Matthew Michael Brennan

Matthew Michael Brennan was born on February 3, 1989 in Escondido, Ca. to Michael and Maria Brennan. The family moved to Oregon when Matt was 6 years old. He was raised with his seven siblings, Scott, Jared, Christina, Ariel, Aiden, Sophia, and Isabella. Matt attended Wilsonville Elementary School and Tualatin High School. He graduated in 2007 from the Oregon Youth Challenge Program (OYCP).
In 2009, Matt enlisted in the Oregon National Guard. He was activated in 2010 and shipped out to the Middle East where he served honorably as an infantryman for 11 months, defending his nation's freedom. Matt was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Air Force Training Ribbon, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Matt felt great pride in serving his country, and always carried that sense of honor with him wherever he went.
When Matt was in high school, he enjoyed participating in the sports programs that were offered. He lettered for two or three years in football. He also liked basketball, sunshine, and fast cars. Though he had an aversion to sharks, Matt loved taking trips to the beach. His family says that Matt would "walk on water" if he heard anybody mention "shark" while he was swimming. He would even avoid getting a foot wet for the rest of the day following such an incident. Of all the things that Matt loved in life, he cherished his family the most. He had a strong bond with his brothers and sisters, and always asked how they were doing no matter where he was. Despite his tough outer appearance, his family remembers Matt to be warm, loving, and gentle. He had a "heart of gold."
Matt passed away on July 16, 2011 in Portland, Or. following a courageous battle against Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A celebration of his life will be held at 1pm, Monday, July 25, 2011 in Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home with interment and full military honors to follow in Willamette National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10am to 5pm, Saturday, July 23, 2011 and 10am to 1pm, Monday, July 25, 2011 in Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. Matt is survived by his loving family, Michael and Maria Brennan; Scott Brennan, Jared Flanders, Christina Brennan, Ariel Brennan, Aiden Brennan, Sophia Marie Brennan, and Isabella Brennan; James and Esther Wilkerson; and Judy Brennan. His memory will be cherished forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to:

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
www.dav.org/donate/MemorialHonoraryGifts.aspx
DAV Memorial Program
P.O. Box 14301
Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301
1-877-426-2838 Ext. 3302

Or

Wounded Warrior Project
www.woundedwarriorproject.org/component/option,com_contact/task,view/contact_id,49/Itemid,1143/
PO Box 758516
Topeka
KS
66675-8516
904.296.7350