Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"SPC Koch,

Thinking of you this Memorial Day weekend, and often brother. I hope you found a better place my friend.

Nobody had a better attitude or sense of mission accomplishment, whether it was convoy security, guard duty, or whatever.

Rest in peace brother."
SSG (Ret) Christopher Guthrie of Macomb, MI

"One of the best soldiers I've had the honor of working with. You are in my thoughts often."
SFC (RET) Thornton of Camp Arifjan

"I don't know who you are, but i was looking for someone else with the same name. But at the same time i feel compelled to write something, I'm so sorry for your loss. And i cannot begin to imagine the anguish and sadness you must feel. But I hope that a total stranger like me who felt sadness in his heart for what happen to your son, Can bring you some comfort..."
Franco D'Elia of Brookyln,NY USA

"matt was a great person to be around. always lifted your spirit. he was a great soldier and a better friend.he will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

old charlie rock soldier"
eric madsen of ft carson co

"February 22, 2009
To the family of Spc. Matthew A. Koch:
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"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"Matthew and I met as young teenagers during a time in our lives when we were both going through some troubles and learned to lean on eachother to get through those times. We remained friends ever since then and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss him. There are too many fond memories that I wouldn't even know where to begin. Sometimes you don't realize how special a person is or how much they have affected your life until they are gone. This is sort of how I feel when I think of Matty and our relationship, friendship whatever you wanna call it...he was truely one of the best friends that I have had thus far and will never forget him. I also want to thank his mom for being there for me back when I was going through some tough times years ago. I think she will know what I am referring to when she reads this. They are and will forever will be an inspiration to me. LOVE YOU FOREVER MATTY. I know you'll be watching over me."
Jessica Fasig of Allentown, PA

"Koch was a good guy he ran the floor in my barricks when i first arrived at the 70th engineers Always think about him and the other two we lost in iraq and even got a tattoo to so everyone and myself will remember him and others we lost."
Floyd formally Rock13 of Champlin,Mn originally Cushing Ok

"Thank you Matthew and his family. I say my prayers for you nightly."
Gwenn of LA

"To Matthew and his family... It's coming up on the 3 year mark of you're death. I think about you and your family all the time. Wondering how everyone is holding up, what good things they are doing, and how they manage to live life without you. I didnt know you that well, just the occassional dinner at Phillips house. But you left footprints on my heart, and your death had quite an impact on me. It opened my eyes to this short time span that we call life, and how we arent really living it! And how you guys were over there fighting for our freedom, and anything could happen. Just know that you havent been forgotten, and never will be. I'll miss you forever - God bless you and your family -"
Connie Phillips of Fort Knox, KY

"The first time I saw Koch he was racing PVT Cook back to the B's from the chow hall. They were both on crutches at the time due to injuries sustained on a march in basic. That was the kind of guy he was, nothing slowed him down.
When we got to the 70th EN BN we both got sent to 2nd squad, 2nd platoon A CO. It was my honor to serve with him and to learn from him. He was a good friend and battle buddy.
He always looked out for the other guy, never thought of himself. He volunteered to go to C Co before our first deployment so that one of the guys from our Platoon didn't have to deploy early and would have a chance to marry his fiance. That's Koch for you, always looking out for his buddies.
God bless the Koch family, your son was truly a great man."
Buchanan, David A. "Buch" of OKC, OK

"matt was a great guy. i remember when he got to fort riley and charlie company. He always had funny jokes and good things to say. I am saddened by the news that he is gone but will never be forgotten. to his family all i can say is he was a good man and soldier. I will miss him."
tom watkins of mcewen, tennessee

"I was his medic in OIF1. He was a good soldier.I will always remember him. This is something I read " O God full of compassion, grant perfect rest beneath the cover of Your Presence to all who have bravely laid down their lives for our country.Shelter them amoung the holy and pure,who are as radiant as the luminous firmament. O source of compassion,bring them ever near to You that their souls be bound up in the bond of eternal life,as are the souls of the righteous."
Angelo Joyner of Fort Stewart, GA

"Well it was a hard year after you left us man but we managed while you watched over us. We had a few near misses. We wish you were still here watching over us with that big goofy smile. You paid the ultimate sacrifice. But that is not the only reason you will be remembered. Charlie Company is forever with you."
William and Christina Mabe of Tampa, Florida

"For the past few years I've denied everything to my friends and family that someone died in Iraq that was close to me. And Koch was. To be honest I never had a drink when I was in the Army until I turned 21, but after that I never drank. Until Kock bought me my first shot ever. It may seem small to other people, but I will always remember what he said to me the night he handed me my very first shot of 151. I'll keep that for me, but I can never forger him. A true soldier. I cry in his memory, but celebrate his life."
SPC Solis, Phillip (Cheech) FonkyCheech@aol.com of Denver, CO

"To the family of:Matthew A. Koch I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"Koch~ Hey man, Griz here, just wanted to tell you that you will be missed for a lifetime. New Years 2002-03 was a blast in K.C., and you were always good for a laugh. Watch over us fellow SAPPERS as we continue to chase the enemy. God Bleess your sacrifice brother.

Koch Family~ I am deeply sorry for your loss, and offer all my deepest condollences. I hope that his sacrifice has not been for nothing, as we continue to fight this war. I have some pictures of him if you would like copies.

millerlitegriz@yahoo.com
"SAPPERS LEAD THE WAY""
SSG Rich "Griz" Gerzmehle of Ft Bragg, NC

"Dear Koch Family,
My deepest condolences to you. Matt was a great friend and a great soldier. I will never forget you buddy. Keep your socks on man. you will always be my hero."
Jake Hall

"Dear Koch family,
I knew Matt as a friend and a soldier. I was with 2-34 armor just down the street from him. Matt and I would always go out on the town in manhattan.He is a good man and just like another friend said, Matt would give the shirt of his back if he had to.Matt and I would travel all over just to meet a girl there was one time he went with me to colorado to see my family especially for my sister and he told me he could stay with an ucle there.Matt buddy Ill miss you and my prayers are for you and your family."
Matt Johnson of Greeley, colorado

"I miss Matt terribly, I miss the late nite phone talks we had on the phone. He was the sweetest guy ever, and would do anything for anyone. He was so funny too, he always made me laugh. May God be with his family Always."
Alaina of Wichita, KS

"This guy would give you the shirt off his back if you asked. I'll never forget him for the rest of my life."
Josh Crabtree of Mukilteo Washington

"Specialist Koch, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"Dear Koch Family,
I want to express my sincere condolences to each of you. I had the priveledge of meeting Matthew 3 years ago. Words cannot describe what a wonderful person he was. I have so many memories of him. He would ofen come over to my house and I would cook for him. He would never let me do the dishes when we were finished. I can hear him now. "You cooked, and I will cleanup." We would sit and watch movies, but not before he would have to move my VCR player back into the living room and connect it to my sterio so we could have surround sound. I attended the memorial service for him on post. The commander described you son EXACTLY how he was. That was very comforting. I can also remember Matthew telling me, "Life is Paradise Danica, dont worry about it". That was the kind of person he was. I have several of his CDs he left behind before he went to Iraq. I often times just sit and listen to them, and have to laugh because I can remember remarks about things he would make while we would listen to particular songs. Matthew is someone whom I will NEVER forget. God Bless You!"
Danica Spangler of Manhattan, KS

"To the Family of Matthew Koch
Our prayers are with you and your family at this time. We are so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful, brave youngman. Remember the son, brother, grandson, friend and the life he shared with all of you. We too have a son Matthew F. Koch, age 23 who served 2 tours in Irag with the Seabee's. Joined about the same time as your son, and returned home to California in February. Our love and prayers are with you all.
The Koch Family of Washington State"
Dianne, John Koch and Family of Edmonds, Washington

"To the loved ones of Spc. Koch,
I unfortunately never got the opportunity to meet Matthew. Everyone I know who did know him, has remembered him with fondness and love. He was a great soldier and an even better person and friend. My husband is in the 70th A. Co. Matthew's death has impacted us all. Please except my deepest sympathies and know that he was loved by all who knew him."
Sharon Crown of Ft. Riley KS

"Koch Family,
I just wanted to say that my heart goes out to you and your family. Koch was a good friend of mine i served with him in O.I.F 1&2. He was a great soilder and a even better friend when i heard the news i couldn't believe it I didn't want to believe that someone i become so cool with was gone and i would never see him again, sometimes i sit around and think of all the good times we had as you know Koch was a big Volkswagen fan that was one of the many things we had in common. I remember everyday after work he would always say to me "whenever you ready to race and put your title on the line come see me" then he would laugh and drive away, that was just one of the thing that i will always remember and miss about him. There are millions of things i want to say but I will leave it at this Koch From your boy P I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU AND FOR AS LONG AS I LIVE YOUR MEMORY WILL LIVE ON, (SEE YOU WHEN I GET HOME!)"
SPC (P) Pierre, (former soilder) of 70TH ENG.CHARLIE COMPANY of Philadelphia PA

"Koch Family,
Matt was a great guy. I didn't know him as a soldier. I knew him as a friend. When I heard of your loss I thought of the weekend we meet, at Country Stampede, a few years ago and the times that we hung out with friends. He was always a warm, fun loving guy to be around. Although it has been years since we out I never forgot him. Whenever we ran into each other he always had a big smile and a few minuates to chat and catch up. I don't know the proper words to share with you. But please know I am so very sorry. Please be proud of the person he had become, I was always proud to call him my friend."
Leigh Ann Smith of Ft. Riley, KS

"As a good soldier I am glad for everything you have done. You will be sadly missed my all. You are in my prayers along with all the others that were with you. My husband is over there now and is in the same company as Matthew. I miss him lots plus everyone eles that is over there. Its a sad thing but a job needs to be done. Since my husband has become a soldier I have had more respect for the men and women that serve our country. You will be sadly missed by 70th ENG BN C co, thanks for all you have done."
Jennifer Giroux of Fort Riley, Kansas

"To the family of Matthew. My family honors your hero. He was a brave man who gave his life for the most precious gift: freedom. Never forget the American people are grateful for his loyal service and that we will never forget thie sacrifice that Matthew has made. His Bravery, Valor, and Courage will always be remembered. All of our prayers are with you. Please know that you are not alone.
God Bless Matthew and his family"
Jennifer and SSG Larry Mays and family of Massillon, Ohio

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Matthew, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you ALWAYS. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"I WANT TO SEND MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOU. IT IS WITH THE MOST HUMBLE SPIRIT I AM WRITING YOU. MYSELF AND OUR COUNTRY ARE FOREVER INDEBTED TO YOU AND YOUR DEAR SON. MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU IN THIS GREAT LOSS. MAY GOD WRAP HIS ARMS AROUND YOU IN COMFORT."
CINDY ALMODOVAR-SCHULZ of TITUSVILLE,FL U.S.A.

"TO THE KOCH FAMILY FROM THE WAHL FAMILY. WE ARE DEEPLY SADDEN BY YOUR LOST. MATTHEW WAS MORE THEN A SOLDIERA ND HERO! HE IS ONE THAT. TOUCHED MANY MANY LIVES. FRIENDS, NEIGHBOR'S, HIS MILITARY FAMILY, HIS PERSONAL FAMILY AND THOSE HE WANTED FREEDOM FOR IN IRAQ. MATTHHEW IS THE ELITE OF ALL AMERICAN'S. NOT MANY AMERICAN'S ARE WILLING TO SERVICE HIS OR HER COUNTRY. RISKING HIS LIFE FO US ALL. OUR FAMILY UNDERSTANDS YOUR PAIN. AN OUR HEART AND PRAYS ARE WITH MATTHEW AND YOUR FAMILY. WE LOST OUR SON TEN MONTHS AGO. AN SO THANKFUL HE SERVED ALONG SIDE YOUR SON. EVEN IF BOTH DIDN'T KNOW ONE ANOTHER. BOTH ARE BROTHERS IN THE MILITARY SENSE. FOR BOTH HAD THE SAME VALUE'S. TO PROTECT OUR COUNTRY AND OUR COUNTRIES INTEREST. GOD BLESS!"
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"Dear Koch Family,

We would like to extend our deepest condolences for your great loss of Matthew. His bravery, valor, and courage for a young man his age, goes beyond words. Please know that there are many in this nation that are praying for you and your family during these hard times. Know that we are a very grateful nation. God has blessed our nation with Matthew and we pray that you have the strength and courage for the hard times ahead. God Bless you and your family."
The Edward Todd Family of Springfield, GA USA

"Thank you Matthew Koch, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Spc. Matthew Koch:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Matthew for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Spc. Matthew Koch:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Matthew, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia