A hero’s farewell

Matthew’s father, Barry, still remembers holding Matthew’s hand a few days before his son passed away. In the weeks leading up to his death, Matthew had returned home to Jacksonville to enter hospice care.

“He reached up with his skeleton hand and said ‘Dad, I love you,’” Barry said, fighting back tears. “It’s so hard to watch your son die and not be able to do anything about it.”

Two days before Matthew died, he was promoted to second lieutenant by A.J. in a private family ceremony, signifying his dedication and hard work even in the waning hours of his life.

“That was an honor,” A.J. said, recalling the promotion ceremony. “He was a living, walking testament. Whenever I get down and sad, I think about what he accomplished and what he did in his life, and it lifts me up.”

On March 10, 30-year-old Matthew died at home while surrounded by family and friends.

During his memorial service at Pelham First Baptist Church, Matthew received the Governor’s Certificate of Merit, the Governor’s Certificate of Commendation and the Distinguished Service Medal from the Alabama Army National Guard.

A funeral procession including dozens of friends, family members, fellow soldiers, police officers and members of the Patriot Guard Riders escorted Matthew to his final resting place at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo on March 13, 2012.