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MATTHEW GAFFNEY Obituary

GAFFNEY
MATTHEW D., 1st Lieutenant, suddenly on May 28, 2010, of Chalfont, PA. Beloved son of Phillip and Kathleen (Ames) Gaffney, brother of Capt. Philip Gaffney USMC and his wife Lt. Mimi Gaffney USN, 1st Lt. Gregory Gaffney, USAR, Kathleen Gaffney and Megan Gaffney, grandson of John and Joan Ames. He is also survived by his girlfriend Charlene Christman. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing's from 6 to 8 P.M. Tuesday eve. June 1, 2010 and from 10 to 11 A.M. Wed. June 2, 2010 at St. Jude Church, 321 West Butler Ave. (Rt. 202), Chalfont where his Funeral Mass will begin at 11 A.M. Interment St. John Neumann Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to Sister Servants of The Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1140 Kings Rd., Immaculata, PA 19345.

SCANLIN F.H., Chalfont PA

www.scanlinfuneralhome.com

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

Published by Philadelphia Inquirer/Philadelphia Daily News on May 31, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for MATTHEW GAFFNEY

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Christopher Leins

May 25, 2021

It's hard to believe so much time has passed. Meanwhile, Matt has been a never-changing presence, often in my mind when my Africa-related work recalls our travels and experiences. He will certainly be in my thoughts this Memorial Day.

Jerusha Rodriguez

May 28, 2012

LT Gaffney was a light and blessing to those that were fortunate to meet him. As a Generals Aide many a soldier have let their ego get the best of them. LT Gaffney was so humble and approachable. He is greatly missed. CPT Jerusha Rodriguez

MG Chris Leins

May 26, 2011

As we approach the first anniversary of Matt's passing, he has been in my thoughts regularly. I appreciated the opportunity to review the messages on the guestbook (including some new ones), with so many notes from Matt's acquaintances during his year with me at CJTF-HOA. He will certainly remain in our thoughts and memories going forward.

Dana Maiolino Roberts

July 23, 2010

Dear Mr and Mrs Gaffney, Katie, Philip, Gregory, and Megan, I am so sorry to hear of Matthew's passing. I was always so excited when you all came to visit the Ames' across the street. Knowing how nice your family was, I have no doubt the military lost a fine officer as well. I will keep Matthew in my prayers and I wish you peace and comfort in this time.

July 22, 2010

It was with great sadness when I learned of Matts passing. I had the opportunity to work with him in HOA when he and Gen. Leins visited Ethiopia on various occasions and at Camp Lemioner. His infectious smile and warm personality were always apparent. My only regret is that I did not get to know Matt better than I did. He will be missed and know that he touched so many people in a meaningful way. God Bless you and your family.
LTC Stanley B. Oswald

MAJ Janelle Hofer

July 14, 2010

My deepest sympathy to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing 1LT Matthew Gaffney. He will be truely missed, but fondly remembered by many. I worked with Matt on the DZ many times providing medical support for multiple Airborne Missions. He was a pleasure to work with always pleasant and willing to go the extra mile to get the job done.He was an oustanding officer, nurse, and friend. RIP Matt! We love you!

CAPT Bill Finn

July 14, 2010

I was the Commanding Officer of Camp Lemonnier when Matt worked at CJTF HOA in Djibouti. I thoroughly enjoyed serving with him...he was a fine Army officer and a credit to his family! My prayers and condolences to his family.

CMDCM Mark Cummings

July 13, 2010

I was the Command Master Chief for Camp Lemonnier and worked closely with 1LT Gaffney. I have not worked with a finer young Officer and am very saddened to hear of his death. Our nation is better for the service he rendered and I pray for God's peace and comfort to be upon his family in this time of sorrow.

Pat Blyler

June 30, 2010

Dear Phil & Kathy,

I was shocked to hear of your son Matthew's untimely passing. I never met Matt but I'm sure he was a wonderful son and fine officer. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.

Pat Blyler

June 27, 2010

Dear Gaffney Family,

I was so sad to hear about your loss. I worked with Matthew at CJTF-HOA in Djibouti, Africa. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Very Respectfully,
Janette B. Jose, CDR, USN

Phyllis,Gene,David & Jeanine Rausch

June 20, 2010

Dear Phil and Kathleen.
We are sincerely sorry for your loss. I'll call you tomorrow as we just found out. Our prayers are with you at this sad time. If we'd had known we would of been there for sure.

June 11, 2010

The Gaffney Family,

It was a pleasure working with LT at HOA, Djibouti and he will be deeply missed. My prayers go out to you and your family.

Della Wainwright, SSgt, USAF

June 8, 2010

From all of us at Kremer Eye Center, our deepest sympathy.

Eric Wong

June 5, 2010

"O youth foregone, foregoing,
O dreams unseen, unsought.
God grant you joy of knowing
the life your death has bought."

My heartfelt condolences to Matt's friends and family. I had the opportunity of meeting Matt during his year with the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. He made an impact on many here in Djibouti, and represented the best of America. We will miss him.

Eric Wong
Deputy Chief of Mission
American Embassy, Djibouti

Dawn Dresher

June 4, 2010

I work with Patient Transport at LVH and had the pleasure of working with Matt several times. He was always helpful, caring and always smiling. He was an amazing nurse. The shock of his death touched a great deal of people. He will be missed by many.
My sincere blessings to his family

Meg Bardar

June 4, 2010

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Gaffney and Family,

I wish that I would have met Matthew, and I only know of him from your wonderful and loving daughter Kathleen. I work with Kathleen and enjoy the photos of all her family but especially her brothers in uniform.

My heart aches for you all and my thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Please know that your son/brother was such a wonderful gift, and I want to thank you for sharing him with our nation. Even though he physically is not here, the joy and hard work he did for his nation and for all people is forever. He has done more in his short life then what most people who live to be in their 80s can ever say.

Thank you for raising such a wonderful, honorable and loving son and for sharing him with the world in effort to leave this land in a better place then it was before he arrived.

God Bless you all and my heartfelt condolences.

Lillian Moss

June 4, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you, the Gaffney Family Charlene.I served with your son, brother, fiancee during his tour here in Djibouti. He had a wonderful smile and warm heart. The light inside him was always shining thru, even when we experienced not so well work days operationally. I leave you with words that Jesus comforted his disciples: Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions:if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am,there ye may be also. John 14:1-3

Rose Blythe

June 4, 2010

I worked at LVH in transport for 2 years; and spent a lot of time working in the ED. Matt was an amazing nurse, a team player and was there in a heartbeat for anyone. He'll be dearly missed. Charelene and family, your in our prayers!

Bernice Logan

June 3, 2010

Mr. & Mrs. Gaffney & Family,

My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family.
I was the Team Leader in Tanzania and had the pleasure of working with Matt on several occasions to coordinate the Generals visits.
The first day I met Matt was at a dinner with the General and Embassy staff. I had the honor of sitting next to him and both being Nurses we immediatly got along great. He gave his business card and told me if I ever need anything to let him know.
He has touched many lives. We all will miss him.

Bernice A. Logan
CPT, Civil affairs
United States Army

David Loux

June 3, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Gaffney family. As a former classmate and teammate growing up, Matt was the most genuine, down to earth, kind hearted individual I knew. I haven't seen Matt in years, but looking at all the photos his smile brings back memories as if they were yesterday. The ceremony on Wednesday was a great tribute to Matt's life and true testament to how many lives he touched. Matt, you will truly be missed. Rest in Peace my friend.

sharon Kurtz-Simmler

June 3, 2010

Dear Gaffney Family & Charlene,
Reading these posts before I write my own, you can see what a "light" your son was in the lives of so many people whos' lives HE touched. Matt was a wonderful young man who's friends loved him so much. My daughter Breann (Kurtz) Baldinger was his prom date in 1998 at CB West, and was home this past week for a visit when she heard of Matt's passing. This has had a profound affect on all of us (parents included) whos' children were (and still are) his friends. My heart goes out to each one of you, and my familys' prayers are with you. Matthew was an extrodinary young man, and this page is a rare testimonial to all that he was, and all you invested in him, as your child. God Bless and keep him, always. With our deepest condolences to all of you,

COL (R) Ronald Newton

June 3, 2010

" To the Gaffney family, You are in our prayers doing this period of grief. I served with Matt in Africa and will always remember his happy smile and determination to do the job right every time. You have loss a love one and I have lost a brother in arms. Freedom is perserved because of strong rightful men like Matt. COL (R) Ronald A. Newton. USA Special Forces

Daphne Titus

June 3, 2010

To the Gaffney family,

My deepest condolences upon the unexpectedly early transition of your dear Matthew. It was my pleasure and privilege to work with him during his Djibouti tour. May his immortal soul rest in perfect peace...

United States Department of State
Foreign Policy Advisor
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, Djibouti

Kari Brown

June 2, 2010

To the entire Gaffney family,

I can honestly tell you that growing up with Matt was, and always will be an unforgettable memory. He was one of the most genuine, kind and thoughtful people I have ever had the pleasure knowing. He touched so many lives, and will never be forgotten. I feel truly honored to have known him. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

Becky Sheridan

June 2, 2010

I was honored to have known matt. he was one of the nicest guys i've ever met, and he will never be forgoten. he was a wonderful person who always put outhers first. my thoughts are with his family and friends through this rough time.

Sean Gill

June 2, 2010

To Kathleen and the Gaffney Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I am so sorry.

Lin Fechtenburg

June 2, 2010

Dear Gaffney Family and Charlene,
You are all in my prayers. My heart goes out to all of you. I remember Kathleen talking about her brother, Matt at work. The world has lost a special person. It will be a wonderful reunion in Heaven. With deepest sympathy,

Hector Rivera

June 2, 2010

LT. MATTHEW D. GAFFNEY, see you at our next Area of Operation. Mission accomplished. Today is the occasion to remembrance the wonderful promise of our Lord, in time of grieve is the moment to rest in God’s hands. We pray to our God for His consolation, peace and for His help in remind Matthew. God bless you all. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 (New International Version) Chaplain Hector A Rivera, 1-65th IN BN PRNG

Rocky Oatis

June 2, 2010

To the Gaffneys and Charlene:
It was a great pleasure working with Matt while in Djibouti. He had to be the hardest working guy on camp as he was always on the go. More importantly, he always had time to stop, say hi and engage in small talk about the Eagles. I hope that I can do as he did and put a smile on the many faces I encounter on a daily basis. God Bless you.

Kathy Binder

June 2, 2010

I am so sorry to hear of this tragic loss. I knew Matt in highschool and worked with him for a little while at the Acme in chalfont. He was always so much fun and no matter what you could count on him to make you smile. After reading the entries in this guestbook it brought tears to my eyes seeing how far he got in life and how he touched so many. I am honored to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Leonard Robinson

June 2, 2010

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Gaffney, Family and Friends,

Psalm 23. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me...

I know this is a hard time for all of you. I had the pleasure of serving with Matt in CJTF-HOA. Matt was a humble, out going individual who was dedicated to his family, friends and his country. My deepest sympathy are with you, family and friends. Keep faith and

June 2, 2010

We're all thinking of you, Matt!

Diana Jackson
U.S. Embassy Djibouti

Robert Audiss

June 2, 2010

Matt, Always had a smile on his face and in every conversation he was present and genuinely available. He was exuberant in all his interactions and went the extra mile to assist in any way he could. A true gentleman and a valued Comrade. We will miss him!
GOD BLESS and keep the Gaffney family in this time of mourning.

Suzzie Thomas

June 2, 2010

Matt was a true inspiration for selfless service. He was so proud of his family and always spoke very highly of his family, friends, and girlfriend. He was a great friend and will be missed tremendously. Deepest sympathies to the entire Gaffney family.

Allison

June 2, 2010

I cannot imagine the pain you are feeling at this time, but I would like to share the sentiments of so many others by saying that Matt was a great man. While I only knew Matt a short time back in the Happy Tymes days, he was one of the best people to work with and always had a smile on his face.

Carl Dishneau

June 2, 2010

I had the pleasure of working with Matt during my deployment to CJTF-HOA, and he was always ready and eager to assist whenever needed; a true professional who will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Don Gates

June 1, 2010

Mr. & Mrs. Gaffney & Family,

I was shocked to hear the passing of Matt.
My heartfelt condolences go out to you & your family.

I also served with Matt last year at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti with Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. I echo the same comments as the other Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines did in this guest book.

Matt touched our lives in many different ways. He was a true professional.

I distinctly remember working with him during the General’s visit to my CA team in Tanzania in Jul 09. He & I worked to iron out all the details, so the general’s visit was perfect. They arrived, and we had a wonderful reception at the Tanga Yacht Club with the West Point Cadets. I remember him being very happy (with a grin from ear to ear) and telling me Thanks for making the evening go so smoothly (all the work was done by CPT Logan for the event). He said when the General is happy, I am happy. We all enjoyed a wonderful evening with dinner and drinks at the club overlooking the harbor and Indian Ocean. It is an evening that I will never forget.

Donald W Gates
LTC, Civil Affairs, USAR
Former Commander of Alpha Company, 414th CA BN

Lisa Marsland

June 1, 2010

Matt lived every aspect of his life serving others...he was and will continue to be an inspiration to many. I had the joy of meeting and working with Matt and 3 of his siblings at Philadelphia Sports Clubs. I was shocked and saddened to hear the news and will keep the entire Gaffney family and those that loved him in my prayers. I know he'll be in heaven with God's angels watching over us all.

Sean Murphy

June 1, 2010

Mr. & Mrs. Gaffney, All,
Matt was a great officer, nurse, and human being in general. I can't tell you how much I will miss him, his laugh, and his endlessly positive attitude. My thoughts and prayers are with you and with him.
"And should it fall unto my lot,
that I should rise and you should not,
I'll gently rise and softly call,
Good night and joy be with you all."
- The Parting Glass

I am gonna miss him.....

Sean Murphy

June 1, 2010

Mark Davis

June 1, 2010

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Gaffney and Charlene,

Please know how many people are thinking of you during this difficult time. I served for a year with Matt in Djibouti, and I can't tell you what an impact he had on me. Despite very challenging conditions, Matt always had a smile on his face and always had a kind word. I talked with him daily and he never failed to inspire me. He was a great Patriot and we will miss him.

Russ Lofquist

June 1, 2010

I have been saddened to hear about Matt's untimely passing... he was one of the most humble and genuine young officer I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He always sought out to do things better; his courage and confidence to do things right were his greatest strengths. Although I knew Matt for only 9 months, I know I am a better officer for having served with him. He will be missed…

God's Speed Mr. and Mrs. Gaffney, he is a son to be proud of!

MAJ Russ Lofquist
US Army Reserve

Marty Klukas

June 1, 2010

Wow, this is a shocker...we lost a great American! I had the privilege of serving with Lt Gaffney at CJTF-HOA. You will be missed my friend; RIP!

Bridgett Bailey

June 1, 2010

I'm so sorry to hear that Matt is gone. He was honest, supportive, and kind, both on duty and off. I hope those same qualities he learned from you can help you deal with this loss.

Vernetta Wheeler

June 1, 2010

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Gaffney,

I worked very closely with Matt (Ocean - as he was nicknamed) in Djibouti and had the pleasure of getting to know him fairly well. He spoke so often of the close relationship he had with his brothers, the love and admiration he had for his girlfriend, Charlene and also of how much he loved and respected both of you. He even did me the great favor of forwarding my resume to you Mr. Gaffney for your review and insight (which paid off because I got that job) and I will be forever grateful for that.

I have always held him in high regard and will continue to remember him with great joy, respect and love.

Very respectfully and regretfully yours,

Vernetta

June 1, 2010

Mr. and Mrs. Gaffney and Charlene:

My heart goes out to you at this time of incredible and unexpected loss. Matt and I worked closely together on a number of matters while we were stationed at CJTF-HOA on Camp Lemmonier in Djibouti, and I was always impressed with his professionalism and pleasant disposition. He positive attitude lifted those around him, and I am very happy to have been his co-worker and friend. Matt's absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but he also leaves behind many pleasant memories that will not be forgotten. May you find strength to make your way through the difficult days ahead, and peace and comfort as you cherish your memories of Matt, a true patriot.

With sincerest sympathy,

Captain Mark Sparling
Supply Corps, United States Navy

Rosemary Scheirer

June 1, 2010

Mr. & Mrs. Gaffney, Charlene & Family,

Words seem so small during a time of such great loss. I pray you will find comfort in the expressions of those who had the privilege of knowing Matt.

I spent most of my Nursing Career as an ED/Trauma RN and worked along side Matt for about 2 years. I had many complications following hip surgery and was on an extended LOA. My Colleagues donated PTO so that I would have an income. Matt, without any hesitation, donated his personal time to me...time that he could have spent away from work enjoying the company of those he was close with or doing the things he loved most. I was grateful for any amount of time and was taken back when I saw the number of hours he contributed. I called Matt from the Hospital in Philadelphia to thank him. He told me that I shouldn't be worried about thanking him and I should just focus on getting myself better. He was a Man of Integrity and his Kindness and Generosity will not be forgotten.
My Respect, Admiration and Appreciation for Matt, his Nursing Expertise, Professionalism as well as his Loyalty and Service to our Country,will endure. He touched my life, as I am certain he has touched many. He will hold a special place in my Heart always!

MCPO Joel Johnson

June 1, 2010

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Gaffney and family, I was stationed with Matt in Djibouti while he was assigned to CJTF-HOA. Matt was a great guy that was liked by everyone. I am very sorry for you loss.

CW4 Travis Bridwell

June 1, 2010

Mr. & Mrs. Gaffney, I had the great pleasure of serving with Matt in Djibouti for a year. As a C-12 pilot our group worked nearly every day with Matt. We loved to work with Matt because he had a great resolve. Matt would routinely say how he loved working with our Detachment; however we told him we were successful because of his efforts. Matt would always take the extra step to help. I remember Matt best of all when we were working late in Djibouti to finish our OER’s before leaving country. Matt always made the situation work. Even after returning state side Matt came over with our group and helped finish awards from the Deployment. He did not need to spend the extra time, but he always loved helping others. Today after hearing the news I can truly say I lost a great friend and the Army lost a great officer. My prayers are with you and your family.

Linda Phile

June 1, 2010

As a Patient Transporter at LVHN we come into contact with many professionals. I had the please to meet and interact with Matt on several occassions -- he was always there to help and was always a pleasure to work with and incredible with is patients. Our loss of him is a shock. and he will is sadly missed.
Linda Phile

William Hood

June 1, 2010

Mr. & Mrs. Gaffney; I had the great pleasure to serve with your son. I was the Task Force Chaplain. Matt and got to share good times over a cup of coffee. Please know that I had the greatest respect and admiration for your son. He was a great positive force on our staff. Matt was always up beat and had a friendly word and smile for all he met.
Please know that during this time you and your family are in my prayers and when I say the Mass I will remember Matt with special intention.
Faithfully
Chaplain William Hood

John Fritz

June 1, 2010

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Gaffney and all Matt's Loved Ones,

Words cannot convey how sorry I am for your loss of Matt. I can only echo the sentiments already posted regarding Matt's love of his family, love of country, and his willing friendship.

I treasured Matt's friendship while deployed to Djibouti, and I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

Chris Leins

June 1, 2010

As you know, Matt was my aide-de-camp for his deployment last year. Our year together in East Africa was an incredible experience for both of us, and I was able to watch Matt grow in the job and become very comfortable handling a host of challenging tasks, while at the same time becoming an almost irreplaceable member of the front office staff. The other posts and emails I have seen in the past few days provide a sense of the numbers of people he touched during that year.

I am truly saddened at his loss, but will retain the fond memories of my year in his company, as will so many others who had the opportunity to become his friend.

Major General Chris Leins
US Army Reserve

JT Fears

May 31, 2010

Truley a sad occasion, especially for such a wonderful, young and bright gentleman, friend and soldier. Matt will truly be missed. I had the pleasure of working rather closely with Matt, and learning a lot from him. My prayers are with his family and girlfriend (he told me personally how much he really cared for Charlene.

CAPT Bob Arp, USN

May 31, 2010

We are all deeply saddened by your loss. Throughout our time in Djibouti, Matt was always quick to greet you with a smile and handled the daily stress with a positive can do attitude. When it was time for us to come home, Matt was the single individual that received a standing ovation when the awards were presented. He will always be in our hearts.

Jeremy Selley

May 31, 2010

To Matt, Charlene, and all family members,

I have worked with Matt since he began his nursing internship almost 4 years ago. He truly is a remarkable individual! There are many stories of how great he his, that go on and on. Unfortunately, those stories have been cut short as it must have been God's will to bring him home for some higher purpose.

I will be transitioning from Lehigh Valley Hospital to the United States Navy in 3 weeks, working in Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital. I can only hope the caliber of nurses can hold a candle to Matt. He will be missed! Our country lost not only a fine solider but a friend to many, a brother and a son, a good friend to many more, but most importantly, one of the best nurses I have ever worked with.

Jeremy K. Selley
Lieutenant
Medical Corps
United States Navy

Linda Ingaglio

May 31, 2010

As a fellow Nurse, working with Matt was a true blessing to our department and to all the patients and families that he came in contact with.

Matt would keep me smiling even on the worst days in the ER as we faced high volumes of pts along with serious and sometimes tragic outcomes.
His sense of humor was also good natured and light, never mean or giving of offense. He spoke the truth at all times which spoke to his integrity. As I reflected on Matt, the more I beagn to realize that he, your son, brother and our friend exemplified many values that in todays world are missing.
It was an honor to have known him.

Matt enjoying the July 4th Holiday at the US Embassy in Djibouti with his shipmates.

Valerie Huegel

May 31, 2010

Michelle Scholl

May 31, 2010

As one of the newest team members for the Admirals staff in the Horn of Africa, I had the great pleasure of working with Matt during his last few weeks prior to his return to the U.S. Although his job was quite demanding, he continually kept the team and himself laughing, while succesfully completing tasks assigned. He was a great guy even if only knowing him for a few weeks. I send my deepest condolensces to the family and know that many military members back here in Djibouti are in your thoughts and prayers.

Michelle L. Scholl
Lieutenant
Medical Service Corps
United States Navy

Valerie Huegel

May 31, 2010

Mr. & Mrs. Gaffney,

I just found out about Matt and am very saddened to hear about his passing. I served with Matt this past year in Djibouti, Africa at the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and it was always a pleasure being around him. I called him my son, because, well, I am old enough to be his mother. He took his job seriously, but never let anything or anyone get him down. He was a true hero and someone to be proud of.

I'm originally from Quakertown, PA, so we called ourselves "homeboy and girl." We often laughed sitting at the Old Cantina outside of our offices talking about the events of the day or discussing what the future held. His future was so very promising.

He was admired for not only what he did here, but what he did as a civilian. He was very happy to be going home to Pennsylvania, to you, his girlfriend and his job. He even talked about going back to school.

I've missed him since he left in February because of his wit and charm and am very saddened to hear of his passing. My heart goes out to you and all that knew him. We have lost a true patriot and one of the finest individuals one could have had the pleasure to know.

God bless you all.

Very respectfully,

Valerie K. Huegel
Captain, Supply Corps, United States Navy
Director of Logistics
Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa

Steve Dalzell

May 31, 2010

Matt's former comrades-in-arms in Djibouti are alongside you in spirit, shocked and saddened at this loss. Matt was a superb officer, a true gentleman, and a great friend.

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