Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Matt, we remember and miss you every day. We love you so much, Mom and Dad"
Shelli and Norb Laskowski of Prescott, Arizona

"Matt, we just spent time at Fort Carson at the memorial for the fallen. The Mountain Post Warrior Memorial is beautiful and the Gold Star Flag was installed at the Soldier's Memorial Chapel. Love you and miss you Son."
Shelli and Norb Laskowski of Prescott, Arizona

"Miss you every day Matt. You are not forgotten. Giizaagiin Niikaanis Baa"
Andy Eshkibok of Prescott, AZ

"Matt, I still wear the bracelet. Rarely does it leave my wrist. If all goes well I plan to visit your grave site end of June early July. I would love to meet fellow military members and share our stories while I am there."
Guy Duke of 207sixohsevenohfiveonenine

"02/25/2016: You are always remembered Matthew, today and always. We remember all the good you brought to this world. Love, Mom and Dad (az12652@peoplepc.com)"
Shelli /Norb Laskowski of Prescott, Arizona, USA

"2/25/15 Matt- missing you always. We have so many good memories and think of you everyday. Thank you for the feathers! We still hear from your friends, who remember and miss you.
Love, Mom and Dad (az12652@peoplepc.com)"
Shelli and Norb Laskowski of Prescott, Arizona

"Yet another Memorial Day has come and with it I can't help but to think of you brotha. I still remember the good times teaching and working out with you. Even when your first daughter Isabella (I hope I remembered correctly, I can be bad with names).

I hope peace has found your family and they cherish your memory. You were a great guy and miss you brotha."
Jason Cohenpeer of Jacksonville, Fl

"Matt, you were an amazing officer, a patriot, and one of my very best friends. I think of you every day. We've shared the best laughs and the toughest times. Best spades partner ever. You are forever in my heart."
Adrineh (Shahijanian) Gouloomian of San Francisco, CA

"STILL THINKING OF YOU EVERYDAY BROTHER"

"To Matt and all of his family, God Bless you all on this Memorial Day. I was there in Outlaw Troop with Matt and think of him and Mr Wells often. I have a tattoo in rememberence of them.
I wish the very best for all of the families and Rest in Peace Brother."
Edward Lawton, SFC Retired of Rialto, CA

"I miss you Matt"
Nick of Phoenix, AZ

"To the family of:Matthew C. Laskowski
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""

"To the family,
I knew Matt during his tour in Pensacola. Matt, Barb, CJ, and I basically became the dive team for ESAR. The four of us dove nearly every other weekend for nearly a year plus we responded to all sorts of calls. I remember one late night getting into a creek to assist in pulling out a car. Matt always had a positive passion in everything he did.
After I learned of his death I found Barb and CJ and we shared some great stories. I then ordered a "hero" bracelet that I have worn every day for the past 2 years. I planned to place it in my shadow box at my retirement but felt it was better to wear it.
I did add 3 words to the hero bracelet....
"Sailor, Soldier, & Friend""
Guy Duke of Durham, Maine

"I met Matt on the first day of WOC school, he looked like a lost puppy coming over to the Army from another branch of service. There were many nights, we talk and I tried to explain the Army way of life. He was a quick learner and picked up the difference quickly. During flight school our class was "out there" on the fun side, always cracking jokes. He loved to have fun and was proud of little girl. To my friend, I pray that you are still cracking up the people around you in heaven. RIP"
Chris B. of Fort Rucker, AL

"February 25, 2010
Matt- we are thinking of you today, and every day. We love and miss you so much. You will never be forgotten. You made a difference in our world and in every life you touched. It is comforting to know that you are wrapped in God's arms. Love, Mom and Dad"
Shelli and Norb Laskowski of Prescott, Arizona (az12652@peoplepc.com)

"Matt- we are thinking of you today, and every day. We love and miss you so much. You will never be forgotten. You made a difference in our world and in every life you touched. It comforts us to know that you are wrapped in God's arms. Love, Mom and Dad"
Shelli and Norb Laskowski of Prescott, Arizona (az12652@peoplepc.com)

"To those who new Matt, I served with him in Korea (Camp Stanton) I loved him like a brother, he was a great officer and a great father and husband, he always talked about his beautiful wife and kids. He was a bad man who could benchpress a volkswagon. I love you brother, and miss you. You will see your family again."
CW4 Richard H. Finlan Jr. of Ft. Rucker, AL

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH

"I still can't believe you are gone Matt. My kids miss you, and I do too. I'll always remember Jenna letting you comb her hair out that day in San Diego after she had such a bad time. Your soul was always so healing, it still is. God Bless you."
Nobody Important

"February 24th, 2009

I can't believe it's been 5 years since you were taken from us, feels like only yesterday. I think about you every single day of my life! I am sooooo proud of you Matt! I love you so very much brother and I miss you more than any words could ever convey! You are and always will be my hero! You are the American Hero, at it's finest!
Love,
Doug"

"February 2, 2009
To the family of CWO Matthew C. Laskowski:
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

"I served with Matt in Atsugi Japan in the early 90's. He was fine young man, with great motivation to succeed in life. We shared a lot of laughs working long hours on the night shift and cruising at sea. It saddens me to know he made the ultimate sacrifice. I'll always remember him as being such an earnest young man with an infectious laugh; a fine shipmate who you always knew would be there for you, no matter what.

My prayers go out to his family."
Tom Bemenderfer of DuPont, WA

"To Matt's Family,

I went to Maryvale High School with Matt and Aimee. Aimee and I use to hang out together at Borman also. I found out about Matt's passing on a Maryvale Alumni site and I was very moved by the news. It was a pleasure knowing Matt. My deepest sympathy to you. Thanks to all of those who serve our country and give up their lives for us. I a truly honored to have know Matt."
Juli (York) Gilchrist of Phoenix, AZ

"I was a childhood friend and went to school with Matt in Phoenix. I am deeply sorry..."
Glenn Hill of Columbus, Ga.

"My condolences to the Laskowski family. I am no direct relation but share the last name. I am proud of his sacrifice for our country and proud to share a name that is synonymous with honor, courage and supreme sacrifice. May God by with your family."
anthony w laskowski of naperville, il

"To the family of CWO Matthew Laskowski:
I didn't know Matt very well but briefly met him at Maryvale High and through polite exchanges noticed what an honorable, friendly young gentleman he was. On behalf of my husband, son and self, we are sorry for your loss and appreciate Matthew's service and ultimate sacrifice. We pray for all of you that God's grace provides the comfort and peace for your blessed souls. My husband will be playing the tune, Sgt. Mackenzie on his bagpipes in honor of Matthew today, Veterans'Day 2005. They say the pipes are loud so that the fallen heroes can hear them in heaven. God bless you, Jennifer, daughters and family."
Loretta Mackenzie (Yearack) of Eldridge, Iowa

"I am so sorry... I hope that God is with you!!
I pray for your parents and family!
Rest in Peace. I niech ciebie Bog Blogoslawi.Thank you for your dacrifice!!!"
Artur S. Laskowski of Aquebogue, NY, USA

"He was my third cousin on my dad's side. He was on "Merry Cristmas from Iraq" on Fox News. I din't know him well but I will still miss him in any case."
Ryan Laskowski of San Antonio, Texas

"I'm so so sorry for your loss. Many hugs to all of Matthew's loved ones. (emmedean@yahoo.com)"
Emme Laskowski of Colorado/Texas

"Matt and I went to the same high school and even dated for awhile, I wish there were words to describe how much he impacted my life....he will forever be in my heart and soul. Jennifer, although we have never met I hope you and your beautiful daughters hang on to the memories you have of Matthew. He was a very special person and we were all blessed to have him even for a short time.My husband is in the Navy and every day I am thankful for the sacrifices and commitments he endures. You and your girls will always be in my thoughts and prayers."
Autumn Knudson-Schaare of San Diego, CA

"its a year now,, and your loved one is not with you,, hes not forgotten, i am in saudi,, its getting better over here slowly ,, his contribution is never forgotten,, i am an australian here, so as just someone who is thinking of your loss, my heart goes out to the laskowski family"
sandy of riyadh saudi arabia

"I was stationed with CW2 Laskowski in Korea and again at Ft. Carson. He was always asking how I was, and we would talk for a few minutes about family and flying before going our ways. I am glad to have called him friend.
I am deeply saddened by your loss. Matt was a good friend to all and he is still missed."
SGT Dave of Ft. Carson, CO

"I was with Matt in Iraq for 11 months. We went through a lot together. No matter how bad it would get, we could always get by by talking about our wives and our kids and that gave us peace. Matt flew in support of convoys for the most part. He told me how good it felt to fly over the convoy and see the smiles of the troopers he supported. They could smile because having close air support for their convoy meant keeping the enemy at bay. Matt flew troopers on incentive rides when we were at Al Taqaddum to keep their morale up. It was 120 degrees and he flew those guys for hours and hours. By the end of the day, he must have lost 10 pounds! He would do anything to keep you going. A week before his death, We had a long talk about how much he enjoyed going home for his 2 week midtour leave. He was the happiest I had ever seen him. His thoughts were always of his family. A few of us were fortunate enough to be able to attend his funeral. Most of us in Outlaw Troop wear Matt and Stephen Wells's name on our memorial bracelets we had made. I will never take it off. I hope to run into his family again someday. We all miss Matt and Stephen very much. I will email some pictures of Matt very soon. (mark.ladd.merino@us.army.mil)"
Mark Merino of Fort Rucker, AL

"I met Matt in Warrant Officer Candidate School in 1999. He was a good guy. At the end of Flight School we were stick buddies in Kiowa Warrior AQC. The next and last time I saw Matt was at Baghdad when 4/3 ACR roled through on their way out west toward Fallujah in April, 2003. We hung out for a few hours and caught up on each other's family. Matt will be missed and remembered forever."
Joe Hawkins of Fort Polk, LA

"To the entire family of Matt,

Please accept my sincerest regrets for your loss. I was acquainted with Matt many years ago when we worked at KMart. He was well-liked by everyone and had many friends.

May God keep you all and bless your every day as you mourn and miss your son, brother, Husband and father.

Jennifer, I am deeply saddened by your loss. May you and your daughters feel God standing beside you as He takes you by the hand to lead you through the sorrow that you cannot understand. He will stand beside you through the hurting and the healing.

~With deepest Sympathy..."
Diana Cebuhar of Surprise, AZ, USA

"Tosha Wells,
I would like to hear from you. I was good friend of Matts
legacyaz@hotmail.com"
kenny of phoenix

"Warrant Officer Laskowski, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"Jen and girls, I know we only met for a short time but we are forever bonded I pray that you will find peace in the days to come. I know Matt and Stephen are together and they were both doing what they loved. God Bless your family!"
Tosha Wells CW2 Wells's wife of Ft.Carson CO

"Low Flight"

Dedicated to Matthew C. Laskowski


Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth,

And Hovered out of Ground Effect on Semi-Ridgid Blades.

Earthward I've Auto'ed, and met the Rising Brush of Non-Paved Terrain;

And done a thousand things you would never care to.

Skidded and Dropped and Flared Low in the Heat Soaked Roar.

Confined there, I've chased the Earthbound Traffic

And Lost the race due to Insignificant Headwinds.

Forward and up a Little in Ground Effect,

I've Topped the Admirals hedge with drooping turns,

Where never SkyHawk nor even Tomcat Flew.

Shaking and Pulling Collective, I've Lumberd

The Low untresspassed Halls of Victor Airways;

Put out my Hand, and Touched a Tree.

Today Matt you Fly with Angels. Thank you for your Dedication and Sacrifice. "Godspeed Chief..."
Dennis B. Dray Maj (R) ARNG of Tucson, AZ

"I was stationed with Mat in NATTC Pensacola at the AE schoolhouse back when he was an AE2 in the Navy. He had a dream to fly helicopters and transferred to the Army were he was promoted to CWO. Mat touched and influenced many people in his short but triumphant life. Because of Mat I joined and began volunteering with ESAR (Escambia Search and Rescue) and still do to this day. Mat in my eyes, had a successful life; he served his country with honor, raised a family to be proud of, and gave back without hesitation to his community. To Mats’ wife and children my prayers are with you, hopefully one day you may see how many lives your husband and father has motivated, encouraged, and inspired. We miss you Shipmate, thanks for touching our lives.
Fair Winds and Following Seas Matt. I SALUTE you.
Claudia Polston
AEC(AW) RET."
Claudia Polston of Pensacola

"Jen,
I have not talked with you since I visited you at your mothers house. I want you to know that Matt loved you with all of his heart. You probably dont know this but Matt and I used to have long talks about you. I never since have seen a man talk about his wife the way he did about you. I would love to hear from you when you are ready. You have my number."
Kenny Wright of Phoenix,az

"My twin brother Duane and I were childhood friends of Matt and his older brother Doug. We all lived on Acoma Drive in Northwest Phoenix. We lost touch over the years and we often thought about our old friends. I was shocked and saddened by the news of Matt's passing. Some of my favorite childhood memories were of Matt and of all of us laughing and playing our huge games of nighttime hide and seek in the neighborhood. To all of the Laskowski family, both my brother and I are truly sorry for your loss. If anyone would like to contact me, please send an email to dale_c_fletcher@raytheon.com. I would love to hear from any of you.

God Bless you Matt. You served your country well."
Dale Fletcher of Tucson, Arizona

"To the family of Matthew Laskowski. I am so sorry that you have to suffer the loss of a son, husband, father, and friend. May God Bless you during this difficult time. Thank you Matthew for serving all of the United States, so proudly, and with honor. YOU ARE TRULY A HERO. God Bless to all of you."
The Family of SPC Mitchell R. Warriner-Hansen of Hillsboro, Oregon

"To Matthew's Family:
There are no words that can express our deep sorrow for your loss. May God bless you and your family as Matthew watches over you all."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"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. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Thank you Matthew Laskowski, 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 CWO Matthew Laskowski:
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 CWO Matthew Laskowski:
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