Really sad story.

[scottc]

As former Airforce i am truly saddened by this and my prayers go out to the family.This young man paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us and this great country we live in and we should be proud of his service to keep our freedoms.

[2SSRSinBama]

guy I played against in high school(who was a hell of a qb) died in '06, he was the 1st local guy(only two others have) to die over there... I remember his funeral like it was yesterday... by far one of the saddest memories I have but at the same time, it was amazing to see how he was honored by the Vets, Government, etc... Matt was definitely laid to rest with honor... ESPN even did a story on him years later that aired:



the ESPN link:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/etick...ry?page=conley


I know a lot of people probably won't think much of that, but even with our schools being highschool rivals, I'm pretty sure every member of our '02-'03 football team attended his funeral... was a very sad day

what was really terrible about it is his wife was 8 months pregnant when he died... the Humvee he was riding in hit an IED... one of the Documentaries that came out last year on the war was made by a guy either in his unit or traveling with his unit at the time of the event, I remember seeing the explosion and then them honoring him as a casualty that day in the trailer... I have searched for that documentary since seeing the trailer and know its out now, unfortunately, I haven't been able to find it

[MiracleAces]

Hi everyone. I know I said I would update this post with more details earlier, but it took a couple days for everything to fall into place. Before I get into what has occured, let me say that all the posts and private messages I have received have been incredible. I know and realize I am only a messenger, but each post and PM weighed heavy on me. In the end I chose to show this thread to the family. Just watching them read the messages was very difficult.

The hardest part of this was finding out this brave soldier had a wife and two kids. In accordance with the parents and wife's wishes much of the details will not be shared. They prefer to keep private. Everything I am sharing with you now I have received the approval for from the family. We will not be sharing names, branch of military, dealership info or pictures of the Camaro. Insurance was actually purchased in case the owners (husband or wife) were to pass away before the loan was paid off. So this Camaro has no lien lessening somewhat the burden on the family. I am allowed to say the wife will not be keeping this Camaro, although it will stay in the family. That is really all I have to bring to you. Below is a verbatim recording from the father. He wanted to say a few words so we recorded his message on my phone. I am wirting it verbatim below. I wish these words could convey the pain and pride I heard in his voice as he said this quick message. He paused and really tried to choose he words correctly. I apologize for any grammatical errors or errors in how he may of intented for his message to be written.

Our family has been dealt a truly tragic lose this week. The reprocussions to us, our family and even the people we have never met will be far reaching. It's never easy to justify a death in war. Especially like this. I do not support the war, but I do not choose to lessen any of the sacrific our men and women, both dead and alive have given to us all. I ask to keep our details to a minimum not so much for privacy, but so that our son is as he would have wanted... part of a whole, part of a group, part of this entire war - not as an individual. He never allowed himself to be above anyone. He was always 'one for all'. He was not 'gung-ho', but he was all about his brothers around him. He always made me proud in that sense. He always said every promotion he received was on the shoulders of greater people in front of him. We appreciate all the offers of kindness we read through on this website. You have no idea how much it is appreciated. However, we would be honored if you gave to an organization of your choice in support of our troops. We need no letters sent to us. Not because we dont want them, but because we would appreciate those efforts to go toward to those men and women still alive, but injured. These soldiers need your support now than ever. I feel like our son's memory would allow me to go on rambling forever, but we have to live in 'the now'. As should everyone else. Don't chastise yourself for burdening yourselves with the 'little things in life' being in perspective when something like this happens. Rather embrace our freedoms and way of life and give thanks to all past, present and future who have given of themselves to make our country what it is... imperfect, but free. Our family thanks you all.

[steeleshark2]

As a fellow active duty member!!

[Tarl]

Thoughts and prayers to the family. RIP buddy! <salute>