have been away and had lost contact with him during this time. I had only known Matthew for a short time but in that time a found a really great friend. Not only was Matthew a great marine he was a great person. We only knew each other for a short time but in that time i found another brother he even made me his best man at his wedding. So it is with a heavy heart that i extend my deepest condolences and appologies. I will never forget him if there is anything i can do please let me know.

sincerely
Jeremy L. Perez AS3/USN

Joshua Sherwood

February 2, 2010

To the Reza Family,
I know this may come extremely late for you guys but I would like to extend my sincerest appologies and regrets for your loss. I would also like to extend my thanks for allowing Matthew to be in my life for the short amount of time that he was. I was in charge of him for a short period of time before I left for Japan. He was a great guy and an excellent Marine. If there is anything that you need you just let me know and I will help get it for you.

Sincerely
Joshua Sherwood SGT/USMC

Donna Gillette

December 2, 2009

On this day and with each day that we enjoy our freedom, I would like to give thanks and let you know that I do not take our troops for granted. May you experience God when you feel your loss.

Tom Gugliuzza

November 19, 2009

My heartfelt sympathy to the Reza 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"

Kenna Larra

November 11, 2009

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
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 and Respectfully,
Kenna

Peggy Childers

November 10, 2009

To the family of Lance Cpl. Matthew Reza:
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

Lcpl Thompson

August 7, 2009

To the parents and family of Lcpl Matthew Reza, I send you my deepest condolences for your loss. I went to A-School and C-School with him in the Marine Corps. He was an old-timer for a Lcpl, just like me. He was a neat guy and we had some good talks. I consider him a friend and know that he will be missed by many. Semper-Fi, brother. You're in a better place now...

Linda Norris

July 23, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

debbi

June 30, 2009

To the parents and family, 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 hold your hand as He gives comfort to you today and for the rest of your life.

http://goldstarfamilysupportgroup.com

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

Diane Everett

June 30, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Heroes never die; they remain in our hearts forever. I salute you!

Suzanne MacDaniel

June 21, 2009

To the Reza Family,

I know there are no words to say at this time, except how sorry that I am. I truly feel your loss and pain. Matthew shall never be forgotten.

For those missing in action;
for those who didn’t make it home.
I know you’re in God’s presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;
for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.

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 .

Every second you sacrificed
I hold you in my prayers.
So with one hand on my heart and the other in the air;

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 of
Sgt. David M Fisher
KIA 12/1/04

Douglas Meyer

June 19, 2009

God Bless you Matthew Gregory Reza for serving our country. We will hold your family up in our prayers. We appreciate your sacrifice so that we can have a free nation.

Parents of PFC Doug Meyer USMC
Brother of Capt. Don Meyer USN

Kerin Hearn

June 16, 2009

My deepest condolences on your tremendous loss. My son is in the Navy and while the Navy is different than the Marines, all military families feel your pain. Please remember you're not grieving alone. Without brave men like Lance Cpl Matthew Reza, I would not have the freedom I enjoy every day. It's my duty now to pay respect to him and thank him and his family for their ultimate sacrifice. You have much to be proud of, he truly was a Hero. God bless you in your time of need and bring you peace.

Stephanie Rafoss

June 15, 2009

Prayer for Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

Earline Kendall

June 15, 2009

Family of Lance Corpoal Matthew Reza.
The Broken Chain
We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you. You did not go alone; for part of us went with you; the day God calledyou home. You left us peaseful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our famly chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one of one, the Chain will link again.

Words cannot express all the sorrows others share or the sympathy sent to you

A Soliders Angel

For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud

June 11, 2009

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to LCpl. Matthew Reza our Brother in Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Matthew. And to Matthew it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country while opposing enemy forces in Afghanistan. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. Matthew, you are a brave Marine Warrior, a true Patriot and a national Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,341 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Matthew’s family and loved ones. Semper Fi !

Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

USN/AMEC Ron Baker and family

June 11, 2009

Please accept our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one.Know that you are held in the prayers of a grateful nation and may Heavenly Father bless and comfort you

In loving memory of
US Army Spec Philip Cody Ford
KIA Baghdad Iraq 10Dec2006

Gloria Flores

June 10, 2009

Dear Richard and Sharon,
Words are difficult to express the depth of grief a parent feels at the loss of one's child, especially one so young. I weep with you and praise God with you for the life of such a fine young man.
May the Lord Jesus sustain, comfort, carry and hold you tightly during the difficult days ahead.
You and your family have been and will continue to be in my prayers.

Semper Fi,
Proud Gold Star Mom of
Marine PFC Paul H. Flores
June 21, 2006

Renee Owens

June 10, 2009

Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your Hero, and my sincerest gratitude for his service. The state of Texas mourns the loss of another of its sons. May God grant your family peace and strength. Semper Fi Lance CPL Reza.

The Land of the Free, Because of the Brave

Proud aunt of a Hero
PFC Chase Edwards, USMC
KIA 06Apr2006

Don Elseroad

June 10, 2009

In recognition of Corporal Matthew Reza's Honorable Service in the United States Marine Corps, the Tri-Cities Tennessee, Detachment # 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
SSgt USMC (Ret)
MCL Detachment #969

Garnet Jenkins

June 9, 2009

In Humble Thanks, to this Brave Young Marine, who has given his life, in the Service of our Country and for Freedom, With Profound gratitude for his Courage, and his Unselfish Dedication and Service.

Rest Safely now, LCpl. Matthew Reza, in the Hands of God and may the Peace of God be with your loving family.
Those who Make these Sacrifices, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, 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 ~

I am sincerely hoping that you feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you today and in the days ahead, as this Grateful Country morns with you, for someone very precious to you, who is a True American Hero to all of us.
I am So Deeply Sorry for your Loss.

Kei Torres

June 9, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss. I share and know your grief and pain, having lost my son 2 years ago. The Gold Star Families are near to help and support you. May God give you strentgh and comfort for the days, months, years ahead. I thank Matthew for his service to our country, for me, for my family. Our country was built on the strength, commitmment, and dedication of men and women like Matthew. He is especially honored because he chose to serve, when he didn't have to. But he chose to serve. He chose to give up the very things he signed up and took an oath to protect. The life of a soldier, means leaving the family behind. Living in rough conditions. Doing without the comforts of home. And living in danger. Matthew chose this path. He is honored and will be not be forgotten.

I know that Matthew was met by my Jason and all the Heroes that went before him. He's in good company awaiting the time he can be with you again.

Much Love and Respect

Kei Torres

Proud Mom of
Proud Texas Soldier & Hero
from Lockhart, TX
Cpl Jason K LaFleur
KIA 8-4-07 Iraq

June 7, 2009

To the Family of Matthew Reza, Our Prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. He has paid the ultimate sacrifice and now May you know he stands at Heavens Gates. We pray you find comfort and support around you always.

Family of 1/7 Marine currently Deployed.

Norma Sigler

June 6, 2009

I didn't know matthew or his family, but i wanted to thank him for giving his life to defend the cause of freedom. My prayers are with the family as you greive his loss and try to go on living without his physical presence. i know his spirit is alive in our hearts.

Jennifer Erschabek

June 6, 2009

My deepest and sincerest condolences, my thoughts and prayers are with your family. May the Lord comfort you in your sorrow and may you find the strength and peace that you will need to get through this difficult time. Your Marine family mourns with you.

Parent of Sgt. Chris Simmank
MWSS 271

Bill Knoph

June 6, 2009

To the parents, wife, and family of LCpl Matthew Reza, I offer my sincerest condolences for your great loss. A thankful nation mourns with you.

Bill Knoph
Father of LCpl Blake, 2/7th, USMC

Angie Esparza

June 6, 2009

LANCE CORPORAL.REZA.MATTHEW
And familys & Friends
My deepst condloences

parent of PFC.Esparza.Marcelo.A

Cynthia Luna

June 6, 2009

Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your son. He was a loving, caring, and brave young man. He did things that most people wouldn't do. And he did it with devotion and love. Please know that with every sunrise he is at your side. The warmth of the sun will hug you as if it's his arms. Welcoming you to another day. And I too will be by your side to help you along the way. May God give you the strength you need in the coming days to overcome your grief. And please know, we are ALL proud of your son Lance Corporal Matthew Gregory Reza for serving for our country, and fighting for us. I appreciate and respect you and your family. May God bless you in your time of need right now.

Always, Cynthia Luna

Elizabeth Malec

June 6, 2009

To the Family and Friends of Lance Corporal Matthew Gregory Reza,
Our words cannot convey the sadness that we feel for you. Your loss is felt by all Military Families. We read the testament of his exceptional life this morning in the newspaper, how proud that you must all be of this wonderful young man. Our hearts are breaking for you. We pray that he is at peace and will be watching over you forever.
With our deepest sympathy,
James and Elizabeth Malec

Parents of Major James L. Malec USAF

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park

6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749

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