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Matthew Vail "Tito" Thompson
Matthew Vail "Tito" Thompson
Obituary
Guest Book
Matthew Thompson Obituary
Matthew Thompson was a Green Beret and medic in the Army Special Forces. He was killed in action during a mission in Afghanistan on the morning of August 23rd.
Matt is survived by his wife Rachel, his parents Mark and Lynda, and his sisters Karen and Robyn. They are comforted by the promise of their Savior, Jesus Christ: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25).
Born: Jun 22, 1988 in St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Died: Aug 23, 2016 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan
About: Eagle Scout Brookfield Central High School in Brookfield, WI Concordia University in Irvine, CA Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod Green Berets in the Army Special Forces
Obituary
WAKE September 6, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 PM Woodlawn Funeral Home 5930 Mullen Rd SE Lacey, WA 98503 (Family and friends welcome.) FUNERAL SERVICE September 7, 2016 at 1:30 PM Faith Lutheran Church 7075 Pacific Ave SE Lacey, WA 98503 (Reception to follow at the church. Friends and family welcome. Please RSVP to Kristen Beyer if you plan to attend at [email protected]. Childcare provided.) FAMILY DINNER RECEPTION September 7, 2016 at 6:00 PM Eagle's Pride Golf Course I-5 Exit 116 PO Box 33175 JBLM, Lewis Main, WA 98433-0175 By invitation only. Contact Kristen Beyer at [email protected] for details. MILITARY MEMORIAL SERVICE September 9, 2016 at 2:00 PM Joint Base Lewis-McChord Fort Lewis, WA (Military and family welcome.)
August 24, 2016
"Concordia graduate who became a Green Beret is killed in Afghanistan" OC REGISTER
"Army Staff Sergeant From Irvine Killed in Afghanistan Blast: Dept. of Defense" KTLA 5
"JBLM Green Beret killed in Afghanistan" SEATTLE TIMES
"Matthew V. Thompson: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know" HEAVY
"US SOLDIER KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN WAS FROM IRVINE" EYEWITNESS NEWS ABC 7
"Soldier Killed in Afghanistan Blast Was Army Green Beret" ABC NEWS
"Soldier killed in Afghanistan IED blast spoke to wife 2 nights earlier" ARMY TIMES
"U.S. IDs soldier killed in Afghanistan as 28-year-old Green Beret" WASHINGTON EXAMINER
"IED Kills Green Beret In Afghanistan" THE DAILY CALLER
"2nd U.S. combat death in Afghanistan this year" SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE
"Green Beret from Irvine killed in Afghanistan blast" FOX 5 SAN DIEGO
"US military identifies soldier killed in Afghanistan" THE HILL
"Irvine Soldier Killed in This Week's Afghanistan Bombing" LAKE FOREST PATCH
"Military identifies American soldier killed in Afghanistan" WAVY
"Green Beret killed in Afghanistan identified" TALK MEDIA NEWS
"Pentagon Identifies U.S. Soldier Killed in Afghanistan" THE WASHINGTON FREE BEACON
"Military Identifies American Soldier Killed in Afghanistan" NEW YORK TIMES
"U.S. Army Identifies Soldier Killed in Afghanistan" THE DAILY BEAST
"U.S. soldier killed by bomb in Afghanistan from Irvine" 23 ABC NEWS BAKERSFIELD
"1st Special Forces Group Soldier Dies in Afghanistan" SHADOW SPEAR OPERATIONS
"DoD identifies Army casualty" ORANGE COUNTY BREEZE
August 25, 2016
"Green Beret was killed while helping Afghans clear area of Taliban" STARS AND STRIPES
"Army Soldier From Irvine Killed in Afghanistan Explosion" NBC 7 LOS ANGELES
"Wisconsin Green Beret dies in Afghanistan" WKOW
"Green Beret killed in Afghanistan attended Brookfield Central H.S., Marquette University" FOX 6 NOW
"Brookfield Native Matthew Thompson Killed in Action in Afghanistan" CBS 58
"Wisconsin Green Beret killed in Afghanistan" TMJ 4
"Fallen Soldier's Grandfather: We couldn’t be more proud of him" MILWUAKEE CBS 58
"Green Beret killed in Afghanistan from Milwaukee area" LEADER TELEGRAM
"American soldier killed in Afghanistan was from Irvine" KPPC
"Green Beret from Brookfield Killed by Roadside Bomb in Afghanistan" BROOKFIELD PATCH
"Brookfield soldier killed in Afghanistan" WSAU
August 26, 2016
"Soldier killed in Afghanistan was Brookfield Central graduate" WISN ABC
"Brookfield native killed in Afghanistan" WISN ABC
"Green Beret killed in Afghanistan came from Milwaukee area" BDN
"Brookfield Green Beret Killed in Afghanistan" JOURNAL SENTINEL
"Green Beret From Irvine Killed in Afghanistan" BREITBART
"Former Marquette RA killed in Afghanistan while serving as a Green Beret" MARQUETTE WIRE
August 29, 2016
"Flag Lowering Honors Irvine Soldier Killed in Afghanistan" NBC 4
August 31, 2016
"Flags at Half Staff Saturday for SSG Matthew Thompson" CBS 58
September 1, 2016
"Brookfield parents mourn Green Beret killed in Afghanistan" TMJ 4
September 3, 2016
"Memorial service held for Matthew Thompson, Green Beret killed in Afghanistan" FOX6
September 6, 2016
190 Entries
Kristen Beyer
September 4, 2016
Our nephew Alex, US Army Captain is currently deployed in Iraq, so we have great empathy for military families. I also volunteer with our local PGR. We are so very saddened by this tragedy. I've read everything I can about your soldier and we will honor and remember him at all of our events going forward. We send our prayers as well and wrap our arms around you from across the country. May God bless you all and give you strength and peace.
Charlie Gili & Family
Kristen Beyer
September 4, 2016
Dear Rachel, Mark and Lynda, and Karen and Robyn.
There are no words adequate enough to express the heartbreak of such a loss or to ease the pain you surely feel at Matthews passing. From a stranger, who benefits from the service of brave warriors like Matthew, please know from the bottom of my heart that his, and your, sacrifice will not be forgotten and that I am deeply grateful to know we have dedicated individuals like your husband, son and brother who are willing to stand up for freedom and defend us all.
We will not forget.
God bless Matthew for all he has given.
And may God watch over you all at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Gary Sinise
4th grade Godwin
May 26, 2017
Dear family of Matthew, thank you for allowing your son to join the military.I learned about Mathew in my 4th grade writing class. We learned of the brave young men and women that sacrifice their lives for our freedom.I'm very thankful for all the thing that Mathew did for our freedom and country!
David Larsen
October 18, 2016
I did not know Matt but feel touched when a special forces soldier goes down for some reason. Maybe because they willingly take on the hardest assignments. And one forgets that our warriors have families that love them.
Truly sorry for your loss.
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Lynne Neibert
September 24, 2016
Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected]) is an organization (formed 2009) with groups throughout the country who work to send handmade prayer shawls and/or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one while serving our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church of Mechanicsburg, PA would like to extend our sincere sympathy and to honor your loved one´s sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a prayer gift. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses of those who would like to receive one and which gift they would like to receive. We will send our gift as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved on who died while serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address. May God bless you and comfort you in the days and years ahead. Sincerely, Lynne
Arlene
September 15, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Matthew Vail Thompson. May you find comfort in knowing our Heavenly Father holds out the hope of the resurrection for our dead loved ones. His son,Jesus, said "all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". John 5:28,29. Our dead loved ones are in God's memory and one day he will resurrect them to a paradise earth. Psalm 37:9,10,11,29. Job 14:13-15 says he has a yearning to do so. Isn't that comforting to know? Revelation 21:3,4 says that one day on this earth, death will be no more, neither will pain or mourning be anymore.
Bruce R
September 15, 2016
I am so sorry for your pain. Matthew was a lifesaver to his comrades and provided them with comfort under difficult conditions. My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family. May you find some comfort in the promise found in Revelation 21: 3-4 and Thessalonians 4:14.
Jess Rohmann (Kazmierczak)
September 12, 2016
Dear Rachel, Mr. & Mrs. Thompson, Karen, and Robyn,
First, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Though I didn't know Matt well, I had many interactions with him while hanging out with Karen during high school. I very fondly remember Matt's warmth and contagious smile. His positive energy could really light up the room and he seemed like a great big brother to his sisters. Just reading through the memories posted on this page, it is clear that he touched many lives.
I wish you all peace during this challenging time of grief and will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. Warm hugs from Berlin.
jJulie Behling
September 6, 2016
Matthew was our nephew and was dearly loved in our family. He was the first Grandchild born in the Behling family - and his big uncles lived to play with him every time they were around him! My first memory of Matt was when he was about 9 years old. A year later, he was reading bible verses at our wedding! After that I cherished watching him grow up through finishing high school and starting college. One of my favorite memories of him was when the cousins decided to put on a Christmas play on Christmas Eve. My Rachael was about 6 years old and played Mary, Matt was about 18 and tried to curl up and play baby Jesus. It was the funniest play ever...and true Matthew! My special memories of him also included seeing him at the Wirth Park Pool every day when I brought his little cousins for lessons. He always had time for a smile and a hug for them. We all loved him dearly and there are no words for this loss. We mourn with Rachel, Lynda, Mark, Robyn and Karen and trust in God's promises to comfort us. You are the bravest man I will ever know - and full of fun! Until we see you again in heaven Matt. love and hugs, your Aunt Julie, Uncle David, Gina, Rachael and Joshua Behling
Melinda Clark
September 5, 2016
Matt was the first person I ever met when I first attended BLC. He made everyone feel welcome. He will be truly missed. He touched so many lives. His faith in our Lord Jesus brings hope that we will see him again someday. My deepest sympathy to the whole family. It truly is an honor to know him & his spirit...he will continue to live on through all the people he touched.
John Kamperschroer
September 2, 2016
I didn't know Matt, but went to grade school with his sister Karen. My heart goes out to his wife, sisters, parents. Having lost a few friends in the military, these men are our greatest heroes. Thank you Matt for serving our country, protecting our freedoms, and especially for the Christian and man you were. God bless you and your family and rest easy.
Susan Onsgard
September 1, 2016
The last time I saw Matt and Rachel was this past Christmas and I share the same memories Kristen wrote about. Lots of germs, sniffles and fevers but we were all together for Christmas and able to enjoy the day. Ryan has a video of all of us taking a walk while Jonah and Annaliese rode in their new battery-operated car delivered by Santa. Jonah was a terrible driver and kept running into us and nearly driving off the sidewalk. We were all laughing so much, but Matt walked in front of the car, continually straightening its course and making sure the kids stayed safe. Christmas evening, we played a new game in which you could get points if you had certain pictures of people, places and things in your cell phone. Matt won hands down, as his phone had a picture of every category in the game - of course it did! He lived an amazing life! I also remember him playing with the kids during the holidays... he and Ryan playing in the sandbox in the backyard, investing in their niece and nephew, building not only awesome sand creations, but building memories.
It is a wonderful memory - sickness and all because we took care of one another, ate great food, played games, and celebrated the birth of our Savior. Matt was so easy to be with and easy to love. He was a man of God, man of honor, loved his wife, loved his family, loved his country and was a wonderful friend to many. Matt was a young man whose legacy will run deep and he will be missed tremendously. For those who didn't know Matt, there's still an opportunity awaiting you and you will be so blessed when you meet him at his new residence.
Derek Hayes
September 2, 2016
I didn't know Matt but I know some of his family very well. I have no doubt he is loved tremendously by them and won't be forgotten ever. I thank you for your service Matt. Hooah.
Derek Hayes
USN ret.
Monica Ashery
August 31, 2016
Matt has slept so early, but our Lord Jesus Christ will never leave you alone.
My deepest and sincere condolences to you Rachel and the entire Thompson class in the passing of your dear loved one whom we all loved and cherished ith all our hearts. I feel the void, and I cannot imagine how deep yours is.
May our Lord Jesus Christ who is the source of all our joys and the end of all our sorrows wipe every tear that comes from the eyes and souls of those who are dear to Matt. May you all be comforted and strengthened by our Lord Jesus Christ who tested death and overcame it. Because Jesus lives, Matt lives forever and so is his legacy.
"Absent from the body present with the Lord." II Corinthians 5:8."
The body has slept, but the soul lives on.
M. A.
August 30, 2016
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of Mr. Thompson God bless your family with strength as I know how difficult it is to cope with a love one passing, but you can take comfort in prayer to jehovah and his words at Revelation:( 21:3,4 )
Anna Beyer
August 29, 2016
I have so many wonderful Memories of Matt. I think Meeting him for the 1st time and seeing how Rachel was so relaxed around him...just being her! I think my favorite memories will always be of watching the two of them together. Watching him watch her and her him, all the love they shared. They made each other complete and better people. My heart Aches for our Rachel. We all know where Matt is, it's us who have to be here and make his life and memories something that will touch people for ages to come. I know my family...this is going to happen. I know Matt's family. This is going to happen!
Sharon Echols
August 27, 2016
Rip Matt Rachel feel all the love around you and know God has got this for his reasons we don't understand. May our savior give you more and more strength each day a head. Remember this was a passion of Matt.He will be telling you everyday Iam ok.Heaven has a very special angel above! Love you
Mary Stafford
August 28, 2016
My heart goes out to Rachel and the Thompson family. I loved looking through the pictures. Such an amazing man of God that I am honored to have known. He is an inspiration to live our lives to the fullest! With great sadness I extend my love. Thank you Matt for serving our country and keeping us all safe.
Kristen Beyer
August 27, 2016
So many memories to share, and it's hard to choose...but I remember when Rachel, Matt, Mark, and Ryan were staying at our house for Christmas, and EVERYONE got sick except Matt. The stomach flu, rashes, fever, and even strep throat was going around our house. Matt seemed to take pride in being the only well one, and he served with passion. He was constantly asking Rachel how she was feeing and if he could get anything for her. You could feel the love between them as he made late night store runs, called her Babe, and made sure she had medicine/nutrition. He loved Rachel with his whole heart, and it was such an honor to witness their marriage every time we were together. He was an example to all of us of love, passion, commitment, joy, humor, and sacrifice.
Matt, you'll always be my family. I'll make sure your legacy lives on with your niece and nephew who adored you. Jonah says he misses playing trains with you.
Susan Paasch
August 27, 2016
Dear Rachel,
My sincerest heartfelt deepest sympathy to you. My heart aches with you. I pray God gives you the strength you need in the coming days. I think of you every hour of everyday. God will carry you. "Footprints in the sand."
Alicia Hammett
August 27, 2016
My heart and prayers goes out to you Kristen, his wife, parents and family. I did not know Matt, but the fact that he choose to serve our country only ads to admiration. God bless you and give you strength and faith during these times of great loss.
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Reception - (8/7/2016)
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Graduation from Brookfield Central High - (2006)
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Trip to Africa - (2009)
September 5, 2016
Married Rachel Beyer - (3/25/2011)
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Achieved Eagle Scout - (2005)
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Born - (6/22/1988)
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Baptism - (6/22/1988)
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Flag Ceremony - (8/29/2016)
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Flag Ceremony - (8/29/2016)
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Flower Cross - (8/27/2016) - At the home of Mark and Lynda Thomspon from friends
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Brookfield Central High School Football - (8/25/2016)
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Friends Welcome the Thompsons Home - (8/26/2016)
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Friends Welcome the Thompsons Home - (8/26/2016)
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Friends Welcome the Thompsons Home - (8/26/2016)
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Friends Welcome the Thompsons Home - (8/26/2016)
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