Matthew Axelson Obituary

It's been a while since we visited the site but Matt's memory shines on.
I can only hope that the passing years have brought some peace and better days to all who love and miss this very special man.

Tenho imenso orgulho em ter o mesmo sobrenome deste bravo soldado da marinha, e o mais profundo pesar pela perca dos familiares e esposa.... Meus sentimentos.

A young man deprived himself of a lifetime of experiences so that we might have a lifetime..............Your sacrifice is forever appreciated. You Matthew Axelson define a Hero!!!!

On the 12th anniversary of Operation Red Wings, we pause to pay tribute to Matthew Axelson and to wish his family every good memory as they gather to remember a special man. Time goes by but courage, patriotism and a love of those with whom they served remain constant and a fitting memorial to all who made that amazing effort.

I cannot thank men like Matthew Axelson enough for their sacrifice. He represents the best in all of us. He lived more in 29 years, than most could live in two life times. Thank you, and God bless you.

Remembering and honouring the service and memory of Matthew Axelson, his SEAL team buds and those who also died attempting to rescue them.

As a fellow Navy veteran I offer my condolences to the family and friends of Axelson

Axe, you, Danny and Mike are never forgotten. Our good wishes go out to all those who love you.
sincerely, Kim and Jim

Dear Axe:
Nothing on earth could ever take away what you had, a full heart. I want to thank you with a from the bottom of my heart for your ultimate sacrifice. Your ten year anniversary marks the day of your passing but your life and spirit live on in me. You were the eyes for your team, always with eyes on the enemy. You profoundly touched my HEART with your strength and heroism. Your confrontation with the enemy was fearless and you never hesitated to protect your team. With deepest gratitude and eternal love. Rest in peace.

I just watched Lone Survivor 2 days ago and can't seem to get over what I watched. All I can say is you men are true heroes. Nothing has ever touched my heart like watching the movie. Love you all and I will never forget.

Your legacy lives forever

I never met you but your greatness inspires me. Today my children know the true meaning of what the fourth of July is for! Thank you for your sacrifice and service. Our prayers go out to your family on this special day. Rest in peace soldier

Thank you for all you did for your country. You will be missed by many. I personally do not know you, but I would have liked to have met you. My thoughts and parayers are with your family and friends. RIP Warrior your job here is done.

Remembering you today and always! We will not forget. May God bless your family and keep them strong.

Remembering and honouring the service and sacrifice of Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Axelson who, along with his fellow SEALs, wrote another page in the proud history of his chosen Service. Kim and Jim

Matthew "Axe" Axelson is a very important person who has some what inspired me to be a SEAL

Tomorrow the movie "Lone Survivor" opens here in Australia. While I'm sure that it tells much of what occurred on that mountain, I know that without the effort, courage and ultimate sacrifice of yourself, Murphy and Dietz there would be no story. You each remain honoured and respected by all who were privileged to know you, and by those of us who only learned of you in later times. Rest in peace PO2 Axelson.

I did not know Matt but I sure wish I did. I believe he is one of those few people who make others lives better. He truly was a warrior and a wonderful son, brother, and person as well. I wish nothing but the best for his family and friends as this world is now a less of a better place because he is gone. He is watching us all from heaven and smiling as we miss him every minute of every day. God bless Matt, and all of his family and friends. And god bless he United States Navy SEALS.

This entry is in memory and honor of Matthew for his service and sacrifice for our country. He will forever be remembered for his brave and heroic actions.

To the family and friends of Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Axelson:
It has truly been my honor to sign Matthew's guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Matthew will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy

On this 8th year of Remembrance of the sacrifice of Navy Cross Recipient Navy Seal Petty Officer 2nd Class Matt Axelson, we hold up his family - mother Donna, wife Cindy and all of the Axelson family in prayers for Peace as they once again walk their path of remembrance. We are a Nation forever grateful but never able to convey properly our gratitude for such a deep sacrifice. May the God of Our Fathers watch over all the Gold Star Survivor Families of ORW this Sunday and bring them Peace. May this be our prayer this day.

I hope that the coming anniversary of the passing of this fine young man, along with his team mates, will bring some peace to those who love him. Time moves on and much has changed since that terrible day in 2005, but what remains unchanged is the courage, decency, humanity and service to country displayed by Matthew, Danny Dietz and Mike Murphy. Remembering also those who died trying to rescue them.

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also to let the Axelson Family know that we recently sent Care Packages to American troops in Afghanistan. Each box carried a dedication sheet that includes the name, service information and photo of your loved one. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

a true hero

you will NEVER be forgotten!!

To the family and friends of Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Axelson:
Always remembering Matthew. "Some gave all."

to the family of Matt Axelson

He was a hero. I admire him so much and Iam praying for you everyday. The operation redwing story is so humbling- so much sacrifice, bravery and honor. it is really humbling. I know you have to miss Matt alot but have to be extremely proud of him and how he battled to the very end. His memory will never be forgotten by me. He is a true hero. Rest in peace!

Extending my respects to the family of PO2 Matthew Axelson. To say he was a hero is an understatement. God be your family. Fair winds and following seas.

A hero, he will be forever remembered by family, friends, his military unit and countless strangers such as myself. His legacy goes down in history.

To the families of our American Heroes,

I want to thank each of you for your personal
sacrifices on behalf of my family and America.
May God comfort your souls and bring peace in
your hearts that your loss is not in vain.
God Bless our valiant warriors families in the
ages to come.

RIP courageous ones!
Psalm 25:20

A greatful Veteran
MSgt USAF (Ret)
Vietnam 64,65,66,68-6

To the family and friends of Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Axelson:
Please accept my remembrance of Matthew on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Your buddies got him.

I used to work at the same beach as Mike Murphy, although we did not work together and were a few years apart.
I have three daughters. I promise you, they will read the book. They will know what you did.

Your buddies got him. Rest in peace.

Your legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew you and shared in your struggle to protect our country and the ultimate sacrifice you gave so that we can be grateful for what we have. Your family, friends, loved ones and fellow soldiers will stay in my thoughts and prayers.
A Proud Military Mom.

To the family and friends of Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Axelson:
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

June 28, 2010
Today we pause to honor the life, service and memory of a fine young American. Sadly Matthew, Mike and Danny weren't granted the gift of a long life, and the world is the poorer for that. Those who love him, those who served with him and those who called him friend have had to move on with their lives without the benefit of his presence - and while everyone would wish that circumstances had been different, Matthew has left a lasting legacy to all, even those of us not fortunate enough to know him personally. Anyone reading of the action in which he died will understand that he was a person of uncompromising integrity and courage and I can only hope that those who love him will have peace as they approach this anniversary of his passing.

Matt,

I never got the pleasure of meeting you. I am a Sonar Technician Seaman, stationed out in Pearl Harbor. I went to "A" School in San Diego, and walked through the lounge of Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center, where your memory stays strong within the Sonar Technician community. I had the privilege of knowing Michael Murphy, and I'm sure you were as great a man as Michael was. Thank you for defending this country the best way that you could.

Memorial Day 2010...you are remembered. Thank you.

Matt,
Words can't describe my appreciation for what you've done for this Country! Rest in Peace, my friend. Fair winds and following seas!
Doug Wendling
Vet USMC
61-67
Another 'non-war'....

I just finished reading the book LONE SURVIVOR. Axe's heroism was amazing and wish that he could still be with your family. He protected his team as long as he lived and his toughness and
shooting skills were sure to have helped them survive as long as they did. Marcus is alive because of him (when Marcus pulled Danny out of the line of fire and was almost shot).May God bless him and your family.America will never forget him.

To the Axelson family,
I am 14 years old and know this may not mean much. I recently did a devotional for my Bible class and used Matthew as my example. I wanted to post this. I apologize for it's length.
SACRIFICE
I recently read two World War II stories. They both seemed so similar, until I reached their conclusions. One was of a marine soldier who was fighting in Iwo Jima. Sitting in a Fox Hole, Jackyln Lucas hurled himself onto a grenade to protect his fellow marines. As he did this, another grenade landed nearby, and thinking swiftly Jackyln pulled that one under his body as well. The grenades detonated, sending heated shrapnel into his body. Miraculously, Jackyln survived the blast and received the Medal of Honor. He was only fourteen years old when this took place. The other story also shows the story of sacrifice. Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Axelson was part of a four man Navy SEAL team stationed in Asadabad, Afghanistan. They were on a recon mission when the four man team was overwhelmed by over thirty insurgents. Digging in, they realized they desperately needed help. After calling in back up, a Chinook helicopter was soon on it’s way carrying sixteen combat ready soldiers. But the Chinook helicopter was quickly shot down, killing all sixteen aboard. Knowing his chances were slim, Axelson and fellow Petty Officer Dietz started to fight back. The team only had three members left as an earlier shot had killed one of the SEALs. Axelson and Dietz kept fighting, until their third man was able to escape the fight. Soon after his escape, both Axelson and Dietz were over run. How could God allow three brave men to undergo these circumstances, at the costs of two lives? But we often forget that God sent Jesus to die for us! He was the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Jesus died and then went to Heaven where He is now preparing a place for us. We also should sacrifice our lives to God, and die daily to selfish desires and wants. “There is no greater love then this; that man lays down his own life for a friend”. (John 15:13)

Know that I am praying for your family. Thannk you for your sacrifice.

On the anniversary of the day that changed all our lives forever, you are not forgotten. You live on in all who know your story. You and your families sacrifice will inspire another generation.

REST IN PEACE "AX" YOU ARE ONE OF MY HERO'S SEMPER FIDELIS

peace I leave with You not as the world giveth give but as I give, neither lets your hearts be troubled neither let them be afraid.
John-14-27
Elijah T. Frank,
SGT U.S. ARMY

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

To the family of Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Axelson:
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

PO2 Axelson,

Just wanted to take this moment to pay our respects and let you know that we will not forget the sacrice you made four years ago along with your brothers that perished in Operation Redwing. I have been in touch with your Mom working with her to support the park in Cupertino that was brought to life in honor of your sacrifice and pays tribute to all members of our armed forces. We know you are missed and will do our part to make sure your memory is never forgotten.

Rest In Peace "Axe"

Four years have passed since Matt died, but the memory of his heroism, devotion to duty and support of his mates remains clear and shining bright. The world has changed much in this period but one thing remains untouched, and that's the regard in which you, Mike Murphy and Danny Dietz are held, both by those who knew you in life and others, like myself, who came to know about you later on.
Rest in peace Matt, and God bless your family, loved ones and your Country.

”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 you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,550 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!
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

RIP Axe :(
I have read Lone Survivor many times and my tears flow uncontrollably when reading your heroic story. Your final words to Luttrell "Tell Cindy I love her" break my heart. My prayers go out to your precious wife and family. You are my hero and your heroic actions will NEVER EVER be forgotten!

A GREAT JOB, AXE !
THANK YOU FOR FIGHTING.
THANK YOU FOR BEING THE BEST.

I think about you often. You are not forgotten. Thank you.

Thank you Matthew. Sympathies to your family, friends, and wife.

You are not forgotten.

I am very proud to be an American when I think of the ultimate sacrifice Matthew gave to his country. Chico is very proud of his deeds. He is whole again in heaven with all the other heros. God bless the family and friends left behind. "Lone Survivor" gives a wonderful description of Matt's heroism. He will live in our hearts forever. Dr. Joseph Matthews, Chico, CA.

To the family and friends of Matthew, I realize there is nothing novel I might say that hasn't been said already. I seem to find myself thinking about this great young man, and his courageous teammates, on a daily basis. Know that every citizen of this great country who has knowledge of what took place that day in the mountains of Afghanistan feels the pain of your loss...and some long to have been there with those young men to assist in the fight. Having recently finished "The Lone Survivor", I feel even more pride in being an American, more proud of gallant men such as these SEALs, and more driven to remind people why they paid the ultimate price...fighting an enemy who still wishes us harm. God Bless and keep the family of Matthew Axelson, as well as his friends and teammates.

Bay Area is proud of our local boy. RIP. You will be remembered.

God bless you.

I did know Matt personally, I did however attend the same High School as Matt.

It is heartwarming to know that someone from my area like Matt was willing to serve his country.

I am deeply sadden at the loss Matt and his team of Seals. It is guys like Matt who ensure our freedoms and protect us from those who wish us harm.

To Matt's family, thank you for your bravery.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

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

I've added you on June 28th to my blog Matthew along with the others who gave there all on that date.

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

Matthew,
Thinking and praying for you on the 3rd anniversary of your passing into eternal glory. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends", John 15:13.

Matt is a true American hero. Making to ultimate sacrifice so others can live on. The freedoms we have will continue because of warriors like Matt. His family should be proud. As a fellow frogman, I wish I could have been there to help!

We live free because of men like Matt. There are no words to express how grateful our nation is for the sacrifices made that day. To the Axelson family, thank you for sharing your son and husband. You were truely blessed to have had Matt.

Tomorrow marks the third anniversary of the passing of this fine young American. We hope that the day brings some sunny moments so that his family and friends can enjoy their cherished memories of happier times.
Matthew, you, Danny and Michael gave your all that day.No one could have asked more of you, and you are remembered with pride, even by those of us not fortunate enough to know you in life.
Rest in Peace, and may God bless your family. Kim and Jim Straker, Doha, Qatar

matt is a true hero and will be missed up here in canada.

To the family and friends of Petty Officer 2nd Cl Matthew Axelson, our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. What he has done for our freedom will not be forgotten. May God comfort and bless your family.

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Petty Officer 2nd Cl Axelson!

Employees of Northrop Grumman Undersea Systems in Annapolis have worked for years with members of SDVT-1 on ASDS. I had the privilege of meeting Matt while supporting the program. When we heard of his death along with the other Navy SEALs, we started a golf tournament in their honor. All proceeds from that tournament are donated to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation in their honor. this is an annual event that has raised almost $50,000 for SOWF.

Today it's both a privilege and an honor to sign this memorial page for Matthew Axelson. I've read much about the actions of Matthew and his fellow SEAL's on that day, and while I can only offer words, which are never enough to heal the pain for those who loved them, I hope sincerely that all of those words printed here, from people in different parts of the world who didn't know Matthew, to those nearest and dearest, may be of some comfort as you move forward in life without him beside you.
Sleep well Petty Officer Axelson. You served with pride, you put others before yourself and you were faithful to the end. You truly honored those SEALs who went before you, and you've set a higher bar for those who follow in your footsteps.

Hello Donna and Cindy, You probably don't remember me. I met you at Matt's Memorial in Los Altos, CA, when I presented you with the Gold Star Banners. I often think of Matthew and his beautiful memorial. I still feel the emotion from seeing his photos. Once again, my sincerest condolences for your loss. I pray for Matt and all our Fallen Heros and I will continue praying for your well being. God Bless You All. Respectfully, South Bay Blue Star Moms Past President Gloria Cervantes

to cindy and the axelson family,
i did not have the honor of knowing matt...although i have read his story and visited the web pages for him..what an amazing man he was..i have a five year old son and i make you the promise that when he is old enough to undertand i will tell him matts story...it deserves to be told..it is the LEAST we left here can do..he is a hero..i purchased a hero bracelet with his,danny and mikes names on it..any time i think life is hard i look at my right wrist at their names and i move forwrard...they are my inspiration...you were blessed to be a part of his life and we as a country are blessed to have had him on guard....may God touch your lives..in our prayers..the Vreeland family Big Fork Montana

I just finished reading "The Lone Survivor" and I wanted to let you know that I am not only saddened by the loss of your loved one, but I am also very proud of him. He was a strong, brave, and proud. He will be one of the finest hero's in our history books forever.

To the Axelson Family,
I am a regular 32 year old American, schoolteacher and father of two. I heard of Mathew due to "Lone survivor" and am so happy I did. He and the rest of his team demonstrated all that is right, good and true with America. I have learned more, although not enough of your hero son, and make you this promise; I will continue to teach my children and my students of Mathew and those virtues he demonstrated and held so dear. Please accept this stranger's condolensces and prayers for the new year.

I'm convinced there is definitely a special place in Heaven for our Navy Seals...along with their respective families.

Your service and devotion are beyond most peoples comprehension. We are eternally grateful and thankful. May God Bless you and your family

hooyah............John 15:13

The "Frog Family" is a very close nit one…and when one suffers…we all do…When this loss occurred many of us were together in Colorado for a reunion…Fitting place to be...together…during such a tragic time…Know that while miles and generations separate us…Matt…and you…his family…are our family too…we are saddened by your loss…our loss…God’s blessings on you all…My deepest respect for Matt’s service and sacrifice and sincere condolences to you...his family for your collective sacrifice and loss…

our prayers are with you.

Please accept my sympathy for your loss and my appreciation for Matthew's service. I read the book "Lone Survivor" and I am proud of the way he died fighting for this country. He will not be forgotten. A TEAMMATE WC Class 42

I want to thank your family for the ultimate sacrafice of losing a son so we here at Home can live in peace. May God bless them and watch over them in this their time of need....

I would like to thank Petty Officer Axelson for his valor. The ultimate price paid for all our freedom is the highest honor and he will be in my thoughts and prayers. I wish your family peace.

Matt, Those of us who have been privileged to serve with men of your caliber, give you a Bravo Zulu and a thunderous HOOYAH.Bill O'Brien EC13

Millions of people live in freedom today because of you and other Brave Warriors like you who volunteered to defend it. May God keep you. I know your Family and your country are proud.

My deepest symapthy for your loss of your Frog,"Axe". Find comfort in the pride felt by all old Frogs and the future Frogs that will honor his actions.

From an earlier era - the same legacy -your spirit joins with all your brothers on both sides of the surf zone. Safe journey & easy days.
Classd 40

Matt and Family, My deepest and most reverent condolence and thanks for your sacrifices. The honor of being a member of the SEAL Community, and knowing that Matt stood the ultimate test and did not waiver, opens a part of my heart where pride lives. The acknowledgement of a "Brave Warrior" is a testimony to him.

Matt has found eternal peace and comfort in the company of those other U.S. Navy SEALs who have gone before him. HOOYAH Brother.

To another Seal Hero. Who has given the country his best.

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. I truly believe that Matt was doing exactly what he wanted to be doing in life. As a fellow SEAL, I believe he would want us to celebrate all the special contributions he has made to our lives. Peace be with you brother. Hooyah!

Respect to my Green brother SEAL who lived and died with honor. His generation is answering the call. He volunteered his courage to our defense. I am a Vietnam War Veteran SEAL.

With sympathy

Matt Axelson, RIP. I wish his family to know he died honorably, doing what SEAL warriors do. Always willing to risk their lives for their comrades and just causes. They lead the way. That's what heroes do. Hooyah, my green brother !

To the Axelson family, my heartfelt sympathy to you all.
To Axe, Gods speed my Green Brother. From one Frogman to another, Hooyah!
SEAL Team One 1963/78

For one of those that paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we have today. Thank you for saving the life of a dear friend from Union City California JD (Jim Dickson). My God and his staff of fellow Veterans keep you safe always.
Nec Aspera Terrent
Wolfhound member 1st 27th Inf Cu Chi

God bless you and your family. Your sacrifice should not be forgotten. May you rest in peace.
AL O'CANAS, NAVY VIET NAM VET.

Cindy and Matt's family, I can only pray that you continue to heal and move on with your lives. It might be a little empty, but he is in a heavenly place now. Please take care.

I owe my life to Navy SEALs. What a great bunch of guys! "Fair winds and a following sea" from a Vietnam sailor.

To the Axelson family I thank you for your son's brave deeds on behalf of our country. His character and heroism is clear to us all. May he be resting in peace today and I hope that you have found comfort in knowing that he is at peace.

SEAL Mom

Father we entrust our brother Matthew to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Matthew in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.

I just finished reading "Lone Survivor". I was so impressed by their actions it moved me to tears. I'm very proud of all of them. Thank you for fighting for us and untimately giving all.

With utmost respect to a brave shipmate.

9-11-2007
I read the poem below and cannot imagine the pain from the loss of Matthew. My son Matthew(great name) is 20 and I can't think of what life would be without him. God chose us to care for them. He made a wonderful choice in you. Thank you for allowing all of us to Love your Matt. My Matt will know of yours and his sacrifice. My freedoms come from your son. May he look down and say "thanks for all you did and I'm OK".