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Matthew Hilton Obituary
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Tommy Ontko
June 26, 2025
Remembering Matt Hilton, a fellow law-enforcement officer and brother U.S. Army Paratrooper who gave his life on this date in 2008. I recall that tragic day at Michigan HIDTA, where Matt's wife, Mary, worked with our team as we received the devastating news of the fateful ambush in Afghanistan where SFC Matt Hilton was serving in intelligence operations with his National Guard Unit. Rest in peace, SFC Hilton.
"Lest We Forget"
Tommy Ontko, MI-HIDTA, 82nd Airborne & 173rd Airborne.
Mary Hilton
June 7, 2018
Thank you so much to the USA youth hockey for remembering Matt in this special way. This means a lot. He will never die if his memory is kept alive
Mary Hilton
(Wife of Matthew Hilton)
Charles Gili
June 6, 2018
Hello,
We realize that we are very late to express our deepest condolences, but we wanted to let your family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Matthew L. Hilton US Army Sergeant 1st Class. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Scott Baer
June 27, 2014
Never forgotten brother. Rest in peace Matt.
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June 28, 2013
SFC Matthew Hilton, you have not been forgotten, Sir.
Peggy Childers
June 26, 2013
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Hilton:
Always remembering Matthew. "Some gave all."
AJ
June 25, 2013
Prayers for peace and only happy memories to all who knew and loved Matthew. We won't forget our American Heroes.
April 12, 2013
R.I.P. Matthew Hilton from one LRSD to another. In Orbe Terrum Non Visi!!!
Mary Hilton
May 27, 2012
Always Thinking of you Matt.........especially this memorial day. XOXO
May 23, 2012
Thank you for helping keep this nation free. Love, Shirley Parish from Lathrup Village
June 26, 2011
You will not be forgotten my friend. "A Viet Nam Vet"
Peggy Childers
June 26, 2011
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Hilton:
Please accept my remembrance of Matthew on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Stephanie H.
June 26, 2010
Salute the fallen soldier , who died on foreign shores.
He sacrificed his everything , so you might realize yours.
He laid down all the life he had , and all he might have learned.
He left this land of liberty , never to return.
Reflect for just a minute , this one day of the year.
Take a pensive moment . Summon up a tear.
Embrace the fallen hero , of the red , white , and the blue.
He cried out on the battlefield to make our dreams come true.
His courage and commitment helped to win the day.
He lead the way on his last day to give it all to you.
He's earned a special place on high , and watches from above;
him and all his buddies from a place so full of love.
You´ll be unforgotten heroes!!!
Karen Dennis
June 26, 2010
To the ones who run toward the danger when everyone else runs away...Thankyou for making the ultimate sacrifice. You won't be forgotten....
sabrina maul
June 26, 2010
im so touched by a man i dont know who would give up his life so me and my children could live a long life. it pains me that this ishow we have to live these days but the blesings of a man with a true heart of gold should never go unoticed by us all i give my gratitude to you and your family for what you have done for me and mine you will me truely missed but never forgotton by me. love always sabrina
Peggy Childers
June 26, 2010
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Hilton:
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
Scott Baer
November 28, 2009
Hi Matty,
It's probably been 15 years since we have spoken. I keep looking up old buddies from our days at the 555th MP Co. in Ft. Lee, VA. and I keep finding them gone. Yours was especially difficult to read about. I still remember when we would hang out in the barracks have a few beers and talk about what our plans were when we got out.
I still look at all the pictures I took of our team and squad during "Operation Just Cause 89-90, Operation Promote Liberty 91 and 92 as well as our final deployment to Cuba in 93.
You were more than just a friend, your were a brother to me as well as the rest of the team (Dubois, Craven, JJ, and Lowers).
I wish I had some words of great healing for your family other than, I know there is a loss of a great man for the MIARNG and the Police Dept. but the family has lost a great husband and father. No words can replace or make right the tragedy your family has gone through.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
If for any reason you would like photos of Matt in his Triple Nickle days please feel free to email me.
Jim Ethridge
November 26, 2009
To the family of Matt Hilton, my family's prayers go out to you and Matt. While serving in ARSIC-E I met Matt when he ripped in. He spent some time filling me in on things happening back home in Michigan. I am forever grateful to him for his service to our contry and he will never be forgotten.
Danny Thweatt
September 21, 2009
Matt you will be missed I will never forget the times we had in Korea and Sierra. I wish we would have kept in touch so I could tell you that I was a better MP than you were but, we know you were and then some. I will see you again some day.
SGT Danny LEE Thweatt
Ya Matt I remember we have the same middle name, and you come first in the Alfa.
Morning Convoy Brief at ORGUN-E
July 7, 2009
SGT HILTON
July 7, 2009
SECFOR PMT-D @ O.E Brothers 4 ever
July 7, 2009
Joey Ruiz
July 7, 2009
Sgt Hilton I miss you and im very heart broken I think of you Sgt Mckay & Sgt Palmateer everyday you will be missed very much Peace to you and your family GOD BLESS Spc Ruiz
Peggy Childers
July 4, 2009
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Hilton:
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
Michael Iezzi
June 26, 2009
Matt,
Thinking and praying for you on your 1st Heavenly Anniversary. 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.
John Payer
June 18, 2009
To the family of Matt Hilton,
My prayers continue to go out for you and Matt. It has almost been a year since three of our brothers from the ARSIC-E family were taken from us. It left a large hole in the heart of our unit on that terrible day. I hope that time has eased some of the pain of your loss. I know that Matt will always be remembered by the soldiers of ARSIC-E that served with him, and know that he truly made a difference in our lives.
May 24, 2009
Remembering you on Memorial Day. You are a True American Hero Matt. We are saying prayers for your step-son Brent. We pray he will return from Iraq safely. Even though we have never met, you and your family are always in our thoughts and prayers. Continue to keep watch from Heaven.
Gaye Bishop
John & Gaye Bishop
April 30, 2009
Remembering you on your Birthday. The flowers placed by your side were just beautiful. You are missed by many and still loved by all. No one will forget your sacrifice. Continue to watch out for your family because its a very difficult time for them. We'll continue to keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you SFC Hilton today and always.
Michael Iezzi
April 23, 2009
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 sympathies.
Gaye Bishop
February 19, 2009
Hi Matt
Thank you for keeping our John company in Heaven. Your resting place looks very nice. When we visit John we stop and take a moment to visit you. We try to keep your resting place pleasing to the eye. We uncovered the grave blanket the last time we were there. I hated to see it covered in all that snow. We well aways keep watch out for you as we do John. We'll visit again on Thursday. See you then. Continue to watch out for your family and friends. We know what they are going through. You would think as time goes by it gets easier, but it doesn't. God Bless You Matthew Hilton. You're A TRUE AMERICAN HERO
Kenna Larra
December 18, 2008
We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families at this time. This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
Please contact us! 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,
Kenna
Matt in Iraq 2004
November 5, 2008
Matt in Iraq 2004
November 5, 2008
Matt and Mary
November 5, 2008
Afghanistan 2008
November 5, 2008
Memorial service from the guys in Afghanistan
November 5, 2008
Tribute to Matt from Lathrup Village, MI
November 5, 2008
Afghanistan 2008
November 5, 2008
October 3, 2008
October 3, 2008
Mary Hilton
October 3, 2008
Matthew was my best friend, I miss him everyday and often ask why God took him away from me. I know that he may have a plan bigger than I can imagine or can understand. Matthew is my hero, the greatest man and soldier I know. I love you baby
Gaye Bishop
September 24, 2008
To the Family of Matthew Hilton
I don't know if you have visited him lately, however, we have. Every time we visit my son Pfc John T. Bishop we visit Matthew. His resting place looks nice. It has fresh flowers every week and it is now sodded. I beleive Matt and John are looking after their families from heaven. They are the angels on our shoulders every moment of every day. As they watch out for us, we will remember them always. They will forever me in our hearts and no one can take away our memories of them. They are true American Heros
Colleen Steves
September 16, 2008
To the wife and family of SFC Hilton,
My husband, David, deployed to Afghanistan with Matthew. He spoke very highly of Matthew, and respected him as a person as well as a soldier. We were all devastated by the loss of this great man. Although I cannot even pretend to know what you are going through, I want you to know how sorry I am for your loss. Your husband is a hero. He did not die in vain. He died ensuring that our children and our children's children will have the very sort of life that we treasure here in America. I can think of no greater cause, and no one I admire or respect more than your husband and your family. Not only did Matthew pay the ultimate sacrifice, but so did your family. You are heroes in my eyes as well. I want you to know that ever since they were available, David and I have both been wearing memorial bracelets to honor Matthew. We do not take them off, nor do we plan on taking them off. We wear them every day to remind ourselves never to take our freedom for granted. As for the rest of our guys over there, my hope is that they will come home safe, and come home honoring what a great man and soldier Matthew was.
God Bless, and NEVER hesitate to ask if you need anything. We're in this together.
Laurie Reinacher
September 9, 2008
I did not have the pleasure of knowing or having ever met Matthew Hilton but I have had the pleasure of meeting Mary, his spouse. My thoughts and condolences continue to be with you and the children. May you all find peace in your hearts.
Laurie A. Reinacher
Gary Allain
August 22, 2008
Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Hilton
you are my hero may god keep you in his arms forever
WILLIAM FERGUSON
August 17, 2008
Mary, My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to you and your family. I am truly sorry to hear about Matt's passing. I have the deepest respect for you both. It has been a long time since I talked to you both, my heart still goes out to you. If anything I can do, please don't hesitate to let me know. Please take care. Your and Matt's old friend from 783rd MP BN, SFC William Ferguson (Unit Trainer/Platoon Sergeant)US Army Retired. cell # 313 330 3184.
WILLIAM FERGUSON
August 17, 2008
Mary, My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to you and your family. I am truly sorry to hear about Matt's passing. I have the deepest respect for you both. It has been a long time since I talked to you both, my heart still goes out to you. If anything I can do, please don't hesitate to let me know. Please take care. Your and Matt's old friend from 783rd MP BN, SFC William Ferguson (Unit Trainer/Platoon Sergeant)
August 16, 2008
Hi Matthew
We'll see you on Wednesday on the way down to my daughters wedding. Hope you and John are getting along okay. See you then
Gaye Bishop
debbi
August 9, 2008
To the family and parents of Matthew 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 be with you and heal you.
http://goldstarfamilysupportgroup.
com/
In memory of my son
Spc Harry (Buck) Winkler III
KIA 11/12/06 Samarra, Iraq
82nd Airborne 2-505th PIR
Stephanie Rafoss
August 7, 2008
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
In Memory of Matthew ~ (Debra Estep)
July 29, 2008
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
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Gary Palmateer
July 23, 2008
Family of Matthew Hilton, Please know that our hearts and prayers are with you. My brother Mark died in the attack that day with Matthew. Our heros will will always be remembered. God bless Matthew and your family.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
July 22, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy to the Hilton 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"
~Robert Orr~
Gaye & John Bishop
July 20, 2008
To the Hilton Family
You have our deepest sympathies. We know all too well the pain and grief you are going through. We are so sorry for your loss. Know that you are not alone. We lost our son Pfc John T. Bishop on 04/23/08. Our son and Matthew are together here on earth and in heaven. We visited our son on Thursday. We asked him to watch out for Matthew and asked Matthew to keep an eye on John. They are true American heros and are now in God's Army. Know that Matthew will not be forgotten. We will visit Matthew as often as we visit our son.. You see they are next to one another. Again you have our condolences.
John & Gaye Bishop
Proud Parents of PFC John T. Bishop (KIA 04/23/08 Golden HIlls Iraq)
Jeannie Tolle
July 14, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. May God bless you and grant your family peace. I hope your memories bring you comfort and in time ease the pain.
In loving memory of my grandson
Pfc. Aaron J. Ward
KIA 5/6/2008
John Payne
July 14, 2008
My deepest condolences to Matt's family and friends. I deployed to Bosnia in '96-97 with Matt. When we got back to Ft. Bragg, we became roommates. Matt was and is still a great guy. I wish I knew something to say to ease the family's pain, but I don't.
Take care Matt, I look forward to seeing you on the other side.
BEVERLY MONTGOMERY
July 11, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
RIP PFC Aaron J. Ward 4/28/89 - 5/6/08 (KIA)
Gary Tolle
July 11, 2008
Matthew, I just wanted to say thank you for your brave and honorable service to a grateful nation, a nation in mourning for our fallen hero’s. You like so many other soldiers chose to serve our nation when needed most and with your life you protected the very core of what America stands for. My nephew PFC Aaron J. Ward also made that sacrifice on 5/6/2008 when he was killed in action in Iraq. As I mourn for my nephew I mourn for you and so many other brave soldiers and know that you all will forever be in my thoughts and prayers, we as a nation will never forget you. I stand tall and salute you Matthew and from the bottom of my heart I thank you for the nights we at home could sleep without fear and know that we are safe. To the Hilton family, words cannot express the pain we now share, but our families will forever have a bond and we will be thinking of Matthew and your family and will keep you in our thoughts & prayers. Please accept my heart felt condolences and my prayer that god help you cope with this tragic loss and may the memories of your HERO carry you through each day. From one Gold Star family to another!
Suzanne MacDaniel
July 10, 2008
To the Hilton family,
I know there are no words to say, except how sorry I am for your loss. May you hold Matthews' memory in your heart and please remember he shall never be forgotten.
...For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed.
But 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.
Suzanne MacDaniel
A Proud Aunt
Sgt. David M.Fisher
H. McKeever
July 9, 2008
My Condolences go out to the family, friends, co-workers, soldiers, Cities of Lathrup Village, MI. and Livonia, MI. One Friday, I was reading about Officer Hilton, on the front page of Lathrup Village, newspaper and then on Sunday, the news was reporting SFC Hilton, deceased. I did not know Officer Hilton, however, I am a reserve soldier and live in the City of Lathrup Village as well. Rest in Peace Officer/SFC Hilton.
kathi poppert
July 9, 2008
Matthew, I want to thank you for your sacrifice to our freedom. rest easy soldier you will never be forgotten. to Matthew's family, I'm sorry for your loss may God be with you in the day ahead. we don't know each other but are now forever joined as of may 6 2008 my nephew PFC Aaron J Ward at the age of 19 while serving in Iraq was also added to the long list of American Hero's who gave thir life for our country's continued freedom. rest in peace Matthew, America loves you...
Proud Army Aunt
Stefano Marzocco
July 8, 2008
We have a priceless debt with you and all of your fellow military. We are free because of the braves. Do not ever think gratitude is limited to your Country, many people well know abroad too the significance of your sacrifice. May God bless you and all your family for ever end ever. We will not forget.
Chuck Hoehn
July 8, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Matthew is truly an American Hero. I know he is looking down and smiling on an America that will forever be the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave because of his sacrifice and those like him. Please accept my deepest and heartfelt sympathy for your loss. I would like to share an original poem I have written with your family. I wrote this poem to honor all of our Fallen Heroes. I am proud to share it with you to honor Matthew:
FALLEN HEROES
The Flags have been lowered to honor your sacrifice
A day to remember a fallen Hero
But you are more than a Hero to those left behind
You are a Father
A Brother
A Husband
A Wife
A Sister
A Mother
A best friend
A neighbor
An empty seat at the table
Although I have never met you,
I will never forget you
I will always remember the sacrifice made for me
I will pass it on to my Children
My Grandchildren
And to all who will listen
I will praise you and thank you until I take my last breath
I promise to hold sacred the freedom you have protected
As you look down from above on the Land of the Free
I hope that in your eyes I have earned the price you have paid for me
Valorie
July 8, 2008
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
I know how you feel losing a "HERO",Becoming a "Gold Star" Mother myself on 25 March.. The sacrafice our sons and daughters are making on a daily basis should tell us all..These young HEROS knew full well what they were doing and did it proudly When you hug your loved ones tonight.... Remember... We also hugged ours and they were protecting you..We.. as Americans need to make the "Ultimate Sacrafice" by supporting all our military(HEROS)...the Proud Mom of SGT. Jason W. Swiger
5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne,Fort Bragg, N.C. KIA 3/25/007
shirley soper
July 8, 2008
I am so deeply sorry for your tremendous loss of Sgt. Matthew Hilton. I too lost my Matthew in Iraq, on 6/6/07, so I know where you are. There are no words to comfort what you feel, and time is just a word we use when words fail us. Look instead for the blessings that you have in having your Matthew in your life. I would go through all this agony all over again, just to have the chance to be my Matthew's momma. Your Matthew was a gift to us all. He gave to his country the gift of selfless love. We as a nation are blessed to have these hero's. Our memories become priceless, and every photograph a treasure. May you find comfort in knowing that our Matthew's are now a part of Heavens Army of Hero's. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers as you make your way through this journey of grief. Thankyou for the gift of your Matthew. There are so many of us who will always remember these amazing hero's. I promise you that your Matthew will always be remembered by me. I would love the opportunity to help you in any way that I can if you will let me. May God bless you, and grant you the strength, courage, and faith to get you through this most difficult Journey. Remember, you are not alone. Please reach out to me, I would love to learn more about your Matthew, and maybe just listen and try to help you through this if I can.God bless your family.
Shirley Soper
Garnet Jenkins
July 8, 2008
Please accept my Deepest and Most Heartfelt Sympathy regarding the loss of Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Hilton.
The price this Brave Soldier and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.
There is so much thanks to be given, to these young heroes, for their Courage, Dedication and Service.
May Matthew rest safely now, in God's Care and may God's Healing Grace Bless the Hilton family.
I am the sister of such a young hero, who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in Vietnam, many years ago.
"Wait on the Lord, be of good courage
And He shall strengthen your heart"
~ Psalm 27:14 ~
May the Peace of God and your treasured memories of Matthew, remain in your heart always.
May this give you comfort and strength through the difficult days ahead.
You are in my thoughts and my prayers.
For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud
July 8, 2008
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 SGT 1c Matthew Hilton 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 in combat while serving the U.S. Army and his country. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. Matthew, you are a brave 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 1,385 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.
Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109
SHIRLEY DONEY
July 8, 2008
REST IN PEACE SGT. HILTON, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU
Gale Poindexter
July 8, 2008
I am writing to offer my deepest sympathies to you and your family over the loss of your HERO Sgt 1st Class Matthew Hilton. I lost my son in Iraq on May 6/2007, so I can well understand your pain of losing a loved one so dear.
I pray you will be guided by a higher power to give you peace, comfort and strength in this time.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
GOD Bless you and your family. Your soldier was a true American Hero and we are all very proud of his service. He will not be forgotten!
(Proud mother of Sgt Joel W. Lewis, 5/20, 3-2 SBCT /Ft Lewis
KIA 5/6/07, Baqubah, Iraq)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXAX__FZYg4
Sandy Bonesteel
July 8, 2008
My condolences to the family of Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Hilton. May they know that there are many, many people grieving with them and that care very deeply about them.
Chaplain Dan Gates, Georgia SAR
July 7, 2008
With the deepest regret, I have just learned of the death of Sergeant First Class Hilton. As a Vietnam Veteran and the State Chaplain of the Georgia Society, Sons Of The American Revolution, I speak for our President, (Col.) Robert Towns and the more than 1,400 SAR members around the State of Georgia in humbly expressing the condolences of a grateful Society. Wrapped in the integrity of service to our nation and the inestimable values of duty, honor and country, your American hero stood on a wall of freedom for us all. This precious life, lived and lost in love of America, epitomized every attribute of patriotism the Sons Of The American Revolution hold dear. And, as Americans, we could never repay the debt we owe ..!! Nor the debt we owe you… the family of one of America's best ...!!!
Shelley H - Blue Star Mom
July 7, 2008
From our military family to yours, we would like to thank SGT 1st Class Matthew Hilton for his service and sacrifice to this great country, as well as send our deepest condolences for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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