Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Matthew,
I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"5/14/2013

Matt was honored last Friday at his grave site in Anderson, IN on the 10 year anniversary of his passing (see the article below) by family, friends, and fellow Marines.

We all honored Matt by gathering together to unveil a bronze portrait of him, exchange memories of him, and read a letter from the Governor.

For those of you on here that knew Matt or served with him can take comfort in knowing that he and his family's sacrifices were not forgotten on this day - not by you, not by us, not by his friends/family and not by his country.

R.I.P brother, we miss you.

Semper Fi


http://heraldbulletin.com/local/x6229325/Ten-years-later

."
Josh F. of Indiana

"Matthew,

Its been 10 years today. I just don't have the words to express how I feel right now. I think about you everyday. I still have the pictures that your dad sent me a long time ago. I lost his phone number but I'm doing the best I can to get in contact with him. For those of you who don't know I was the one that was riding in the vehicle with him at the time. I even tattoo'd A Band of Brother's, I am my Brother's Keeper on my forearm with your name on it. I never knew this would be so hard to write. I remember that mission and that night just like it was yesterday. I remember the last words I ever spoke to you. I just wish you were here right now. At times I wish that the real story and what really happened was mentioned. But that's in the past now. I remember us taking that one last group picture together. I remember how dirty we use to be and we would brag about who had the most recent shower. I pray for your parents all the time. I'm in tears right now. Words can't express the way I feel right now. I just want to say I love you and I wish you were still here.

Antonio Delk"
Antonio Delk of Fayetteville, NC

"Matt,
I remember the last time I saw you. It was team week for me and you just finished the crucible. I looked up and there you were. A familiar face in a sea of strange brothers. That was almost twelve years ago. I still think about you almost every day. I think about the fun we had as kids before life got in the way. You were a so intelligent and I looked up to you even though I was a bit older. I can't even begin to imagine the hole you left in your family's heart. You are and will always be missed."
J of Indiana

"Matthew,

It has almost been eight years and I am still confused and lost by your passing. You promised me in every letter that you would be home in a blink of an eye. I miss you so much. The pain will never go away. I love you, always and forever."
Andrea Dawn Short of Fairmount, IN

"To the family and loved ones of LCpl Smith, know that he kept you in his heart and thoughts while he was deployed. I am sure he missed you all then as you miss him now. I can personally tell you that the raggedy and bent picture you should have received was in his possession inside his helmet the night of the accident, more than likely the entire time he was going in and out of Kuwait with 1st TSG. I didn't get close enough to know what that picture was of, but I am sure it was something that brought him peace knowing he had loved ones back home that cared for him."

"I was there the night Matthew was killed. Tragic accident...Mathew was a good Marine. I carried his Rifle with me the rest of my deployment. I think of him often. Semper Fi Marine."
T Smith CWO USMC of Lenoir, NC

"January 12, 2008
To the family of Lance Cpl. Matthew R. Smith:
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,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Semper Fi Devil Dog!"

"May 30th, 2007

It's been 4 years. Morgan and I have gone on, our lives have continued down paths unknown, and we still think about you everyday. I spoke with your mother the other day, and we talked and cried for hours. Your spirit still lives on. Although you are not with us to make us smile, we still look back on the time we were blessed to have with you, and we will always remember everything you ever taught us. Your life was a tribute to everything you ever stood for. We all miss you, Matt. Happy Birthday..."
Corey Thomas Betz of Indianapolis, Indiana

"To the family of:Matthew R. Smith 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"

"Thank You
by Lily Michaels, 2003

I can't shake every hand.
I can't put flowers on every grave.
I can't console every family member.
But I can say thank you.

You have given me the freedom I enjoy today.
Your blood was shed in place of mine.
Your family grieved so mine could rejoice.
All I can say is thank you.

There are not words big enough.
There is not a hug strong enough.
There is not a smile wide enough.
All I can offer is thank you.

You are my hero.
You are in my thoughts.
You are in my prayers.
For all you've done, thank you.

Matt Smith you are a hero and will not be forgotton."
Judy D of Anderson, IN

"My prayers and condolences to the family of Lcpl Matthew R. Smith. Thank you for your service and sacrifice for your country and May God give you comfort during this time of loss."
Judy of Anderson, IN

"I HAVE TO KNOW IF HIS FATHER WAS PAUL SMITH PLEASE I BEG FOR MORE INFO I AM COING TO ANDERSON AND MUNICE TO PAY ME RESPECTS THANK YOU"
CYNTHIA of GREENFIELD IND.

"RIP Marine"
Petty Officer Cawthon of RTC Great Lakes,IL

"In Loving Memory..Its been a year..

At the rising of the sun and at its going down, We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring, We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer, We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn, We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends, We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
Rest in Peace Dear Soldier! We will NEVER FORGET!!"
The Grogan Family of Lakeland, TN

"It's been almost one year now, and a day has not gone by that I haven't thought of Matt. There's a memorial outside of my front door at the base of our flag pole for him. The sun does not rise without me wondering, what if he'd never met me, maybe he wouldn't have joined the Marine Corps. Maybe he would still be here today. To Matt's family, you are in my prayers every day. I only hope that you can accept my condolences and know that I am truly sorry for your loss. I feel responsible for Matt. I recruited him. His loss will be a burden that I carry the rest of my days. He was truly an outstanding young man and I am better for having known him. Please know that I am sorry, that I pray for your family, and accept my sympathies. Matt will be remembered every day as each flag rises, as each button on the uniform is fastened, each boot tied, and cover squared. Semper Fi."
GySgt John Tiffany of Glen Burnie, Maryland

"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 "

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

"Dear Family of Matthew R. Smith,

My son was also a L/cpl in the Marine corps. He died six weeks after his 19th birthday while home on leave. He was involved in an automobile accident and we had no chance to say good-bye either. He was ready to go to Iraq , although he didnt. After reading of your son's death, I have prayed for your family and thought of you often. Please know that there is someone out here who loves you, what your son did for our freedom, and the ultimate sacrifice your family has made. My son
was L/CPL Matthew Jay Smith. Maybe in another place our Matthew's exchange Semper Fi's as they look out for us still. Take Care"
mattmyl14@aol.com of mobile, alabama

"Matthew R. Smith is not just another soldier who lost his life defending our freedoms that we take for granted every day. He is in the hearts and minds of many of us who spent so many years with him. I have so many memories of Matt from even as far back as elementery school up to being his lab partner in Organic chemistry our senior year! Just know that he will NEVER be forgotten. He lives on in our hearts and our memories and will be forever missed!"
Alison Holmes of Markleville, IN

"To the family and friends of Matthew R. Smith:
I hope you realize that the sacrifice that Matthew made will never be forgotten. The memories that you share with him will remain in your hearts forever. I wish that God's grace be with you. God Bless.
To Matthew R. Smith:
I thank you for the hard sacrifice that you chose to make. You will be eternally in your family and friend's hearts. God Bless."
Alisha Boling of Elkhart, IN

"RIP Brave Marine..."
J and T Taylor of USMC-NC

"Thank you Matthew Smith, 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 Lance Cpl. Matthew Smith:
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

"We are so sorry for your loss. We also lost a son on May 9 in Camp Coyote. I am prayihg that you will find comfort in the Lord. I thank you for the service of your son in the war. Gods Blessing to you and your family and friends"
Debbie and Peter Bruns of Vancouver WA

"We thank you for the sacrafice Matthew made for us. Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Thank you brave soldier!"
Ken and Maritza Holley of Pembroke Pines, Florida

"To the family and friends of Lance Cpl. Matthew Smith:
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